Azimut Benetti Maintains Global Yachting Dominance

Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for the first 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht, marking the final phase before its scheduled summer delivery. The vessel represents the latest addition to the Amels series, featuring hybrid propulsion technology designed to reduce emissions and enable quieter operation.Project manager Romke van der Linde stated: "The sea trials offer a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the innovation, design, and power that this yacht delivers." The trials will evaluate the yacht's performance, including its hybrid system's efficiency and operational capabilities.The Amels 80 incorporates design elements focused on sustainability alongside traditional Dutch shipbuilding techniques. The yacht's technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed, though Damen Yachting confirms the vessel maintains the Limited Editions' standard configuration options.Construction of the Amels 80 began at Damen's Vlissingen facility, with the hull and superstructure completed before the start of outfitting. The sea trials will be conducted in the North Sea, with final delivery to the owner expected following successful completion of all tests.Damen Yachting currently has multiple Amels Limited Editions models in various stages of construction at its Dutch shipyards. The 80-meter platform joins the existing 60-meter and 78-meter offerings in the series.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting

The European Boating Industry (EBI) federation has elected Fabio Planamente, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, as Special Representative for the Large Yacht Sector during its General Assembly in Hamburg. Planamente will serve a two-year term on the EBI board alongside newly elected President Robert Marx (VMWD/Germany) and other European industry leaders."I am honored to have received this assignment," said Planamente. "This role recognizes the work carried out by our President Piero Formenti during his terms leading EBI, and confirms Italy's strategic position in the global yacht sector." The Italian delegation will focus on US/EU tariffs and new propulsion technologies during the upcoming term.Fabio PlanamenteThe Assembly saw EBI formalize new partnerships with the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association and Foundation for Environmental Education, while establishing a permanent Life Cycle Assessment working group. Membership expanded to include ACAP-APICAN (Portugal), Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance (France), and the returning Slovenian Marine Industry Association, bringing total representation to 32 members across 21 European countries - the highest since EBI's 2009 founding."This appointment confirms Italy's leadership in the large yacht industry," stated Piero Formenti, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association. The federation reviewed progress on its Blue Boat Horizon initiative and prepared for upcoming EU regulatory discussions affecting marine industries, including sustainability standards and marina certifications.EBI, where the Italian Marine Industry Association holds founding member status, serves as the principal European recreational marine industry representative. The expanded board now includes delegates from all major European boating markets to address sector-wide challenges.Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association; Unsplash

Milan-based naval architecture firm Nauta Design has unveiled Project Velor, a 75-meter superyacht concept featuring unconventional layout solutions and diesel-electric propulsion. The 1,700GT design challenges traditional superyacht architecture through several innovative features.The concept utilizes a four-generator hybrid system (two 1,000kW and two 500kW units) to power its propulsion. A key technical innovation involves relocating the engine room to the under-lower deck, a solution developed in collaboration with naval engineer Francesco Rogantin of Studio Names. This configuration creates additional usable space throughout the vessel's four decks while maintaining conventional five-deck volume."One of the defining qualities of Project Velor is its flexibility," stated Guido Valtorta, Director at Nauta Design. "Every element suits the many ways owners use their yachts – whether for family time, entertaining, or quiet escape."The design incorporates a transformable beach club area with retractable glass walls that can convert between enclosed spa and open waterfront lounge configurations. The sun deck features a multi-purpose pool area adaptable for various uses, while the foredeck lounge offers convertible private/social spaces. A slatted brise-soleil shading system creates dynamic light patterns across exterior decks.Martino Majno, Nauta Design Director, explained: "This flexible outdoor space is made possible by confining the single tier engine room to the under-lower deck." The arrangement results in continuous interior-exterior circulation via architectural staircases and minimized level divisions.Project Velor's aesthetic combines curved and angular forms with extensive teak surfaces and horizontal lines. The design maximizes glazing for visual connection to the sea while maintaining structural integrity. Though specific accommodation details remain undisclosed, renderings suggest capacity for 12+ guests across multiple cabin configurations.The concept targets owners prioritizing spatial efficiency and innovative layouts over maximum length. Nauta estimates the design could be built within 36 months at select Northern European shipyards specializing in advanced composite construction. No construction contract has been announced for the concept, which currently exists as a design study.Technical highlights include optimized deck heights, strategic staircase placement, and elimination of unnecessary barriers between spaces. The design emphasizes multifunctional areas serving specific purposes – from social interaction to wellness and relaxation zones – without redundant spaces.Nauta's presentation materials describe Project Velor as embodying Mediterranean design principles through its blend of indoor/outdoor living spaces and connection to marine environments. The studio has been developing the single-tier engine room solution for approximately eight years, with this project representing its most comprehensive application to date.Credits: Nauta Design

