YachtAid Global orchestrates the delivery of disaster relief, development and conservation aid to coastal communities worldwide. The organization was founded in 2006 and is a registered nonprofit which utilizes a network of volunteers who coordinate logistics, yacht owners and donors who match with yacht owners and yacht crew to transport these lifesaving basic supplies in serious times of need. Since its launch, the YachtAid Global team has expanded its mission in order to be able to best utilize charitable resources to deliver maximum impact. The charity sits in a unique position where it's able to mobilise superyachts and aid vessels, and connect them with aid providers, volunteers and other NGOs for natural disaster relief and humanitarian work quickly and efficiently.
With recovery still underway from last year’s Atlantic hurricane season in the Caribbean, YachtAid Global is encouraging yachts to be ready to respond as this year’s seasons across the Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific and Western North Pacific begin.
Superyacht aid organization, YachtAid Global has compiled a number of tips for yachts seeking to be ready to assist should this year’s hurricane seasons prove as virulent as 2017’s.
This year’s seasons officially began 1 June, and May 15 for the Eastern Pacific, and YachtAid Global is urging yachts planning to cruise affected regions to take small steps to be ready to respond in the aftermath of large hurricanes. Post-storm damage can include anything from lifted roofs, lack of potable water and food, to lack of crops, ongoing power sources and other facilities needed for islands to be self-sufficient.
YachtAid Global is in sync with national and international governing bodies and able to relay accurate ground-truth information to yachts which wish to respond to a region. Once the yacht’s crew and management team have this data, they can be confident they’re carrying the aid and supplies which are most-essential to recovery.
Means for yachts to assist in emergency response
YachtAid Global works with Global Support and Development, an elite team of professionals, who go into disaster zones to protect first responders, carry out search and rescue operations, provide full medical teams and other crucial emergency responses.
The organization has coordinated the GSD team to provide a three day first responder training course designed specifically for yacht crew.
The course is free and covers logistics, yacht preparation, heli ops, seaplane ops, medical training, water safety and more to give crew the skills to provide meaningful assistance in an emergency response. Key outcomes of the course include educating crew on how to stay safe in a disaster zone and training them to be ready for GSD to run operations from the vessel.
Much of the supplies yachts can be called on to deliver are food and water, however there are many other ways a yacht can help. Acting as an intel or communications base can be crucial, as well as a vessel for medevacs. One of the most important roles yachts play though, is that of bringing hope. In remote parts of a badly-struck region yachts can be the first vessels to arrive, reassuring locals affected that they are on the relief map.
In regional yachting hubs YachtAid Global’s partners - for example Estela Shipping in Palma and Eco-Mer in Antibes - coordinate large and small donations as well as the loading and clearance of aid. Regional representatives then feed into YachtAid Global which is able to coordinate with the government or contact on the ground; acting as a single point of contact for the superyacht industry to ensure well-intentioned aid enquiries don’t swamp resources in affected areas.
With widespread use of social media, images and information after a natural emergency are extensively shared, though they’re not always an accurate representation of events on the ground.
To mitigate this, YachtAid Global’s team works with Humanity Road - a respected, reliable source of ground truth information - to provide a source of accurate, ongoing information for media. The organization is also adept at helping local media disseminate information from their perspective in the emergency zone.
