One of several anomalies that were present in the yachting market shortly before the 2008 crisis, yacht flipping had rapidly gained momentum before disappearing within weeks. Now, the trend is starting to reappear on a larger class of vessels.
Demand was so strong back in 2006-2007, that an already built superyacht was selling at a premium over a newbuild as clients had to wait to get the newer yacht. Exploiting the arbitrage opportunity, a portion of UHNWIs started ordering yachts and selling them before or shortly after they hit the water to a cohort of impatient buyers.
Some realised this method could yield even greater results if ordering multiple yachts at the same time from a shipyard to gain volume discounts. Perhaps the most noticeable of these projects was one led by real estate developer Warren E Halle.
In 2003, the American entrepreneur ordered a 67-meter Lurssen codenamed Project Marlin, now named Apoise, which he sold in 2006 for €65 million to Canadian entrepreneur David Ritchie. The year prior, he had ordered another 2 yachts of similar size, Project Shark and Project Nemo, both for €48 million a piece. In 2008, he sold Project Nemo for €71.500.000, with her new owner renaming her to St Nicholas.
The 3rd yacht, Project Shark, became known as Martha Ann, which Warren Halle kept for his personal use. Stretching over 70-meters the yacht had a standard 6-cabin layout and an exterior by Espen Oeino. Halle ultimately sold the yacht in early 2019 at an asking price of $79 million, with her owner renaming the yacht to Horizons III.
Shortly after the completion of Halle's 3 Lurssens, yacht flipping was widely considered to be extinct with demand for brokerage yachts falling well below its past levels and failing to recover to pre-crisis levels to this day. Amongst megayachts, the trend is, however, starting to reappear within the past quarters.
Graeme Hart, New Zealand's richest man, placed an order for the 107-meter Ulysses in 2013, at Kleven, a commercial shipyard, with designers at the time saying it was picked thanks to its quality standards, delivery times and price point. Later in November 2014, Hart placed an order for a larger, 116-meter version of Ulysses.
Amongst Ulysses's key features are a 21m tender, lifted by specially designed cranes onto the foredeck, an 11m x 5m swimming pool, a large jacuzzi, a sauna, a gym and a massage room. Listed for sale shortly following her delivery in 2016, the yacht was ultimately sold in 2017 at an asking price of €155 million. The 116-meter Ulysses was sold in 2019 at an undisclosed price.
Whilst Halle's and Hart's projects differ in size, it could be argued that the 70-meters a decade ago rivalled in standing today's 100-meter yachts. The entry barrier to the world's largest 100 yacht list has indeed been increased from 65 to 85 meters. This could make yacht flipping one of several signs in yachting that a recession could be coming.
Italian shipyard Baglietto has delivered the 43.7-meter motor yacht Speedy Bear, a custom Fast44 model designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design with interior collaboration from Margherita Casprini. The aluminum-hulled vessel follows the design lineage of Baglietto's fast yachts, including the 46M Lucky Me. Speedy Bear accommodates 10 guests across five cabins: a main-deck master suite forward of the saloon, two VIP doubles, and two convertible singles with additional berths. Stern fold-down balconies create expanded sunbathing space around the pool, while the garage door converts to a swim platform extending the beach club area.Powered by twin MTU engines, the yacht reaches a cruising speed of 23 knots and maximum speed of 27 knots. Baglietto's CCO Fabio Ermetto stated: "This is indeed a custom project that exudes classical beauty while also featuring innovative solutions. Speedy Bear reminds me of several historical and yet revolutionary vessels built by Baglietto – which marked the history of yachting – while also being a brand-new, one-of-a-kind project, faithful to Baglietto's DNA."Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
April 21, 2025
The 53-meter sailing yacht Drumbeat is now available for charter in the West Mediterranean for summer 2025 through Camper & Nicholsons, with weekly rates starting at EUR210,000. Built by Alloy Yachts in 2002 and refitted in 2019, the Dubois Naval Architects-designed ketch combines performance sailing credentials with luxury accommodations.Drumbeat accommodates 10 guests in five cabins, including a full-beam master suite featuring panoramic views, a lounge area, and hot tub. The 2019 interior refurbishment incorporated warm wood tones, contemporary art, and refined textiles. The yacht's sailing pedigree includes winning the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge. Current features include a transformable transom swim platform, spacious aft deck lounge with alfresco dining, and shaded relaxation areas. A 10-person professional crew maintains a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.Technical specifications confirm the vessel's 53-meter length and ketch rig configuration. Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 21, 2025
Italian design firm Bassan&Benedetti has introduced Altrove, a 90-meter explorer yacht concept designed for scientific research and luxury expeditions. The vessel combines advanced technology with guest amenities while maintaining operational capabilities in extreme conditions.Altrove features a fully equipped wet and dry laboratory for four scientists or guides, supporting 18-person expeditions. Its 4,990 GT interior includes a 60 sqm owner’s studio spanning two levels, a double saloon with dining for 30 guests, and two observation lounges with 360-degree views.The wellness area comprises a gym, spa, and massage room alongside aquatic facilities including a 35 sqm main deck pool and multiple Jacuzzis - two in the beach club area and a private unit for the owner. Accommodation includes nine cabins with capacity for 22 guests, featuring an owner's suite with a forward terrace equal in size to the 110 sqm beach club. Separate quarters accommodate 30 crew members.The yacht’s helideck is certified for Airbus H135, H130, H125, and Bell 407 helicopters, with an enclosed hangar. When not in use, the space converts into an entertainment area for events, outdoor cinema, or dining. A 110 sqm beach club with fold-down balconies, a transom opening, and a multi-level swim platform provides direct water access.For exploration, Altrove carries Limo and RIB tenders, two submarines, and Jet Skis, stored in a waterside garage. The design emphasizes a reverse bow and angular exterior lines, described by the studio as conveying "resilience and strength." No performance or propulsion details were disclosed.Credits: Bassan&Benedetti
April 21, 2025
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