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.
Royal Huisman has unveiled a 50-meter concept yacht named AERA. The design incorporates a wing sail system and fuel cell technology aimed at reducing emissions. The concept follows the shipyard's 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental initiative focused on ecological preservation.The yacht's wing sail, developed by Artemis Technologies and Rondal, measures 245 square meters and is capable of rotating 360 degrees. The unstayed wing sail system does not require traditional sails, sheets, blocks, or winches. Two electric motors inside the yacht rotate the mast, while hydraulic cylinders control adjustable flaps along its trailing edge.AERA is designed to operate under 500 gross tonnage. The concept results from a collaboration between Royal Huisman, Rondal, designer Cor D. Rover, and Artemis Technologies. The design allows the vessel to function under both sail and power.Royal Huisman previously delivered the world's first hybrid superyacht, Ethereal, in 2009. The shipyard states that AERA represents a continuation of its focus on integrating new technologies to address sustainability in yacht building.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Royal Huisman
September 17, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has completed the acquisition of the business division of Otam. The transaction, finalized in agreement with both companies' founding families, includes the Otam brand and its historic shipyard in Genoa. The dockyard facilities in Santa Margherita Ligure remain under the current ownership.The acquired Genoa facility comprises approximately 4,800 square meters of covered areas, 3,300 square meters of open-air spaces, and a water basin of nearly 10,000 square meters. Tankoa Yachts plans to implement a restructuring program that will include extending concessions, reorganizing the areas, and constructing new production sheds.The operation includes the integration of Otam's workforce into Tankoa Yachts. All employees are being transferred to ensure job continuity and to add new skills and experience to the shipyard.The Otam brand, with its existing heritage and international reputation, becomes part of Tankoa's portfolio. Tankoa Yachts stated it will preserve the brand's legacy while defining a strategy aligned with its long-term vision.This acquisition represents a continuation of the expansion project Tankoa Yachts presented at the beginning of 2025 and strengthens the company's presence in the Genoa region.Credits: Tankoa Yacht
September 17, 2025
Sanlorenzo will present a fleet of eight yachts at the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, scheduled from September 18 to 23, 2025. The exhibition will be headlined by the Italian public debut of the new SL110A model.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A represents the latest evolution of the shipyard's asymmetrical line. Its exterior design was developed by Zuccon International Project, with interior spaces curated by Piero Lissoni. The yacht achieves a top speed of 27 knots. Notable features include an owner's suite spanning the vessel's full beam with direct access to a forward pool area.SL86AThe display will include several other models from Sanlorenzo's product lines. The Smart Performance series will be represented by the SP92 sports yacht. The asymmetrical line will feature both the SL86A and SL90A models. The semi-displacement range will include the SD90 and SD96, designed for flexible interior layouts. The SX100 and SX88 crossovers, blending flybridge motor yacht features with explorer yacht characteristics, will complete the presentation.SD90This extensive showcase marks Sanlorenzo's participation in one of Italy's principal nautical events. The shipyard's presence at the Genoa show underscores its continued focus on the domestic market and its diversified product portfolio. Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Guillaume Plisson; all provided by Sanlorenzo
September 17, 2025
Zeelander Yachts will present its new flagship model, the 24-meter Zeelander 8, for the first time at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. The yacht will be located at berth C27 Quai Chicane during the event, which takes place from September 24 to 27.The yacht features a layout with social areas on the main deck, including lounging and dining spaces, along with a galley. The lower deck contains three guest cabins. The master stateroom is positioned amidships and includes windows and a headroom exceeding 2.1 meters. The first hull includes customized modifications, such as relocating the galley to the starboard side of the salon and integrating the bar area with the cockpit.The yacht is equipped with a large targa sunroof and retractable aft doors. Sound levels are reported to measure below 65 dBA at its full speed of 32 knots. The yacht can reach speeds of up to 40 knots with optional larger engines.Each hull is built to owner specifications, with customization handled by the shipyard's engineering team. The exterior design maintains the stylistic features consistent with other yachts in the Zeelander range.Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.Credit: Tom van Oossanen/Zeelander Yachts
September 16, 2025
Pearl Yachts has established a new French dealership, Pearl France, with an office in Antibes. The facility is located at Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, in the Port Vauban area. The office is operated by Cenk Efe, Founder and Director of the Mallorca Marine Group 1994, and will serve as the brand's exclusive representative in France.Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “France has always been one of the most important markets for Pearl Yachts. With the opening of Pearl France, we are strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean’s most vibrant yachting hub. Cenk’s expertise and reputation are second to none, and we are confident that this new chapter will bring our boutique philosophy and unique approach even closer to every client and brand enthusiast based in France.”Iain Smallridge and Cenk Efe Cenk Efe, Director of Pearl France, added: “We are honoured to be launching Pearl France in Antibes. French clients value elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and discretion; qualities that Pearl embodies in every detail. The response so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to growing the brand’s legacy along the Côte d’Azur and beyond.”This opening follows the establishment of Pearl Germany and Pearl Gulf earlier this year.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 16, 2025