The Wider shipyard is once again setting new standards in yacht design with the development of the all-new WiderCat 76, currently being constructed at the cutting-edge Wider Vision Hub in Fano, Italy.Similar to her larger counterpart, the WiderCat 92, the WiderCat 76 redefines luxury living at sea, emphasizing versatility, functionality, and cruising comfort. Designed by Luca Dini Design & Architecture in collaboration with Wider’s Centro Stile, this latest catamaran boasts striking exterior and interior aesthetics.“The WiderCat 76 combines the grandeur of a superyacht with the nimbleness of a smaller vessel—a perfect blend of innovative design, advanced technology, and exceptional craftsmanship,” states Marcello Maggi, President of W-Fin Sarl. “We believe so strongly in its appeal that we are building the first unit on speculation, anticipating that she will launch next year.”To this point, the assembly of the substantial GRP structures has been completed successfully, including the installation of the deck and superstructure, which features an impressive hardtop. The hull and deck have been painted and finished, while the superstructure and hardtop are currently in the preparatory phase ahead of painting. Key plumbing systems, including main hydraulic piping, fresh water, grey water, black water, fuel, and HVAC, have been installed, and work continues on the main machinery within the engine room. Progress is also being made on the lower deck accommodations, with outfitting advancing significantly.The WiderCat 76 is powered by two FPT motors, each delivering 456 kW, paired with a cutting-edge battery pack managed by a sophisticated Power Management System that closely monitors operating parameters. This innovative propulsion system enables the yacht to achieve a maximum speed of 13 knots and stay at anchor for up to nine hours without the need to run the engines.Emphasizing the shipyard's commitment to stylistic innovation, the yacht's interior features a reinterpreted "Hampton" style enriched with a unique nautical twist. The four-cabin layout provides spacious and functional living areas that capture the family-friendly essence of the larger WiderCat 92 while offering luxurious amenities for a comfortable retreat at sea.The main deck boasts a roomy living area complete with an L-shaped sofa and dining space, both offering breathtaking sea views through expansive windows. Elegant materials, such as ivory-lacquered panels, dark oak ceilings, and herringbone parquet flooring, contribute to a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.The master stateroom, positioned on the main deck, provides stunning panoramic views, private access to a forward terrace, and a lavish ensuite featuring a marble-topped vanity and panoramic shower. Below deck, the VIP and guest cabins deliver privacy and comfort, while the spacious galley and dinette are designed for both efficient meal preparation and delightful gatherings.Outdoor spaces are equally captivating. The upper deck includes a sheltered dining area, helm station, and lounging spaces, while the main deck features a deployable swim platform, a dining cockpit, and a bow relaxation zone adorned with C-shaped sofas.Founded in 2010 and based in Ancona (Le Marche), Wider Yachts is an innovative Italian yacht builder shipbuilder specialized in electric and renewable energy-powered superyachts. Credit: Wider
November 27, 2024
On November 22, Gruppo Antonini celebrated the launch of the Maboqueiro Off-Shore platform during a ceremony at its production facility in La Spezia. The event was graced by notable figures, including Patrizia Saccone, La Spezia’s Councillor for Employment and Economic Development, and Lerici’s Deputy Mayor Marco Russo, along with members of the academic community from the Università di Genova.This impressive platform, marking over 80 years of Gruppo Antonini's expertise in the oil and gas industry, has been designed for gas extraction in the Maboqueiro field, located off the coast of Angola. It stands as the largest and heaviest structure ever constructed by the Group and is a significant achievement in their first EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) project undertaken for Azule Energy, a key player in Angola’s oil and gas sector, co-owned by ENI. The project’s complexity necessitated an extensive 24-month tender process due to the vastness of the construction and its numerous interfaces.The Maboqueiro EPC project is integral to the Angola NGC (New Gas Consortium) Project, which aims to extract gas condensate from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields. This venture includes plans for two platforms, a new onshore gas reception and treatment facility, as well as pipelines for product transportation, with production set to begin in 2026, targeting an output of 330 million cubic feet of gas daily, equating to approximately 4 billion cubic metres per year.The newly launched Maboqueiro platform features a jacket comprising steel tubular components anchored to the seabed with four impressive 88-metre-long piles. The structure also boasts a three-story deck measuring 25 by 30 metres and weighing a remarkable 2,600 tonnes, making it the heaviest platform ever produced by the Group. Equipped with six well slots (four operational and two backup), the platform is designed to operate at a gas pressure of 60 bars.A standout feature of this project is the innovative jacket lifting method, a first for Gruppo Antonini, utilizing a specially designed system to erect jacket components in a confined space, successfully addressing significant logistical hurdles.Additionally, the project has embraced digital innovation, with all quality reports fully digitalized and managed through a specialized software package