66-meter Ester III, delivered by Lurssen in 2014, has now been sold at a last recorded asking price of €79,500,000 following an order issued by the Supreme Court of Gibraltar Admirality as a result of a claim by BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA.
Gibraltar's Supreme Court has ordered the sale of Ester III on November 15th 2016, which was listed for sale back in August 2016 at an asking price of €79,500,000 by her owner who Forbes Russia have named to be, serial yacht owner, Georgy Bedzhamov.
The yacht has now been sold, as was confirmed by its central agent, Fraser Yachts, and paid for in full. The order of priority in which the proceeds of the sale will be distributed to various parties who have a claim on the yacht, will only be decided in 60 days. During these 60 days, all parties who have a claim to the proceeds must come forth according to the court order dated November 23rd 2016.
The yacht has been renamed to Iroquois, shortly after the sale. The new owner is believed to be, according to comments on social media, Boston Red Sox owner and American billionaire, John Henry. His previous yacht, a 50-meter Feadship also named Iroquois was listed for sale back in 2011 for $28,750,000 before being sold in December 2013 at an asking price of $19,500,000.
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Ester III features an exterior design by Espen Oeino and an interior by Reymond Langton. She can accommodate 12 guests in a full beam master suite, three double cabins and two twins. Amongst Ester III's main features are an ornate fireplace in the main saloon, an infinity pool located aft of the main deck, an elevator, a spa center, a gym and a helipad located on the superyacht's bow.
From a technical standpoint the superyacht is powered by twin MTU engines of 2,039hp each and can cruise for up to 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. For maximum comfort, she is fitted with Quantum zero speed stabilizers.
Sanlorenzo has appointed Renato Bisignani as its new Group Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. The announcement was made by Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of the company.Bisignani brings over two decades of experience in the luxury and automotive sectors to his new role. He began his career at Renault’s Formula 1 division before moving to Ferrari, where he held various positions including Business Development Manager, Head of Communications, and Head of Marketing & Partnerships.In 2016, Bisignani joined Formula E, taking on managerial roles in marketing, communications, and digital development. Most recently, he served as Head of Global Marketing and Communications at Aston Martin since 2021, where he played a key role in repositioning the brand in the ultra-luxury and high-performance segment.At Sanlorenzo, Bisignani will lead the Brand, Marketing & Communications division, working closely with top management to develop and implement strategies aimed at strengthening the brand identity and enhancing global visibility.“We are pleased to welcome Renato to our team, which grows bigger and more diverse year after year,” stated Mr. Massimo Perotti. “The decision to bring in a talented manager with extensive experience in the high-end luxury sector will allow Sanlorenzo, as well as Bluegame and Nautor Swan, to continue achieving significant success, strengthening our position in the segment.”Renato Bisignani expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, saying, “I am extremely proud and enthusiastic to work alongside such a visionary entrepreneur and a true innovator in the yachting industry like Mr. Perotti. Over the past twenty years, he has transformed Sanlorenzo into a symbol of Italian excellence and a global leader in the sector. Together with a highly skilled team, we now embrace the challenge of projecting Sanlorenzo into a future vision, while respecting the authentic values of the brand.”This appointment follows recent organizational restructuring and underscores Sanlorenzo’s commitment to strengthening its management team with experienced professionals to drive continued brand growth.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
March 14, 2025
Seawolf arrived in Falmouth Antigua last month following a successful transatlantic voyage, marking its first public appearance since undergoing an extensive 2-year refit at Pendennis’ UK facility. The 1950s 57-meter converted ocean-going tug was comprehensively updated with modern technology and sustainable solutions, while preserving its heritage and classic lines.Pendennis collaborated with UK-based Design Unlimited, who were contracted by the yacht’s new owners to oversee the refit design of both the interior and exterior. Design Unlimited worked closely with interior designer Ngila Boyd, who has a long-standing relationship with the client, to create a timeless and elegant interior tailored to the family’s needs for global cruising and exploration. The design incorporates painted and timber panelling, elegant materials, bespoke furniture by H. Miller Bros., and lighting by John Cullen and Cox London, enhancing the onboard ambiance.Transformative improvements include a new owner’s suite, forward of the owner’s pantry and sky lounge, and a redesigned aft deck with a hard top featuring skylights. The flybridge was remodeled into a dining and viewing space, while the crew area, captain’s cabin, and wheelhouse were also extensively refurbished. The owner’s accommodation was expertly manufactured and fitted by Oldenburger, while Norfolk Interiors crafted the sky lounge, owner’s pantry, crew accommodations, and wheelhouse. Exterior enhancements, including the flybridge and main deck reception area, were executed by William Garvey.The refit included a complete overhaul of the yacht’s hotel services, guest and crew spaces, and engine room, with the existing slow-speed diesel engines preserved. The exterior was sympathetically restored, including a complete repaint of the hull and superstructure, new decks, a new cargo/rescue crane, a side boarding platform, and