E1 Team Rafa To Partners With Sunreef Yachts Eco

Ocean Alexander has announced the appointment of Niel Steenkamp as its new Commercial Sales Director.Steenkamp brings extensive experience in the boating industry, having been raised near the water in Cape Town, South Africa. His career began in the South African Navy as a submariner and continued with roles as a yacht captain and broker. Steenkamp expressed his passion for the industry, stating, “The sheer excitement of sailing and the endless possibilities of life on the water thrilled me and I thoroughly enjoy now sharing it.”Niel SteenkampDan Mundy, Head of Global Operations at Ocean Alexander, highlighted Steenkamp's talents in communication, organization, excellence, and trust, which align with the company's core values. Mundy said, “Niel has found an amazing career in the industry, not only serving his country in the Navy but later as a yacht captain, broker, and ambassador to his clients.”For over 45 years, Ocean Alexander has been a leader in the luxury yacht industry, known for building stylish and seaworthy superyachts with meticulous attention to detail. The company focuses on the superyacht market with models ranging from 27M to 40M. In 2024, Ocean Alexander will offer four distinct series and a dozen models, with many yachts already sold and under construction.Mundy emphasized Ocean Alexander's commitment to exceptional customer service, from sales consultation through commissioning and maintenance. He added, “With our global reach and exceptional dealer partnerships, we are poised to continually reach a broader audience and continue our path of growth through excellence. Niel’s passion and dedication make him a perfect addition to our team.”Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander

Bilgin Yachts has delivered the 50-meter yacht Eternal Spark, which is now available for charter and will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024.Construction of the Bilgin 163 model began in December 2019, with the sale completed in 2022 by SuperYachts Croatia. The yacht features a sporty yet elegant exterior designed by Unique Yacht Design and interiors by Hot Lab.Eternal Spark is designed with the charter market in mind, focusing on entertainment. It can host over 100 guests quayside across its four expansive, open-plan decks, featuring five bars and six outdoor social areas.Emrecan Özgün of Unique Yacht Design highlighted the enhanced exterior spaces, giving the Bilgin 163 a more sportive appearance. The yacht includes a 21-meter sundeck with a large hot tub, a 12-meter bridge deck aft, and a spacious main deck aft, providing a seamless connection to the beach club and the sea without adding bulk to the design.The interiors, crafted by Milan-based Hot Lab, showcase over 60 natural finishes, including 14 different marbles. The six-cabin layout accommodates 12 guests, with each stateroom offering unique color combinations. Enrico Lumini, partner and head of design at Hot Lab, aimed for a fresh and colorful aesthetic, avoiding overwhelming use of color to create a light, sunny ambiance reminiscent of a villa on the Côte d'Azur.Notable design features include a full-height round glass wall dividing the main saloon and lobby, a giant chandelier, a floating staircase, and a skylight on the sundeck floor. The sunken-level beach club boasts a sauna, ice fountain, day head, and a lounge with a wet bar. The yacht also features both outdoor and indoor cinemas.Constructed with steel and aluminum, Eternal Spark is powered by twin CAT C32 engines, achieving a top speed of 16.5 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard on the European side of Istanbul, building 50 to 120m luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s.Credits: Bilgin Yachts

Zeelander Yachts has released the first full photoshoot of its Zeelander 5, a 48ft (14.7m) yacht that exemplifies the brand's curvy styling and refined design enhancements. This model builds on the legacy of the Zeelander line, which includes yachts up to 79ft (24m), by updating the design language with a new S-shaped sheerline, continuing the evolution that began with the Z44.The Zeelander 5 features a sophisticated interior. The deck saloon offers comfortable lounging and dining for six with 360-degree views, thanks to the elimination of window mullions. Below deck, two cabins provide luxurious accommodations. The owner’s cabin, positioned midship, maximizes natural light and views with its large hull lights. Fine cabinetry and a broad vanity desk enhance the room’s functionality and aesthetics.Designed for both indoor and outdoor living, the Zeelander 5 is suitable for various locales, from the Mediterranean to the Norwegian fjords. The deep cockpit with sofas and a high-low table offers shelter and comfort, while the foredeck lounge provides an open area for sunbathing. The transom, a hallmark of Zeelander design, folds down into a large bathing platform, creating a private beach area ideal for lounging or launching water sports.The galley, although discrete, is fully functional with a fridge, basin, wine cooler, and induction hob. Zeelander’s attention to detail is evident in the custom-built, mirror-polished cleats and hand-painted exterior handrails, ensuring durability and elegance.Performance-wise, the Zeelander 5 offers options for twin or triple Volvo Penta IPS 650 drives, achieving top speeds up to 40 knots and a cruising range of over 450 nautical miles. Advanced noise and vibration reduction systems ensure a quiet ride, even at full throttle, allowing for normal conversation anywhere on board.'The Zeelander 5 is the natural evolution of the original Z44 and has become an instant design icon,' said Zeelander Yachts founder Sietse Koopmans. 'Quiet, comfortable, fun to drive, and stylish, she matches our larger yachts in every way.'Credits: Guillaume Plisson