known as CCMS, which oversees various operations, including maintenance.Simone Antonini, Group CEO, remarked, "The Maboqueiro project signifies a monumental achievement that showcases our capacity to tackle complex global challenges. This platform not only sets a record in size and technological advancement but also exemplifies our commitment to integrating engineering expertise with sustainability and efficiency."In 2019, the Antonini Group established Antonini Navi (La Spezia) in partnership with Aldo Manna, leveraging the Group's extensive experience and technological prowess to venture into the yachting industry. The yard focuses on crafting bespoke yachts and military naval units, currently working on three steel yachts over 30 meters in length, with two custom projects expected to be delivered in the latter half of 2025 and a third, the SUY 135, slated for 2026.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
November 26, 2024
Evo Yachts once again makes waves in the industry by taking on the world’s elite superyacht manufacturers with its latest creation, the Evo R9. This groundbreaking 30-metre aluminium superyacht places the owner at the heart of the design process and boasts a range of impressive features, all while building on the brand's established reputation for innovation.Designed to be highly customizable, the Evo R9 aims to redefine standards within the superyacht sector and represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Evo Yachts brand. With enhanced customisation options and exhilarating performance, this exceptional vessel promises more surprises beyond its key highlights.This new addition to Evo Yachts' lineup showcases the shipyard's commitment to progress through innovation, venturing into competition with Italy and Northern Europe's leading figures in the global superyacht arena. The choice of an aluminium hull, coupled with a carbon fibre superstructure, aligns with the brand’s design philosophy, which emphasizes experimentation with materials and a focus on environmental sustainability.The yacht’s design, crafted by Valerio Rivellini in collaboration with Evo's technical team, features a striking superstructure enveloped in expansive glass surfaces, offering various layout options to cater to the diverse needs of potential owners. Clients will be able to engage in the design journey, witnessing their dream yacht materialize.The Evo R9 can comfortably host six to eight guests, alongside four crew members, ensuring privacy and versatility with multiple possible configurations.A standout aspect of the Evo R9 is its advanced propulsion system, boasting the option of two or three 2,200 HP engines, enabling the superyacht to reach top speeds between 50 and 58 knots and cruising at 40 to 44 knots.Designed for discerning owners who seek a bespoke experience coupled with high performance, the Evo R9 maintains the brand’s hallmark of transformability. Notably, it features sophisticated hull sides that open up, and a versatile stern transformer, resulting in a superyacht that is both innovative and distinctly aligned with Evo Yachts’ identity.The Evo Yachts shipyard is based near Naples. She was born in 2014 from a fortunate encounter between Blu Emme Yachts and the Neapolitan yacht designer Valerio Rivellini. The heart and entrepreneurship that kick-started EVO originated from Blu Emme Yachts, a luxury yachts refitting company. Blu Emme was created in 2013 by the Mercuri brothers, a family whose entrepreneurial experience spans different industries.Credits: Evo Yachts
November 26, 2024
Ferretti Yachts has officially launched the new 670 flybridge model, showcasing the brand's ongoing evolution in creating the ideal balance of comfort, livability, and exquisite design.This significant restyling features a host of exclusive attributes, including a sleek new exterior design, a revamped hardtop, and stunning interiors crafted by Ideaeitalia. Drawing on the success of its predecessor, celebrated during Ferretti Yachts’ 50th anniversary, the all-new Ferretti Yachts 670 marks a complete overhaul of the yacht while retaining key characteristics.Making its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, the Ferretti Yachts 670 is 20.24 meters long with a maximum beam of 5.38 meters. The design is a collaborative effort between the Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, with exterior designed by the Ferretti Group alongside architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors by Ideaeitalia.The new model continues to prioritize generous volumes and bright interiors while introducing refined new exterior styling and enhanced seating and storage options.Notable features include a main deck helm station with a pillar-less windshield for exceptional visibility and comfortable pilot chairs from Poltrona Frau. The dinette layout has also been optimized for better ergonomics in the foredeck area. Down below, the redesigned doors and passageways improve accessibility, offering unparalleled space and comfort.On the flybridge, significant improvements include an expanded dining area with enhanced seating comfort and an ample stern sunpad. The hardtop has been elegantly redesigned with more fluid lines, now boasting an opening central section.The Ferretti Yachts 670 boasts nearly 20 m² of exterior space aft, perfect for al-fresco dining with comfortable seating and easy water access. The transom features spacious storage compartments for an organized environment, along with a tender lift capable of accommodating a 3.45 m tender.Forward, the outdoor living area covers about 11 m² and can be entirely shaded by a bimini top. It features three large sofas and optional tables that convert for additional relaxation space. The sea-facing seating also