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.
Dutch shipyard Vitters has signed a contract to build the 63-meter sailing yacht Project Dreamer, with construction set to begin this year at its Zwartsluis facility. The aluminum-hulled vessel, designed to maximize volume within a 500GT limit, is scheduled for delivery in 2028.Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design will handle the exterior styling, which features a radiused transom and an expansive flybridge spanning the full superstructure width with dedicated lounge and dining areas. The design incorporates a mid-lazarette with fold-down hull door for water toy deployment.Milan-based M2Atelier will develop interior spaces characterized by open layouts, natural materials, and botanical elements. Owner's representative Greg Monks stated the project will "set new standards" for flybridge yachts, emphasizing reduced noise/vibration and sustainable operation.Vitters has not disclosed technical specifications, though the yard confirmed construction will adhere to the client's request for optimized interior volume within the 500GT threshold. Additional details will be released during the build process.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners. Credits: Vitters
April 28, 2025
Videoworks has completed an innovative audio-visual and connectivity installation aboard Custom Line Navetta 38 Telli, the new yacht owned by Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. The system eliminates traditional satellite TV (TVRO) in favor of a fully streaming-based approach, marking a technological milestone for yachts in this size category.The setup includes high-performance Starlink maritime antennas delivering speeds up to 220 Mbps, supported by dual 5G modems as backup. "The owner requested very fast Starlink connectivity offering streaming, internet and multiple pay-per-view services," said Giovanni Varone, Yachting Sales Manager at Videoworks. "This is the first time we’ve installed such advanced systems on a project of this size."Audio features K-array and James loudspeakers for exterior areas, while interior spaces utilize Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Theatre soundbar and Beolab 19 subwoofer. A custom pop-up speaker system was developed for the beach area, integrated with Videoworks’ Slim Audio Matrix for automatic calibration.Beolab 19Control is managed via an HTML5-based web engine, adapting dynamically to tablets, smartphones, and PCs. Hardware is consolidated into two centralized racks and a dedicated decoder distribution unit."This yacht represents the future of onboard connectivity," said Paolo Tagliapietra, Connectivity Solutions Manager at Videoworks. "The complete reliance on streaming is a game-changer for the industry."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
April 28, 2025
The 27.5-meter motor yacht Slow Poke (ex-Coy Koi) has emerged from a comprehensive $8 million refit at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center, completed in 2024. Originally built in 2000 as part of Kuipers' Doggersbank series, the Vripack-designed explorer underwent a 2.5-year transformation to suit its American owner's preferences for vintage-inspired functionality.Key modifications include a 2.5-meter hull extension with a CFD-optimized bulbous bow, improving speed by 2 knots and reducing fuel consumption by 10%. The redesign also incorporated a hydraulic swim platform and elevated stern. "Slow Poke now has a platform that allows us to engage with the water easily and freely while we explore," the owner stated.The yacht retains its original steel hull and aluminum superstructure, with mechanical systems including rebuilt engines and generators from a 2018 refit. New exterior features include black hull paint with a British racing green stripe and custom awning artwork by Paul Kremer. Interior updates by New York's Redd Kaihoi introduce high-gloss retro styling while preserving Vripack's original layout.Accommodation remains for six guests across three ensuite cabins, including a master suite color-matched to the owner's 1952 Porsche 356A. The vessel maintains its signature split-level flybridge and expanded aft deck spaces."For me, Slow Poke is the perfect three night boat," the owner commented. "It provides the type of tranquillity that you can't get with a bigger boat." Since delivery, the yacht has cruised the West Coast from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
April 28, 2025
Denison Yachting has revealed the first superyacht project from Turkey's Magnolia Yachts – the 41-meter Magnolia 41m, scheduled for delivery in 2026. The vessel represents the inaugural collaboration between naval architect Gregory C. Marshall and fourth-generation shipbuilder Gökhan Yardimci, combining the Yardimci family's 50 years of maritime expertise with contemporary superyacht design.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the explorer yacht meets ocean-going specifications with emphasis on fuel efficiency and sustainable operations. Performance figures include a top speed of 15 knots, cruising speed of 13 knots, and a transatlantic range of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The 485 GT vessel features five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite with walk-in wardrobe and spa bathroom. Common areas include a skylounge with alfresco dining, sundeck hot tub, and a main salon with panoramic windows. Interior design employs a neutral color palette throughout guest spaces.Peter Quintal, Yacht Broker at Denison Yachting, stated: "Combining the expertise of Greg C. Marshall and Gökhan Yardimci, we are so excited to give potential owners and yachting enthusiasts the chance to step onboard this stunning superyacht next year. Magnolia 41m blends innovation, craftsmanship and a rich family legacy to create a truly exceptional boat."The Magnolia 41m will be showcased to potential buyers during the 2025 build period ahead of its scheduled 2026 completion.With a rich family history dating back to 1948, Denison Yachting is a leader in the industry, providing comprehensive yachting services worldwide. With over 20 waterfront offices and a team of 90+ licensed brokers, Denison offers superyacht sales, yacht charter, crew placement, and new construction services. Their extensive experience and passion for yachting ensure a long-term perspective and commitment to excellence.Credits: Denison Yachting
April 28, 2025
Henk de Vries III will retire as Director of Feadship and CEO of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw on 1 May 2025, concluding nearly four decades of leadership in the superyacht industry. He will transition to an Ambassador role for Feadship while maintaining involvement as a non-executive board member and shareholder of the family-owned shipbuilder.Henk de Vries De Vries joined the company in 1987 and became a director/shareholder in 1996 alongside his cousin Tom de Vries. Under their leadership, De Vries expanded to seven operating companies with over 1,200 employees. The group remains fully family-owned and holds a 50% stake in Feadship.A proponent of sustainability, de Vries co-founded the Water Revolution Foundation in 2018 and continues as its Board Chairman. The organization focuses on reducing yachting’s ecological impact through science-based initiatives.Leadership transitions to Roderick de Vries as CEO and Operational Director, with Bas Nederpelt assuming the role of Chief Commercial Officer and Feadship Director. The new executive team brings over 80 years of combined experience at De Vries.Henk and Tom de VriesHenk de Vries stated: “The four members of our new executive board bring with them over eighty years of De Vries experience. Their deep understanding of the company ensures it is in very capable hands.”Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
April 25, 2025