Pershing has unveiled the latest addition to its GTX series, the Pershing GTX80. This new model emphasizes a seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, enhancing onboard comfort and providing a unique cruising experience. The Pershing GTX80 continues the brand’s tradition of combining high performance with sportiness.Measuring under 24 meters in length with a 5.8-meter beam, the GTX80 is a collaboration between the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, Vallicelli Design, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The yacht features two decks and a sportbridge, offering accommodation for up to eight guests across four cabins. The design focuses on a balanced proportion between superstructure and hull, achieving architectural harmony in a sports motor yacht of this size.The exterior design showcases Pershing's signature style with innovative features. The hull profile includes a near-vertical bow and a continuous, slightly convex sheer line. The bulwarks, lightened by a longitudinal slot, incorporate winches and convert into lateral terraces. The hull's elegant lines contrast Pershing grey with a darker shade on the superstructure and polished carbon on the hard top, creating a visually appealing palette.The main deck is split into two levels. The first level, dedicated to water contact, features a 28 m² beach area with lateral terraces that open electrically. The stern platform offers three positions: default, tender launch, and a raised position to integrate with the aft living area. The second level includes a 14 m² cockpit with a dining area and a direct connection to the indoor galley, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow. The salon's interior layout comes in two versions, emphasizing either informal or formal dining arrangements.The lower deck can be configured with four cabins and four en suite bathrooms or a dinette and day head instead of a fourth guest cabin. The full-beam master suite features distinctive cloud-effect sky blue leather panelling and a sophisticated lighting design. Guest cabins ensure privacy and comfort, while the crew area, accessed from the cockpit, provides accommodation for crew members.The sundeck spans 23 m², offering significant space compared to other yachts in its category. The deck includes a full-beam sunpad, a dining area, and an optional carbon fabric hard-top. The exterior helm station can accommodate up to three pilot chairs and two monitors.Powered by three 1,000 mhp Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350 engines, the Pershing GTX80 reaches a top speed of 34 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. The yacht features advanced technological systems, including Volvo IPS electro-hydraulic steering, Humphree trim stabilizers, and optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride. The yacht is CE Class A certified.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

Cantiere Mimì, a company renowned for its gozzo boats with ultra-lightweight planing hulls and reduced fuel consumption, has appointed Rosaria Senese as the new Sales Manager. This family-run business, founded in 1975 by Salvatore Senese, has grown from a small local firm into an international benchmark in its market segment.The company remains under the control of the founding family, now in its fourth generation. Domenico Senese, Salvatore’s son, serves as CEO and oversees new projects and international markets, while Massimo Senese manages production and customer relations. Rosaria Senese, Domenico’s daughter, has gradually taken on more responsibilities within the company and is now focused on strengthening the brand’s commercial strategy in Italy.Rosaria SeneseRosaria has been involved in the business from a young age, attending industry trade fairs and contributing to key projects such as the Walkaround line. Born in 2001 and passionate about boats since childhood, Rosaria is proud to take on her new role. "With the internationalisation of our production and rising demand, it was natural for me to take on more responsibility," she comments.Rosaria’s main task as Sales Manager is to oversee production in Italy. She is committed to continuing the legacy of her great-grandfather, Domenico "Mimì" Senese, who began building and hiring out small boats. "Our company's success is not just due to passion but also to our blend of experience and innovation," she says.Cantiere Mimì’s yard now occupies 7,000 square meters and employs advanced technologies such as 3D boat design and CNC milling machines. The use of solid teak, seasoned and shaped by hand, and ultra-lightweight hulls that reduce power requirements by 30%, are key factors in the company’s success. The modern and functional designs by Valerio Rivellini further enhance the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation.The company was founded in 1975 by Salvatore Senese, who is still present in the shipyard today. The company's tradition is handed down to the new generations, among whom is the figure of his son Domenico, who assiduously works on perfecting existing products by combining experience and innovation. The company’s exports the brand production to Europe and Asia.Credits: Cantiere Mimi