cleverly incorporates life rafts and storage.The flybridge mirrors the first version’s layout, with enhanced dining seating and a spacious sunpad at the stern. The central area includes a fully-equipped cabinet and a C-shaped sofa with a dining table. A second helm station offers easy access, accompanied by an expansive sunpad. An electric bimini top is available as an alternative to the redesigned hardtop.Internally, the yacht presents redesigned spaces conceived by Ideaeitalia. A sliding glass door from the cockpit leads to a main deck lounge featuring two large sofas with a central coffee table. Entertainment is elevated with a retractable TV hidden behind the sofa.The galley has been improved for functionality and flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an expansive open space with ample seating. The helm station includes integrated Naviop-Simrad instrumentation and boasts a pillar-less windshield for optimal navigation visibility.A remarkable owner’s suite, measuring 18 m², is situated in the mid-section, complete with a private study, central bed, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom. The vessel also offers a double cabin and a VIP cabin in the bow, both featuring ensuite bathrooms.For flexibility, a four-cabin layout is available, replacing the owner's study with an additional smaller cabin. A dedicated crew cabin with a bathroom is located at the rear of the lower deck, with private access to the cockpit.Two distinctive interior styles are offered – Classic, featuring warm earthy tones, and Contemporary, showcasing vibrant woods and fabrics inspired by the sea.The Ferretti Yachts 670 is powered by standard twin 1,000 MHP MAN V8 engines, enabling a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots. There is also an option for more powerful 1,200 MHP MAN V8 engines, providing a maximum speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots.For added stability at anchor and during cruising, the yacht can be outfitted with a stability package featuring two Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabilizers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water.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.Credit: Ferretti Group
November 26, 2024
Columbus Yachts announces the sale of its inaugural 47-meter Crossover vessel, with an esteemed European client set to receive the yacht in 2027. This groundbreaking model seamlessly fuses contemporary design with practicality, creating a luxurious yet functional maritime experience.The Columbus Crossover 47 boasts a robust construction of steel and aluminum superstructures, measuring a maximum beam of 8.60 meters and a draft of 3 meters. Renowned design firm Hydro Tec has crafted the yacht's striking exterior lines, collaborating closely with the shipyard for naval engineering, while the interiors are the imaginative work of Hot Lab.This yacht is built on a successful naval platform and has already inspired another 42-meter model currently under construction. The Crossover 47 exemplifies versatility and functionality, designed to optimize onboard comfort and enhance every area.Starting from the stern, the boat features a spacious platform that can accommodate a tender weighing up to 3,000 kg. This area transforms into a relaxation oasis complete with a jacuzzi, sunbathing space, and direct access to the sea, enhanced by folding gunwales that expand usable space and provide unobstructed views of the surroundings. The generous sun deck, beautifully sheltered by a substantial hardtop, further illustrates the Crossover 47's adaptability to the desires of its owner and guests.The vessel's exterior is accented with bold, modern contours, showcasing taut surfaces and dynamic shapes, particularly concentrated in the bow area – reminiscent of explorer yachts. Its displacement hull features a bulbous bow and flat, forward sections.In terms of versatility, the cockpit is designed to accommodate both a substantial tender with a built-in crane at the upper deck's aft, as well as a swimming pool complemented by social and relaxation zones.On the main deck, the interiors reveal a spacious lounge capable of seating up to 12, complemented by a pantry and a well-equipped professional galley as the layout extends toward the bow. Below deck, the accommodation offers a total of four cabins – two double and two twin (with twin beds and a pullman bed) – alongside a luxurious master cabin on the main deck that features a central bed, wardrobe, vanity desk, office space, and a double bathroom with a central shower.The upper deck includes a circular outdoor dining table for six, expandable to seat ten, and features an inviting lounge and entertainment area alongside the helm station at the bow. The sun deck is designed for relaxation, featuring ample sunbathing space, a large bar, and a second swimming pool.The crew of nine is accommodated in four double cabins located below deck, with the captain's cabin conveniently situated on the upper deck near the control area.Powering the Columbus Crossover 47 are two Caterpillar C32 engines, each generating 970 kW and allowing for a maximum speed exceeding 15 knots, with a cruising speed of 12 knots. With a range of over 5,000 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots, the yacht features fuel tanks with a capacity of approximately 60 cubic meters. Freshwater needs are met by two desalinators capable of producing around 8.6 cubic meters per day, filling a total freshwater capacity of about 8.5 cubic meters. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with two pairs of stabilizers that function in both underway and zero-speed conditions, ensuring optimal comfort on the water.Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts
November 25, 2024