In June 2015 it was announced that yet another superyacht with a name inspired by a James Bond movie would be built, the 66-meter Spectre. Commissioned by American businessman, John Staluppi, the superyacht is set to become his 7th yacht.
Active in the automobile industry since the 1950s, Staluppi is best known for building the fastest yacht on Earth, the 40-meter The World is Not Enough along with the rest of his Bond fleet that keeps growing in length.
Moving up from an 18-meter Viking boat, Staluppi commissioned the 36-meter For Your Eyes Only from Denison as his first yacht. The semi-displacement yacht was eventually launched in 1985 and became the first motor yacht to have a combination of MTU engines with water-jets in the US, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 30 knots.
In the late eighties, For Your Eyes Only hit a sandbar which led to her taking in water from a crack in the engine room. The yacht was eventually salvaged, refitted and renamed with some speculating that the following alleged legal actions, combined with the sinking of two other Denisons within a short amount of time, led to the bankruptcy of the US shipyard.
In 1988, Octopussy was launched as Staluppi's second yacht in a successful attempt to build the fastest yacht in the world. A defining moment for Heesen Yachts, Octopussy had to reach 50 knots in order for Staluppi to take ownership of the boat, which it ultimately did, reaching a top speed of 53 knots. Staluppi eventually sold the 44-meter yacht after having used her for close to a year in and a half, which allowed him to start working on his next project, Moonraker.
A fast cruising trideck, Octopussy now features an interior by Art Line. Fully refitted by her current owners in 2015, the 44-meter now has a sundeck with a Jacuzzi and raised sun pads. On the upper deck, she features a sky lounge and her sporty bridge along with two dinning tables to her aft.
Down on her main deck is the yacht's main lounge with a myriad of seating areas, tall windows, a bar area and a TV screen that slides out amidst ship. Towards the yacht's aft is a dinning table for 12 guests that can be either opened up in good weather or closed down with glass panels. Forward of the deck is the main cabin with four additional guest cabins on the lower deck. The yacht's current owner's are selling it at $4,995,000.
By the time Octopussy was sold, HH the Aga Khan, was building a yacht to overtake the crown of the world's fastest yacht. Staluppi therefore set out to build an even faster one and the 36-meter Moonraker was eventually delivered in 1992 by Norship with a design done by Dutch-based Mulder.
In 1998, Staluppi set up his own business in yachting, Millenium Superyachts that was to handle his project in the superyacht industry. In 2004, the newly created label delivered The World Is Not Enough, a 40-meter yacht with 20,600hp that could reach a top speed of 70 knots but couldn't steer past 66 knots according to the owner.
In October 2007, Staluppi acquired a project in-build from Henry Luken, co-owner of Christensen Shipyards. In 2008, the 49.6-meter Casino Royale which can cruise at a more regular speed of 12 knots, was delivered to her new owner. Built out of composite, the full displacement yacht came in at just under 500GT. It was later listed for sale in December 2008 and sold in April 2009 to Californian businessman, David McDonald.
Built with a more traditional, American audience in mind, Casino Royale features a straightforward layout with a full-beam master cabin forward of the main deck, 2 guest, 2 twin and one VIP cabin on the lower deck. With two tenders and three jet skis carried onboard, Casino Royale features a lounge on the main deck and a sky lounge as well.
In July 2009, Staluppi acquired Midlandia, a 52-meter Benetti with an asking price of €19,950,000, which he renamed to Quantum of Solace and extensively refitted. In August 2009, he listed the boat for sale again at an asking price of $24,995,000 and eventually sold it, two years later, in July 2011.
Designed with Italian roots at its heart, Quantum of Solace has a layout more typical of yachts found in the Mediterranean. Its main tender is brought into a tender garage aft of the lower deck, with a foldable platform for swimming. This clears out the sundeck for lounging, sunbathing, casual dinning and leaves enough space up there for a Jacuzzi.
