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.
Team Abu Dhabi, featuring Riva Classiche branding and piloted by ten-time Formula 1 Powerboat champion Guido Cappellini, has set a new record in the Pavia-Venice 2025 International Powerboat Raid. The team completed the 400 km inland waterway course in 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 45 seconds, achieving an average speed of 207.26 km/h.The performance breaks the previous 2005 record of 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 45 seconds (203.34 km/h) held by Dino Zantelli. Earlier records include Serafino Riva's 1931 outboard category achievement of 51.660 km/h.The collaboration between Riva and Cappellini dates to 2005 when the champion set an undefeated world water speed record on Lake Iseo near Riva's Sarnico shipyard. The latest record continues this legacy of technical performance in powerboating.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
June 3, 2025
Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) has launched its new flagship, the 47-meter RJ155 explorer yacht, marking the largest vessel to date from the Ancona-based builder. The launch follows the successful delivery of two RJ115 models (Stellamar and Pazienza) and the original RJ130 (now named Nuri).Designed by Francesco Paszkowski with interiors by Achille Salvagni, the RJ155 features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio incorporates twin Caterpillar C32 Acert EPA Tier 3 engines, providing a 5,000+ nautical mile range at 10 knots. The yacht carries 66,400 liters of fuel and utilizes CMC Marine stabilizers.Accommodation spans five suites for 12 guests, including an owner's cabin with private gym. Storage includes a large lazarette for toys and tender capacity. The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extended overhangs and shaded terraces."We're honored a returning client chose to upgrade from an RJ130 to this larger model," said Vasco Buonpensiere, CdM CEO. The RJ series has received industry recognition, with both RJ115 models winning World Superyacht Awards in 2024 and 2025.At 510 tons displacement and under 500 GT, the RJ155 maintains CdM's focus on expedition capabilities while expanding interior volume. The project represents the shipyard's continued specialization in long-range explorer yachts."Nothing speaks louder than a satisfied client who comes back," added Ennio Cecchini, CdM President. The RJ155 is scheduled for delivery following sea trials.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
June 3, 2025
Florence-based Luca Dini Design & Architecture has completed interior design work for Ada Yacht Works' inaugural 50-meter superyacht, launched this week in Bodrum. The Turkish shipyard's flagship project features contemporary Italian styling with smoked oak paneling and polished white finishes."Interior design comes courtesy of Luca Dini Design & Architecture, who bring their signature blend of elegance, comfort, and contemporary Italian flair," stated Ada Yacht Works CEO Onur Tekin. The design incorporates Foglizzo leather details and furnishings from Poltrona Frau and Minotti. "We envisioned a yacht interior that feels timeless, welcoming, and true to its maritime context," said Luca Dini. "This is a space meant to be lived in, where materials not only express beauty but endure with grace."The yacht will begin sea trials shortly, with delivery scheduled for summer 2025. The project represents Ada Yacht Works' entry into the 50-meter-plus market segment.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
June 3, 2025
Mengi Yay Shipyard has successfully launched the Atlante Classic 35, a new explorer yacht designed for luxury expedition cruising. The vessel marks the shipyard’s first foray into the luxury yacht market following its traditional focus on commercial vessels.The 35-meter yacht features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, designed by Mengi Yay’s in-house team. The vessel is equipped with twin Caterpillar C18 engines, providing a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. The yacht has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The Atlante Classic 35 can accommodate up to 12 guests across 6 staterooms, including a master suite, VIP suite, and four guest cabins. The crew accommodation consists of 8 cabins for the crew of 10. The yacht features a spacious main deck saloon, an upper deck sky lounge, and an open flybridge with alfresco dining facilities.The interior design focuses on a contemporary style with natural materials and neutral tones. Key features include a large beach club area with a garage for water toys, a gym, and a spa area. The yacht is also equipped with zero-speed stabilizers for enhanced comfort at anchor.“The Atlante Classic 35 represents a significant milestone for Mengi Yay,” said Mehmet Mengi, CEO of Mengi Yay Shipyard. “We are proud to introduce our first luxury explorer yacht, combining our decades of experience in shipbuilding with modern technology and design.”The vessel is designed for worldwide exploration, featuring a shallow draft of 2.2 meters and a fuel capacity of 45,000 liters. The Atlante Classic 35 also incorporates advanced navigation systems and a state-of-the-art stabilization system.The yacht’s construction began in 2023, and after its launch, it will undergo extensive sea trials and final outfitting before delivery to its owner. The Atlante Classic 35 is expected to be completed in early 2025.Mengi Yay Shipyard, founded in 1972, is one of Turkey’s leading shipbuilders with a focus on commercial vessels. The launch of the Atlante Classic 35 marks the company’s expansion into the luxury yacht market.Credits: Mengi Yay
June 2, 2025
Moonen Yachts has secured the sale of its seventh 37.4-meter Martinique model (YN205) through IYC brokers Matthew Stone and Josh Marshall. The transaction marks the second in-house sale since IYC became Moonen's global sales representative.The American buyer selected the Dutch-built yacht for its customizable layout and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Construction will now extend beyond the original four-week delivery timeline to accommodate owner-requested modifications, including a hot tub installation."This sale demonstrates Moonen's flexibility in meeting client needs," said Matthew Stone, IYC Managing Partner. "The yard stood out among six competitors for its balance of quality, comfort and safety."Designed by René van der Velden with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, the 345GT Martinique features Hollander Yacht Design interiors. The yacht will undergo sea trials in the Netherlands before delivery to the U.S. East Coast later this year.Richard Gray, IYC's Head of Sales UK, noted: "This transaction reflects the effective collaboration between IYC and Moonen Yachts in our global representation partnership."The Martinique series continues to attract buyers seeking semi-custom steel-hulled yachts with Dutch engineering. Current construction progress indicates on-schedule completion of the customized modifications prior to sea trials.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
June 2, 2025