The 40.5-meter sailing yacht Melody was ordered by a wealthy businessman who approached Ridas Yachts to build her, but unfortunately the project was halted by the pandemic and put on the market before he could take her on her first voyage.
After making a few sketches and noticing several magnificent sailing vessels off the coast of Macau, China, Melody was born in 2014. Her commissioning owner had just seen James Bond Skyfall on the big screen and was mesmerized by the sailing yacht's classically styled lines, which the movie's titular protagonist made extensive use of throughout.
But the boat he planned to construct wasn't only going to be classically drawn; it was also going to be loaded with contemporary luxuries and a dash of class, all carefully hidden within a hull that wouldn't appear out of place during the height of yachting. Melody was expected to be slick, refined, and elegant, much like Bond himself.
Despite the fact that Ridas Yachts had never attempted a project of this size, the owner felt confident in the Estonian company's ability to execute. The yard has launched a number of sailing yachts and has an amazing portfolio, but none this big. Following the initial discussions with the owner, Ridas Yachts found the ideal hull for the undertaking: a 40.5-meter aluminum vessel with a tender hatch.
Melody, as she is now known, was born in 2010 at Acicio Yachts in the Netherlands. Her hull was built by a Dutch shipbuilder, but in 2017 she was moved to Ridas Yachts' facilities in Tallinn, Estonia, where she was finished. Olivier F. van Meer, who gave Estonia's flagship boat her rich, classical elegance and the Bond charm her owner envisioned, was responsible for the whole design. The outside lines of Melody are streamlined, uncomplicated, and created for optimal functionality. She is a modest schooner sailing yacht that emanates beauty via her lack of flamboyance.
Her adherence to modern standards, however, is what goes unnoticed. To sustain contemporary standards of elegance and comfort, Olivier F. van Meer carefully designed her interior settings. Modern infotainment and audio-visual equipment from Bose was installed, and all materials were bought from Awlgrip to ensure that Melody had exceptional quality and feel, comparable to superyachts of a higher grade.
Melody has four staterooms, including a master bedroom, three VIPs, and an additional guest area, with an interior volume of 145 GT. Her magnificent master bedroom has a bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. There is an office and a dressing area in the room as well. Three VIP apartments with ample storage space and an ensuite are located next to her main bedroom.
Melody was created by Olivier F. van Meer as a social gathering spot where guests can unwind in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The sailing yacht offers a sizable dining room with a large dining table, as well as several seating options. While her deck surfaces provide a good number of outdoor dining and relaxing spots as well as a stunning handcrafted Jacuzzi located ahead of the main mast. The deck spaces are free for amusement thanks to the tender hatch.
A Williams DieselJet 445 is included with the sailing vessel and is kept in her cutting-edge garage. The area benefits from an onboard fuelling station, a station for refilling scuba diving equipment, and an iPad-operated tender hatch.
The ability to be operated by one person is yet another essential quality of Melody. She has a single Volvo D13 diesel engine and is powered by a Bermuda ketch rig with a decked stepped mast. Notably, Melody was constructed according to Lloyds Register.
Melody's introduction marks a significant turning point for Ridas Yachts as well as for Estonian shipbuilding. The fact that Estonia's largest sailing yacht was successfully launched shows that the country has the know-how and capacity to construct and deploy more yachts of this size and caliber. Her design plans are in the possession of Estonian Marine and Manufacturing Initiative, which is eager to start work on a new unit.
Melody is on the market and listed through 26 North Yachts.
Credits: Ridas Yachts | Photos: Alvo Kallas
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