Marking the last step for the so called giga season begun by Italian builder Benetti earlier in 2019, the yard has announced the successful delivery of the 108-metre flagship giga yacht FB275.
Numerous media sources including Robb Report were quick to name Australian billionaire, casino mogul James Packer the yacht’s owner. The same sources report that the vessel has been christened IJE, after the initials of Packer's 3 children.
Launched in February 2019, the 108-metre vessel departed Benetti’s yard in Livorno on July 26. She boasts exterior design and décor by the British RWD studio, while her interiors come from the drawing boards of Benetti’s in-house design team.
With the yacht’s more than 1,000 square metres entirely devoted to outdoor living spaces, the list of amenities on-board comprises an observation deck a large heated swimming pool, on-board cinema and 1.5-metre fire pit.
Two tenders of 14 metres can be stowed on the foredeck, with space for another 10 metre tender in the yacht's lower deck located garage, alongside up to eight Jet Skis.
Adrian Chisnell, Team Principal at RWD, stresses:
The exterior design of FB275 epitomises all that RWD strive for in our designs – elegance, beauty, attention to detail and absolute quality in every surface and sweeping curve. Many years in development, the exterior lines were created to portray a purposeful and powerful stature yet with a timeless flowing silhouette.
FB275 accommodates up to 22 guests on board, tended to by a yacht crew of 29. The Owner’s Deck features its own private al fresco dining and relaxation areas, while on the Main Deck a vast dining table provides the perfect setting for an evening of al fresco fine dining.
With a steel hull, aluminium superstructure and a naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio, she features 14.5-metre beam, a draft of 4.4 metres and a gross tonnage of 3,367 tonnes.
Paolo Vitelli, President of Azimut|Benetti Group, highlighted:
FB275: a great success for Benetti, for Livorno, for Italy. Today we completed this delivery 40 days before the due time. We have made the owner, his captain and his team extremely happy and proud of such a real masterpiece.
With FB275 now delivered to her owners, the handover of the 107-metre FB277 will follow shortly, and then the delivery of FB272 will take place in the second half of the year.
Building three 100+ metre superyachts simultaneously at its Italian facilities, Benetti shook the yaching world in spring 2019, launching the three mammoths within 100 days.
The builder is one of the few shipyards in the world with the capabilities to build yachts exceeding 100-metres in length. This is part of a long-term plan for Benetti, as for the first time, an Italian private yard will be a serious competitor in the international 100+ metre luxury yacht market.
As to the assumed owner of the yacht, James Packer sits as Australia's 9th richest man according to Forbes with the net worth of $3 billion. Son of media mogul, Kerry Packer, he became the largest share holder of Crown Resorts, one of Australia's largest casino groups. In 2018, Packer stepped down from its board.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the yacht will replace Packer's current 55-meter Amels, EJI. The latter, delivered in 2018, was sold in September 2018 asking €42 million in brand new condition.
Stuff previously reported James Packer to also be the owner of 87-metre explorer yacht Arctic P, a refitted ice-type vessel. Media have previously linked the Australian billionaire to the 50-meter Mangusta, Z as well as the 46-meter Leopard, Z Sydney. Previously, Packer also owned 52-meter Amels, Seahorse built in 1999.
Northrop & Johnson has facilitated the sale of the 54-meter Benetti motor yacht Starfire, represented by broker Carl Sputh. Built in 1997, the steel-and-aluminum vessel has undergone two major refits (2019 and 2023) that included mechanical updates and interior renovations.The yacht accommodates 14 guests across six staterooms with crew quarters for 14 personnel. Recent upgrades comprised a 12,000-hour engine service, new stabilization systems, updated technology infrastructure, and refreshed interior finishes. Starfire maintains Lloyd's classification certification following its most recent special survey.Performance specifications include a 12-knot cruising speed and 15-knot maximum speed with fuel consumption of 64 gallons per hour. The vessel's design emphasizes crew functionality with dedicated workspaces and separate lounge/dining areas.The Starfire transaction represents continued activity in the secondary market for well-maintained superyachts with recent refit histories. Northrop & Johnson's involvement underscores the brokerage's presence in the 50-60 meter segment. Both yachts demonstrate the enduring value of robust engineering and periodic upgrades in maintaining vessel competitiveness across decades of service.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 13, 2025
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has reported decreased financial performance for the first half of 2025, citing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Revenue declined 1.4% year-on-year to €186.8 million, while net profit fell 58% to €12.2 million, partly due to the absence of a capital gain from the 2024 Viareggio shipyard sale.CEO Giovanni Costantino attributed the results to "ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions," specifically noting U.S. protectionist policies as contributing factors. The company maintains an order backlog of €1.19 billion as of June 30, 2025, slightly down from €1.24 billion at year-end 2024.Key financial metrics include:EBITDA of €30.4 million (16.3% margin), down 6.3%EBIT of €25.6 million (13.7% margin), down 4.5%Net debt position of €63.2 millionThe group delivered four yachts during the period - three Admiral models (55m, 66m, 78m) and one 60m Perini Navi. Shipbuilding revenues increased 3% to €172.6 million, while refit revenues declined 52% to €10.9 million as the company prioritized new construction.TISG has revised full-year 2025 guidance, now projecting revenue between €350-370 million (down from €410-430 million) and EBITDA margin of 16.5-17.0% (previously 17.5-18.0%). The company secured €115 million in new long-term financing during the period to support operations.Upcoming projects include the debut of several flagship models at Monaco Yacht Show 2025, including the 72m Admiral Giorgio Armani and 60m Perini Navi sailing yacht. The group continues developing strategic partnerships with Armani and Lamborghini to strengthen its ultra-luxury positioning."Despite current challenges, we remain confident in our ability to finalize ongoing negotiations by year-end," stated Costantino. "Our design excellence and customized approach continue to differentiate our brands in the global market."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
August 13, 2025
The 40.6-meter explorer yacht ZeXplorer has been sold and renamed Arya in a transaction facilitated by Fraser Yachts. Marco Fodale of Fraser Monaco introduced the buyer, while Antoine X. Larricq from Fraser Monaco and George Bourgoignie from Fraser USA represented the seller in the deal.Originally built in 2013 by Newcastle Shipyards in Florida, the steel/aluminum expedition vessel underwent extensive refits between 2020-2023 that included a hull extension and complete mechanical system overhaul. The ice-classified yacht features exterior design by Sparkman & Stephens and interior styling by Oversee Yachts, with naval architecture developed through collaboration between Sparkman & Stephens and Boksa Marine Design.The 430 GT vessel accommodates 12 guests across six staterooms, including a full-beam master suite on the lower deck and a VIP stateroom on the bridge deck. Interior designer Christina Norris completed a comprehensive redecorating project in 2022, incorporating rich mahogany wood panels, white headliners, and light wool carpets over black oak floors. Large stormproof windows throughout provide abundant natural light in the main salon, dining area, and lower deck spaces.Recent technical upgrades included installation of new propulsion systems and modernized operational equipment, along with updated entertainment systems throughout the yacht. The refit also added Quantum zero speed stabilizers to ensure comfortable cruising in various sea conditions.Power comes from twin Caterpillar C32 engines that deliver a cruising speed of 10.5 knots and maximum speed of 13.5 knots. The yacht's robust construction includes an ice-strengthened steel hull designed for worldwide operation in all latitudes.Outdoor amenities feature multiple deck areas including an aft deck lounge, sun deck with hot tub and bar, and an expansive tender storage area capable of accommodating two 8-meter tenders plus additional water toys. The bridge deck includes a skylounge and dedicated fitness area.The vessel was listed at $10 million at the time of sale.Credits: Fraser
August 13, 2025
Lürssen has launched the 114-meter megayacht Cosmos, a hybrid vessel equipped with two 500 kW methanol fuel cells that enable emissions-free cruising for extended periods. The yacht, introduced as part of the company’s 150th anniversary, can travel up to 1,000 nautical miles on electricity alone and remain at anchor with zero emissions for up to 15 days.Commissioned by an undisclosed owner, Cosmos features an all-steel hull reinforced to Ice Class 1D, allowing navigation in polar waters as well as across all major oceans. Alongside its methanol-based hydrogen power system, the yacht is fitted with diesel generators, engines, and tanks to allow conventional propulsion for higher speeds.Designed inside and out by Marc Newson, the vessel has a beam of 18 metres (59 feet), a gross tonnage of 6,300, and spans six decks. The design incorporates extensive use of glass, including a custom-engineered glass-domed owner’s study offering 360-degree views, a surrounding sky terrace, and an observation lounge located beneath the helipad.Outdoor amenities include a main deck with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, seating areas, and an aft dry dock for tender operations. The combination of ice-class construction, hybrid propulsion, and large-scale glazing represents Lürssen’s latest application of advanced engineering to meet evolving environmental and design goals.Credits: Lürssen
August 12, 2025
The NOA 46, a 46-meter motor yacht built by The Yacht Factory in Yalova, Turkey, will be presented for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 9 to 14 September. Ocean Independence has been appointed as Central Agent for the vessel.Designed by Hot Lab Yacht Design, the yacht is intended for long-range cruising and features a steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and compliance with RINA and MCA classifications. Accommodation is arranged for ten guests in five staterooms. The main salon connects directly to an al fresco lounge area with a large jacuzzi, while the sundeck includes a DJ booth, bar, and gym area.The interior uses predominantly brown and beige tones, with large windows providing natural light throughout. Power comes from twin MAN 1,450HP engines meeting IMO Tier III standards, giving a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, a cruising speed of 13 knots, and a top speed of 15.7 knots. ABT TRAC fin stabilisers are fitted for stability underway and at anchor, and the yacht is equipped with Simrad navigation systems.The Yacht Factory operates on a 200,000-square-meter site with facilities including a floating dock for large yachts and a travel lift with an 800-ton capacity.Credits: Ocean Independence
August 12, 2025