Cantieri di Pisa made a significant impact during its press conference at the Cannes Yachting Festival, showcasing the brand’s achievements and ambitious future under the stewardship of Enrico Gennasio, who took ownership in 2021. The event provided a platform for the company to announce a substantial €6 million investment aimed at enhancing its production facilities, supported by a promising order book nearing €30 million.
Akhir 44
One of the highlights from the boat show was the introduction of the Akhir line, crafted by renowned designer Antonio Luxardo. This new series marries the legacy of a classic yacht with cutting-edge advancements, with the Akhir 44 set to be the first model available to the market.
In the press conference, CEO Marco Massabò, who brings a wealth of experience from the sailing yacht sector, discussed the strides made since Gennasio's acquisition. Under his leadership, the shipyard has rolled out the Polaris and Saturno lines, as well as finalized its first explorer from the CdP Custom Division. The latest addition, the Akhir line, is specifically designed to cater to contemporary owners while honoring the brand’s rich history.
At the press conference
The management team’s vision centers around revitalizing this historic shipyard, which boasts an impressive legacy of over 700 boats built, to restore it to its position as a leader in innovation and a beacon of Italian craftsmanship globally. The recent €6 million investment has resulted in a modernized facility spanning 50,000 square meters, including a dedicated refit area of 24,000 square meters.
To achieve this ambition, the new leadership team has brought on Antonio Luxardo as chief designer. He plays a crucial role in merging the heritage of Cantieri di Pisa with its forward-looking goals, particularly concerning technological advancements and environmental sustainability. The introduction of three distinct ranges—Polaris, Saturno, and Akhir—reflects the intent to develop vessels suited to diverse market demands. Notably, the designs emphasize lightweight structures and incorporate an innovative EHPH Power Fin hull type.
At the press conference
Currently, the shipyard has six construction slots for vessels up to 56 meters in length. At present, two projects are underway: the 80 Veloce, a 24-meter carbon fiber yacht capable of reaching speeds up to 60 knots, set to launch in six months, and a 37.5-meter technological explorer which features a steel hull and composite superstructure, created by the CdP Custom Division, and scheduled for launch in summer 2026.
Buoyed by these advancements, Cantieri di Pisa is projected to wrap up 2024 with an impressive order book worth €27 million encompassing both new builds (valued at €17 million) and refits (at €10 million). The company has seen its sales figures rise significantly, from €3 million in its first year of new ownership in 2021, to €4 million in 2023.
Akhir 44
The Akhir line, a brand evolution of Cantieri di Pisa, retains its hallmark characteristics, combining heritage with modernity. The newly designed vessels maintain recognizable features such as the sleek deckhouse profile, distinctive strip windows, and the iconic "shark-like" motif on the bow, all while sporting a striking black and white color scheme.
The Akhir 44 will feature a vacuum-molded carbon fiber composite hull and superstructure, ensuring it continues the tradition of innovation with its EHPH Power Fin hull design, characteristic of the other models in the new range.
Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.
Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
Denison Yachting has announced its exclusive partnership with ISA Yachts, a brand under Palumbo Superyachts, to represent the new ISA Viper line in North America. This agreement complements Denison’s existing representation of EXTRA Yachts, also part of the Palumbo portfolio.Alex Clarke, broker at Denison Yachting, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership. “This collaboration strengthens our focus on the 24-40-meter sport yacht segment, allowing us to work with leading brands that prioritize innovative designs centered on lifestyle and performance,” he said.The ISA Viper line builds on over 20 years of ISA Yachts’ expertise in producing GRP sports boats, introducing new stylistic elements and optimized interior layouts. Designed by Fulvio De Simoni in his first collaboration with the brand, the Viper line will feature three models of 100 and 130 feet, utilizing composite construction with carbon reinforcements.The flagship 130 Viper, set for delivery in 2026, will feature a shallow draft of 1.5 meters, suitable for areas like the Caribbean. Powered by three MAN or MTU engines, it will reach speeds of up to 33 knots. Key design elements include a multifunctional beach club, expansive panoramic salon, and customizable accommodations for up to 10 guests.Credit: Denison Yachting
January 14, 2025
