Dmitry Rybolovlev’s ClubSwan 125 Skorpios (representing the Yacht Club de Monaco) took line honours in the Rolex Fastnet Race this evening, after crossing the finish line in Cherbourg at 2015 BST. Their total elapsed time for completing the 695 nautical mile course from Cowes to Cherbourg was 2 days, 8 hours, 35 minutes and 5 seconds.
Competing in her first offshore race, the recently launched Skorpios came through a brutal first 12 hours of the race in good shape. As the breeze softened, Skorpios extended away from her chief rivals for line honours including previous winner George David’s Rambler 88 and the strong IMOCA fleet.
Having only started sailing in the last few years, this was owner Dmitry Rybolovlev’s first offshore race which he experienced with his daughter Anna Rybolovleva, also her first time offshore racing. “We’re very pleased with the boat, the team was great. We want to thank the whole team for such great efforts. We were trying to stay conservative, especially in the high wind at the start, but we’re excited to see what the boat can do in future races. Rounding the Fastnet Rock was kind of magical, it felt like a really special moment.”
"The boat is very strong, we backed off on speed coming out of the Solent, but so was everyone else. We had an idea of what the boat might be able to do, but we didn’t know for sure, so we learned a lot on this race. The owner is super happy, he’s a good sailor but new to offshore sailing and he enjoyed the experience a lot. I think there is a very good chance we will be back for the Rolex Fastnet Race,” says skipper Fernando Echavarri.
Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor, shared his thoughts following the result of Skorpios: “In this special moment in the history of Nautor I can’t avoid to send my thought and a great thank to the international team that contributed to the building of this racing boat! I’d love to thank once again all the team behind: Enrico Chieffi, Juan K, Adriana Monk, Bob Wylie, Killian Bushe, Richard Ghillies, Roger Sandberg, the team at Nautor yard in Finland, the team at Nautor Swan Global Service that is now taking over the assistance to the boat, the Skorpios crew and shore team leaded by Fernando Echevannri and Pepe Ribes that’s contributing to the boat set up in a great teamwork with Nautor. A huge congratulations and thanks to all of you for changing the pages of the sailing history.”
Nautor’s Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts.
Credits: Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com/Rolex Fastnet Race
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
Sialia Yachts has announced the upcoming launch of the Sialia 45, a 14-meter electric cruiser combining high performance with sustainability. Scheduled for summer 2025, the vessel offers a maximum speed of 43 knots and a class-leading range, emphasizing zero-emission cruising.Powered by twin 300kW electric motors, the Sialia 45 achieves a range of 55 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots with a standard 500kWh battery pack. An optional 200kWh endurance pack extends the range to 77 miles, while a biodiesel-compatible range extender increases it further to 164 miles. The yacht also features fast-charging technology, allowing its batteries to charge from 10% to 90% in three hours.The Sialia 45 is available in three configurations—Runabout, Sport, and Weekender—each tailored to different operational needs. Onboard, customizable lower-deck layouts offer flexible cabin arrangements, and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled cork flooring, underscore its sustainability-focused design.Sialia Yachts CEO Stanislav Szadkowski emphasized the vessel's low environmental impact and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional diesel-powered boats. The company, which entered the market in 2022 with the Sialia 57, continues to target eco-conscious consumers seeking luxury without compromise.With one Sialia 45 sold and two under construction, the launch reflects growing interest in environmentally responsible yachting.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts
January 13, 2025
The 62-meter CRN-built superyacht Rio is now open for charter through Northrop & Johnson. Recognized with two awards at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards, this yacht will be available in The Bahamas and the Caribbean during the winter season, starting at USD560,000 per week, plus expenses.Rio offers a family-friendly charter experience with a vibrant design that balances playfulness and luxury. The yacht’s interior is marked by large windows that provide ample natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Key features include a spacious main deck with a salon, dining area, lounge, and gym, as well as a skylounge designed for relaxation and entertainment.The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in seven staterooms, including three primary suites located on the upper, main, and lower decks. Notable design elements include a hand-painted mural near the upper deck VIP stateroom, which also features private access to the forepeak lounge area.Outdoor spaces are equally impressive, boasting a beach club with wellness facilities, a main deck lounge, alfresco dining for 12 on the upper deck, and a sundeck with a raised hot tub and sunpads. The forepeak lounge spans a third of the yacht’s length, adding another unique amenity.Rio’s IMO Tier III certification significantly reduces harmful emissions, making it an environmentally conscious choice for charter guests.With its combination of style, amenities, and sustainability, Rio promises a memorable experience for those seeking an exceptional Caribbean charter.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: Northrop & Johnson
January 13, 2025
CNB Yachts has unveiled its latest project, the CNB 62, positioning it as an elegant and powerful world cruiser. With three units already sold, the first hull is being fitted out in the state-of-the-art Solaris shipyard in Aquileia, Italy, ahead of its delivery this spring. The remaining units will be delivered by year’s end, a strong indication of the yacht’s early success and appeal.Brand Director Vincent Arnaud describes the CNB 62 as “a perfect example of the CNB spirit,” combining seaworthiness, manageability, and style. Designed by Philippe Briand, the yacht is the successor to the CNB Bordeaux 60, inheriting its balanced, powerful hull and extensive sail plan, making it ideal for ocean cruising.The CNB 62 has been tailored for private owners seeking privacy without requiring a professional crew. Its cockpit design allows single-handed sailing, with lines accessible from the helmsman’s position. The Targa bar, crafted from carbon, keeps the mainsheet out of the cockpit, enhancing safety and functionality.The yacht also features an integrated tender garage and a spacious layout. The forward owner’s suite offers privacy, while the aft cabins accommodate family or guests comfortably. With customizable interiors, the CNB 62 combines performance and luxury, marking a new chapter for CNB Yachts.CNB was founded in Bordeaux in 1987 by two passionate sailors and was integrated into the Beneteau Group in 1992. Until 2008, the company only built custom yachts, the last of which was the 30-meter Chrisco. From 2009, CNB focused on semi-custom yachts and launched very successful models with the Bordeaux 60, the CNB 66 and the CNB 76. In 2021, Solaris took over the brand and integrated CNB production in Aquileia, the Solaris site on the Italian Adriatic. The current model portfolio consists of the CNB 62, the CNB 78 and the CNB 88.Credits: CNB Yachts
January 10, 2025