Cantiere Delle Marche has announced that on today’s date the acquisition of 100% of the capital of the company has been completed through a management buy out supported at 75% by Austrian FIL Bros Family Office while the 25% goes to the company’s co-founders Ennio Cecchini and Vasco Buonpensiere. At the same time, Ennio Cecchini, former CEO of CDM becomes the new President and Vasco Buonpensiere, current Sales & Marketing Director, is appointed CEO.
“I have an immense passion for yachting and I found out that CDM’s management and staff share this passion of mine combined with the commitment to build something special, something that has no equal in the yachting industry. Together with Vasco and Ennio, since both of them play a key role in the shareholding structure, and all employees that will be further involved and motivated in the company growth, we will consolidate CDM position in the international arena as one of the best yacht builders in the world – consistently with what has been done in the last 12 years. Our goal is to deliver 3 or 4 explorer yachts per year to Owners who wish to sail the seven seas and reach in safety and utmost comfort even the highest latitudes, yacht that will distinguish themselves for their extraordinary quality,” says Tom Schröder, owners of FIL Bros Family Office.
The company’s will be managed with a long-term vision in mind and with the desire to develop it through grounded and pragmatic actions while keeping all those precious characteristics that made CDM become an internationally reputed player. Twelve years after its foundation, CDM is the 12th shipyard in the Global Order Book 2022 by length of yachts under construction.
“What we have in mind are ambitious and visionary goals yet we know that we will get them as is in the spirit and history of CDM. Considering that our production is totally sold up to 2026 and that the Value of Production will double within 3 years compared to 2021, we will further focus on our brand positioning, a brand that already got international recognition. CDM is maybe the only Italian brand which plays on equal terms with the best Northern European shipyards, as witnessed by many Owners who chose CDM after owning yachts built by Dutch and German shipyards,” says Vasco Buonpensiere, new CEO.
CDM, founded in 2010 while the crisis hit hard the industry, thanks to the vision of its founders Cecchini e Buonpensiere and their profound knowledge of ship and yacht building, became the undisputed world leader in the explorer yachts segment (with just shy of 60% of the explorer yachts market), becoming an international reference for the ingrained quality of its yachts, their design and technical aspects.
“Over the years, while staying true to CDM’s founding mission, we have been able to move forward, developing new ideas and designs always thinking out of the box, never following trends but creating new ones,” says the newly appointed President Ennio Cecchini. “Our goal was to design and build the best possible explorer yachts for a growing number of experienced yacht owners, true explores themselves. When we decided to specialize CDM production, Vasco and I had a clear vision of what would happen in the yachting industry and time has proved us right: that of explorer yachts is nowadays recognized as a trend.”
For now CdM’s Order Book has 13 explorer yachts (with a total length of 504 meters and a Gross Tonnage of around 5000 GT).
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
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).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 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025