the reconfiguration of outside spaces.Group Operations Director Charlie Ross noted that the Seawolf project was one of the most technologically demanding endeavors tackled by Pendennis, requiring the team to push boundaries in sustainable solutions while respecting the yacht’s aesthetic integrity. The successful completion of the refit ensures that Seawolf retains its legacy and continues to be a significant presence in the global yachting community.Pendennis Shipyard is one of the world's leading custom superyacht builders and refit shipyards and has become one of Cornwall's most important employers with over 430 highly skilled tradespeople based at the 14-acre prime waterfront location in Falmouth, UK. In the latter part of 2018 Pendennis secured a majority share hold in Vilanova Grand Marina, a 48 berth facility with adjacent land available for further development. The investment in Vilanova is yet another milestone in Pendennis’ international growth and offering to its global client base. Credit: Pendennis
March 13, 2025
Bluegame will once again participate in the Palm Beach International Boat Show, taking place from March 19th to 23rd, 2025. The brand will showcase the BG74, a model embodying the essence of the historic BG range and the embodiment of Bluegame's unique touch.BG74 is bridging the gap between open and fly-bridge yachts. It is designed for owners seeking a comprehensive yachting experience without compromises, combining the best attributes of both categories.Building on the successes of 2024, including the pioneering BGH-HSV Hydrogen Support Vessel project, Bluegame continues to push the boundaries of innovation. The experience gained from BGH-HSV has laid the foundation for a new range of multihulls, named BGF (Foil), with the BGF45 model set to debut in the summer of 2025.Another significant development in 2024 was the release of the upgraded BGM75, featuring synchronized gyroscopes in collaboration with Smart Gyro, offering unprecedented stability and comfort. A unit of this model will make its U.S. debut in the summer of 2025, further solidifying Bluegame's position as a leader in technological innovation within the international yachting industry.Bluegame is part of Sanlorenzo. The Sanlorenzo shipyard has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958. It is a boutique firm in the yachting industry, building only a limited number of made-to-measure units per year. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner.Credits: Bluegame
March 13, 2025
Moonen Yachts announced a reduction in the price of the Moonen 110 Mustique YN202 ahead of its presentation at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS), where the yacht will be featured on E-dock within the IYC display.Originally priced at 16,900,000,− the price has been lowered to 15,400,000,- inclusive of a two-year shipyard warranty from the point of sale. Delivered in 2023, this long-range steel yacht embodies Moonen Yachts’ renowned Dutch engineering and superior craftsmanship, ensuring safety, stability, and an exceptionally quiet cruising experience.Designed by René van der Velden, the yacht’s sleek exterior is paired with a custom interior finished by London-based Studio Indigo. The yacht offers spacious accommodation for up to 10 guests, including a full-beam Owner’s Stateroom with 180-degree panoramic views, expansive exterior decks for socializing and dining, and a generous bridge deck. With an impressive 279GT of interior volume, the Moonen 110 Mustique YN202 delivers a luxurious cruising experience, combining impressive fuel efficiency, unlimited long-range cruising, and a shallow draft ideal for the balmy waters of The Bahamas.Representatives Matthew Stone and Richard Gray are eager to welcome visitors on board YN202 and will be joined by the Moonen team at PBIBS to showcase the all-new Moonen 122 Martinique YN205 and other exciting developments. For sales inquiries or to arrange a viewing, please contact the Global Sales Representatives.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
March 13, 2025
Gruppo Antonini announced its participation in the OMC - Offshore Mediterranean Conference & Exhibition from April 8 to 10 in Ravenna. This is a significant opportunity for Gruppo Antonini to showcase its expertise dating back to 1943 in the oil & gas sector, as well as to explore new possibilities arising from the energy transition.Serving as a focal point for the offshore energy industry, the OMC has grown in stature over the years, making it one of the most anticipated events in the sector. Gruppo Antonini will occupy its own booth to highlight its long tradition as an EPCIC contractor (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning) and showcase recent and ongoing projects.One notable project recently completed by Gruppo Antonini is the Maboqueiro gas platform, a structure weighing over 5,500 tonnes, which was entirely built and launched at the company’s La Spezia shipyard and neighboring engineering workshops. Delivered to customer Azule Energy at the end of 2024, the project spanned 24 months due to its complexity, stemming from its size and numerous interfaces. The final assembly phase of the platform, involving the positioning of the jacket and deck in the Atlantic Ocean, is scheduled to commence in March 2025, with Gruppo Antonini managing the hook-up operations, lasting approximately 45 days.Additionally, Gruppo Antonini has recently secured two significant orders from Mellitah Oil & Gas BV - Libyan Branch (National Oil Corporation of Libya and Eni North Africa): a gas production platform in Libya valued at €300 million and a Platform Compression Module for installation on the existing SABRATHA gas platform, 42 meters above sea level and 120 kilometers from the Libyan coast.Through its participation in OMC Ravenna 2025, Gruppo Antonini aims to strengthen its position as a leader in the offshore energy sector, highlighting its capabilities in executing complex projects and embracing the challenges of the evolving energy landscape.Credits: Gruppo Antonini
March 12, 2025