In a configuration that has proven popular for charters, Quantum of Solace's main deck features a main salon and dinning room with an outdoor lounging area towards the aft. Up on the second deck is a large sky lounge with a playing table, bar area, lounging area and large outdoor dinning table.
In November 2011, Diamonds are Forever was launched for Staluppi who had acquired the yacht whilst in-built, 18 months prior to its delivery. Throughout the construction project, Staluppi made several substantial improvements including the addition of an extra top deck.
Originally intended to be chartered out by its owners, Diamonds are Forever was listed for sale in August 2012, asking $63 million. In October 2012, her asking price was reduced to $59.5 million and she was eventually sold in December 2013.
With a number of features mirroring the Quantum of Solace, such as the large bar area in the sky lounge, Diamonds are Forever became a refined version of Staluppi's previous builds. The main attribute that set the yacht apart from other Benetti's of her size is the addition of a fifth deck to act as a sunbathing area, creating a second master cabin on the upper deck and pushing the bridge up to the third deck.
Born in Brooklyn in 1947, Staluppi started as a mechanic at 16 years old with a life long passion for cars during the golden era of automobiles. His first business became a Sunoco station, which he established thanks to a loan that his father took on.
After establishing a chain of gas stations, Staluppi risked bringing on an unknown car manufacturer at the time to the American market, which is now known as Honda. After 10 years, Staluppi established 20 dealerships of Honda cars in the United States. After Honda, Staluppi established a network of dealerships of Hyundai cars.
An avid collector of cars, Staluppi had established a museum around cars from all eras and an extensive personal collection. In 2012, these cars were put up for auction by RM Sotheby's in Palm Beach and generated over $11,5 million in sales revenue.
"John Staluppi is larger than life and well known in the collector-car hobby. His collection reflects a very precise collecting philosophy, focused on securing only the very best." said Donnie Gould of RM Auctions at the time of the auction.
Commissioned in July 2015, Spectre will become Staluppi's seventh superyacht named after a James Bond film and will also be designed by Mulder.
Italian designer Mauro Giamboi has partnered with Van Oossanen Naval Architects to introduce a new superyacht range named Azzurra. The designs, ranging from 30 to 50 meters, fuse classic Italian aesthetics with innovative engineering features, including an asymmetric main-deck layout prioritizing the main saloon and a highly efficient naval platform."Mauro Giamboi and Van Oossanen have created a family of yachts that are not only visually stunning but also set new standards in performance and efficiency," said Perry Van Oossanen, attributing the success of the designs to the synergy between Italian design and Dutch engineering. All models are based on the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), developed by Oossanen, offering up to 20 to 30 percent fuel savings at cruising speeds.The Azzurra 40, the first model in the range, has been designed as the "ultimate semi-custom platform" in its size category (40.2 meters). Central to its design is the aft deck, featuring a glass-fronted dip pool, sun loungers, and sofa seating. Expandable bulwarks increase the usable space to 85 square meters, while steps aft and starboard lead to the swim platform for easy water access. The sundeck houses dining, sunbathing, and lounging areas, with the latter partially shielded by the hardtop.The yacht accommodates up to 16 guests and nine crew, with the option to convert cabins for charter-friendly occupancy. The owner's suite, located on the upper deck, features a casual dining area, office space, sofa seating, and a private balcony spanning 40 square meters. The Azzurra 40 is compatible with traditional twin-engine setups and hybrid propulsion, with a projected maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Two additional models, the Azzurra 36 and an ice-class Azzurra 48, have also been developed.Giamboi recently shared two other concepts with BOAT International: an 80-meter yacht designed for polar adventures and a 40-meter catamaran featuring the largest, most immersive beach club in its size range.Credits: Mauro Giamboi
April 9, 2025