Italian yacht builder Extra Yachts has launched a new corporate identity, marking an evolution in its brand presentation. The updated visual style reflects the company's design approach focused on spacious layouts and customizable features.The rebrand emphasizes Extra's yacht design philosophy, which combines contemporary aesthetics with functional living spaces. Current production models - including the Extra 76, 86, 92 and 100 - feature signature elements such as expansive glazing and seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.Standard configurations across the range include open-plan main decks with integrated kitchens, flexible outdoor entertainment areas, and smart home technology systems. The shipyard offers three predefined interior styling packages while allowing material customization to meet owner preferences."Extra represents a specific approach to yacht design," a company representative stated. "Our models prioritize usable space and personalization while maintaining structural integrity."Construction of multiple yachts continues at Extra's Massa, Italy facility. Current production timelines average 18-24 months from contract signing, varying by model and customization level. The rebranding coincides with ongoing deliveries from the shipyard's order book.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

Sacs and Kiton have unveiled their collaborative project, the Strider 13 KNT x Sacs, at the summer edition of Pitti Uomo 2025. The partnership combines SACS’ nautical expertise with Kiton’s sartorial craftsmanship through the KNT - Kiton New Textures project.The result is a unique version of the Strider 13, Sacs’ iconic and most successful model. The vessel measures 13.50 meters in length and is powered by three 400-hp Mercury Verado V10 engines. The design, created by renowned international yacht designer Christian Grande, features elegant and bold aesthetics that reflect the shared values of both brands.Nicola Antonelli, Sacs Tecnorib CMO, commented: “This collaboration stems from a natural convergence between two Italian examples of excellence. On the one hand, the innovative approach of Sacs, which has always reinterpreted boating with vision and courage. On the other, the ability of Kiton – through KNT – to combine the casual and sporty attitude of Strider 13 with an elegance provided by colours, details and fabrics, which further embellish the design.”The onboard design incorporates Kiton’s visual codes, featuring solid teak with cream insets lining the deck, KNT-designed tubes, and cushions with sophisticated color contrasts. Distinctive Etna red varnished details complement the interiors in bleached oak, Nubuk upholstery, and Kiton furniture and fittings.The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an integrated joystick system, dual Raymarine screens with augmented reality, and a sophisticated lighting package. This combination aims to provide an exclusive and immersive sailing experience.Antonio De Matteis, Kiton Managing Director, stated: “At a time when excellence can no longer be confined to the product alone, we felt the need to expand our presence, going beyond the boundaries of the wardrobe. This is not a branding exercise, but a choice fully consistent with the brand identity. We follow our customers along the natural rhythm of their summer journey, from sea to land, accompanying them to the places they live in and in the time they decide to dedicate to themselves.”Christian Grande added: “It was a challenging exercise to combine Strider’s expression of power at sea with Kiton’s more classic style. I wanted to condense all the stylistic contents of the KNT marine collection in a unique edition of the Strider 13 KNT x Sacs, from the alternating sand colours that spill over onto the pure white of this refined maxi-Rib to the material details of the collection itself.”Sacs Tecnorib, formed in 2021 through the integration of Sacs and Tecnorib, has a history dating back to 1989 when Sacs introduced high-end Maxi-Ribs with the Strider range. Tecnorib, founded in 2005 under a licensing agreement with Pirelli, expanded significantly in 2019 with the introduction of the Pirelli Speedboats range.Credits: Sacs, Kiton