Launched by Bravo in July 2013, Below Deck followed the lives of several yacht crew members during a charter season in no less than 53 episodes. For each season, producers chartered a different 50 meter yacht but however didn't always release the real names of these boats, which were altered for the show.
Below Deck: Honor
Reality: Lumiere (ex. Cuor di Leone)
Charter rate: $170,000 per week
The first superyacht rented for the show was Cuor di Leone, or Honor, as it became known in Below Deck. Built in 1999 by Italian shipyard, Benetti as part of their popular 50-meter line designed by Stefano Natucci, Cuor di Leone chartered at just under $200,000 per week when the first season aired in 2013.
Below Deck's first season had however been taped much earlier, during a 6-week charter from September to October 2011 in the Caribbean. Producers even replaced the original crew with a special cast for the season. Following the show's early success with 1.75 million viewers tuning into its final episode, the show was renewed for a second season.
Cuor di Leone was first listed for sale in 2009 asking €14,5 million and then sold later that year following a €2 million price reduction. She then went through a $4 million refit and was listed for sale again in 2011 asking just under $20 million. After a series of price reductions, she was ultimately sold in 2013 asking $15,995m and renamed to Lumiere.
Below Deck: Ohana
Reality: Rhino (ex. Ohana, Roxana)
Charter rate: $140,000 per week
With part of the cast from the first season returning for another run, the second season of Below Deck took place on a 47-meter US-built yacht now known as Rhino. Built in 1998 as Admiral Marine's 9th hull she was formerly known as Roxana. The yacht was however then sold in January 2011 for under $10 million and renamed to Ohana.
Refitted in 2011, the second season of Below Deck was filmed on the newly named Ohana, just a few weeks prior to her subsequent sale at an asking price of $10,9 million in May 2014. Amongst the yacht's key features are a Jacuzzi with a surrounding lounging area, two dining areas aft of the upper deck and a full-beam master cabin.
Following the show, the yacht was extensively refitted with a new modern, light interior but also a rebuild of her main engines. Renamed to Rhino, the yacht is now available for charter from $140,000 per week in the Caribbean.
Below Deck: Eros
Charter rate: $175,000 per week
Delivered to Canadian entrepreneur and founder of the Tim Hortons Cafe chain, Ron Joyce in 2008 by US shipyard, Trinity Yachts, she was first known as Destination Fox Harb'r Too. Amongst the 49-meter yacht's key amenities are a large Jacuzzi located on the sun deck but also her large array of toys with two jetskis and several seabobs.
Sold at an asking price of $17,9 million prior to shooting the third season of Below Deck, the yacht was renamed to Mustang Sally and then again to Eros for the reality show. This time following the adventures of 9 crew members in the Bahamas and worked so well for the Bravo network that they decided to launch a spin-off of Below Deck taking place in the Mediterranean.
Delivered by the Dutch shipyard, Feadship in 1990 the 46.9-meter motor yacht was originally named Charade. She was then however listed for sale in October 2012 asking $13,9 million and sold in August 2014 at the same asking price. Following the sale, she received a new 'Hampton Beach House' - style interior in a refit that cost a combined $6 million.
After the extensive refit, the yacht was renamed to BG in 2015. Featuring a brand-new interior, she was listed for sale again in 2016 and was ultimately last seen on the brokerage market at an asking price of $11,9 million in the end of 2016. Capable of reaching a top speed of 14.5 knots, BG can cruise for 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Started by US shipyard, Christensen, the yacht was later moved to Palmer Johnson's facility for completion and was ultimately finished in 2005. Amongst the yacht's main attractions are an extensive sun deck, a flexible six cabin layout and spacious dining area for 12 guests with marble tilling, a gentle reminder of the Greek origin of her name.
Powered by MTU engines and fitted with zero speed Quantum stabilisers for maximum comfort, Ionian Princess became the scene for the first season of Below Deck Mediterranean, which first aired in 2016 and followed the adventures of another crew in Greece. The spin off was apparently successful enough to commander a second season, which is currently being made. As for Ionian Princess, she is currently on the brokerage market asking $16,750,000.
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025
Apreamare has announced the results of the first eight months of activity for its newly launched division, Apreamare Refit. The unit was established to provide restoration and modernization services for the brand’s traditional Sorrentine Gozzo boats.Located in a 3,000-square-meter facility next to the shipyard in Torre Annunziata, the refit division is dedicated exclusively to Apreamare vessels. The yard offers a range of services including the complete replacement of teak decks and swim platforms, hull repainting, upgrades to onboard systems, and interior renovations.According to the company, several refit projects have already been completed since the division’s launch, with additional contracts in negotiation or scheduled for the near future.Apreamare, which reports having over 2,000 boats in operation globally, aims to extend the service life of its vessels through this initiative while maintaining their original characteristics. Cataldo Aprea, President of Apreamare, stated: “The beauty of every Apreamare refit lies in our ability to preserve the original soul of our boats while addressing the evolving desires of those who live them. It's a work of listening, memory, and expert hands: a return to the most authentic essence of our naval art.”Founded in 1849, Apreamare remains one of Italy’s longstanding yachting brands and continues to focus on the traditional design and craftsmanship associated with the Sorrentine gozzo.Credits: Apreamare
August 6, 2025