Balk Shipyard has announced the relaunch of Ursus, a 30.5-meter yacht transformed into a pocket explorer following an 18-month conversion. Originally built as a sub-24-meter vessel by Acico, the yacht underwent significant modifications at Balk’s facility in Urk, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Mulder Design. Delivery is scheduled for February 2025 after upcoming sea trials.The comprehensive rebuild extended Ursus’ length by six meters and increased interior and exterior volume. The modifications included a new bow and stern, a lengthened superstructure, and enhancements to the main saloon, sundeck, and beach club. Additional features include an upper deck extension, al fresco kitchen, and new wing stations.Improvements were also made to crew accommodations, with an added crew cabin and an en suite in the captain's quarters. On the technical side, the yacht was equipped with advanced diesel-electric pods and Veth Azimut drives for optimized performance.“This was one of the most complex rebuilds we've undertaken,” said Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard. “Our team embraced the challenge, and we are excited to fine-tune the yacht during sea trials.”The revamped sundeck now hosts a helm station, barbecue, Teppanyaki grill, and space for Jet Ski storage, complementing the yacht’s updated tender crane.The Balk family started established business in 1798, building wooden vessels on a small slipway in Elburg, Netherlands. Seven generations later, the company – now helmed by Daan Balk – has evolved into a leading yard for refits and rebuilt of superyachts.Credits: Balk Shipyard
January 14, 2025
Heesen Yachts has finalized the sale of YN 21255, known as Project Angelica, marking another milestone for the Dutch shipyard. The deal, completed on December 30, adds to Heesen’s portfolio of 55-meter Steel series yachts and brings a new level of personalization to the renowned line. The client, an experienced superyacht owner, plans to customize the vessel to align with his lifestyle preferences.The collaborative project will involve Heesen’s specialists, the client’s team, and designers from Luca Dini. The yacht’s 760 GT volume and nearly 400 square metres of interior space offer a platform for tailored modifications, including accommodations for up to 12 guests in seven staterooms.Project Angelica’s engineering highlights include a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen, ensuring efficient fuel consumption and stability in diverse sea conditions. Powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 IMO III engines, the yacht will achieve a top speed of 15.5 knots and a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer, praised the project, stating, “This sale underscores the adaptability of our 55-metre series and showcases our commitment to client-specific innovation.” Delivery is scheduled for 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: Heesen Yachts
January 14, 2025
Arcadia Yachts has announced the sale of a new A96 model to a client in the Middle East, marking the shipyard's first sale in the region. The transaction, finalized in collaboration with Arcon Yachts, follows the A96's launch just over a year ago. The yacht, which will be delivered in the spring after its initial Mediterranean season, is part of Arcadia's new generation of vessels designed to offer an on-board experience that connects guests with nature.Francesco Frediani, Chief Commercial Officer of Arcadia Yachts, emphasized the significance of the sale in expanding the company’s reach into new markets. He noted that the sale highlighted Arcadia's ability to customize its yachts to meet specific client needs. The partnership with Arcon Yachts played a key role in the successful negotiation, according to Frediani.Konstantin Kolpakov, CEO of Arcon Yachts, highlighted the growing global demand for sustainable yachting solutions, stating that the sale of the A96 reflects this trend. As the yachting industry increasingly focuses on eco-friendly innovation, the A96’s blend of advanced technology and luxury features continues to attract attention in international markets.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
January 13, 2025
MB92 Group has finalized its acquisition of GYG, a leading painting, service, and supply firm, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the superyacht sector. The deal, completed on December 31, 2024, aligns with MB92’s goals of enhancing service offerings and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving market.GYG, known for its brands Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply, and Technocraft, will continue to operate independently in Europe and the U.S. This arrangement allows MB92 to integrate GYG’s expertise in painting and supply services with its own extensive refit and repair operations, while maintaining operational autonomy.Pepe García-Aubert, chairman of MB92 Group, expressed optimism about the partnership. “Over the past 30 years, our collaboration with GYG has been built on shared values and mutual respect. We look forward to leveraging this relationship to advance sustainability and innovation initiatives for the superyacht community.”Squircle Capital, the private equity firm backing MB92, supported the acquisition. John Nery, Squircle’s head of investments, highlighted the benefits of MB92’s financial backing, which is expected to bolster GYG’s operational capacity and strategic growth.GYG CEO Remy Millott emphasized the potential for expanded services and digital innovation, describing the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company’s future development.For 26 years the MB92 Group comprises the refit and repair shipyards MB92 Barcelona and MB92 La Ciota. Both sites offer unrivalled facilities and employ a workforce of over 300 in-house professionals. In 2019, MB92 was acquired by Squircle Capital, a European alternative investment firm focused on private equity and real estate value-add investments. Credits: MB92 Group
January 13, 2025