Acquera Yachting is participating in the 35th edition of the MYBA Charter Show, scheduled from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the scenic Portosole Marina in Sanremo. As the pinnacle event for charter superyachts, the MYBA Charter Show attracts attendees from over 30 nations, making it a must-attend occasion for brokers, service providers, and management firms alike.For Acquera Yachting, this show serves as a pivotal moment to showcase its enhanced in-house processes and services amidst a period of rapid evolution and expansion. Notably, around 30% of Acquera Yachting's clientele consists of charter yachts, reflecting the firm's comprehensive capabilities in managing port operations, customs and immigration procedures, bunkerage, technical assistance, and bespoke lifestyle services such as concierge and entertainment.In today's fast-evolving landscape, charter clients demand not only opulence and convenience but also immersive, curated journeys tailored to their preferences. Recognizing this shift, Acquera Yachting remains steadfast in its mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions that integrate digital innovation, sustainability, and exclusivity.Caterina Oliviero, Chief Commercial Officer at Acquera Yachting, emphasizes the transformational nature of the charter market, stating:“Clients today seek extraordinary adventures in breathtaking locations, combined with impeccable service. By leveraging technological advancements and emphasizing eco-friendliness, we’re unlocking unprecedented possibilities for yachting enthusiasts. Our unwavering commitment lies in providing unrivaled experiences that define the future of yachting.”Through strategic investments and dynamic partnerships, Acquera Yachting aims to lead the way in shaping the charter industry of tomorrow.By blending expertise with innovation, Acquera Yachting looks forward to engaging with global partners and strengthening its position as a trailblazer at the MYBA Charter Show 2025.Credits: Acquera Yachting
April 9, 2025
Visionary Turkish catamaran builder VisionF Yachts is poised to revolutionize the marine industry with the debut of stunning new images of its groundbreaking E-Cat 80, a 23.97-meter fully-electric catamaran. Boasting advanced engineering and sustainable technology, the E-Cat 80 sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury yachting. With two orders already secured, the first unit has been successfully delivered and is preparing to explore the picturesque waters of the Adriatic Sea.The E-Cat 80 combines elegance with efficiency, offering expansive interior spaces capable of hosting up to 14 guests across customizable layouts. Its interiors, crafted by acclaimed designer Marco Casali of TOO Design, embody a minimalist approach with calming neutral hues and thoughtful use of natural lighting. Vinyl wood finishes and sleek marble details further elevate the aesthetic, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.Powered by a cutting-edge electric propulsion system, the E-Cat 80 achieves optimal performance while minimizing environmental impact. Equipped with twin generators and a substantial fuel reserve, the yacht boasts an operational range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, ensuring both reliability and long-distance capability. The vessel's spacious tender garage can store multiple watercraft, including jet skis, enhancing recreational opportunities for guests.Leveraging advanced solar technology, the E-Cat 80 generates renewable energy directly from sunlight, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels during daytime operation. This forward-thinking design positions the E-Cat 80 as a leader in sustainable maritime transportation.VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: Kerem Sanliman/VisionF Yachts
April 9, 2025
Mengi Yay's 47.4-meter sailing yacht Seleda has entered the brokerage market for the first time since her delivery in 2021, listed for sale by Bertrand Vogèle and Sebastiano Pitasi of Next Yachting.Constructed to RINA class specifications using cold laminated wood, Seleda features an exterior design by the Turkish shipyard, naval architecture by Ginton Naval Architects, and interiors by BTA Design. The yacht has had only one owner since new, with her broker describing her as the "perfect balance of luxury, performance, and indulgence."Seleda accommodates 11 guests in five cabins, including a master suite with a lounge and office, two VIP cabins, and two twins. Eight crew members are housed in four cabins. The yacht's interiors are open-plan and contemporary, characterized by dark wood flooring and a mix of curved lines and geometric shapes in furniture, wall panels, and art pieces. The main saloon is bright and spacious, featuring a comfortable elongated sofa, bar, and dining table seating 10.Above deck, a large sundeck offers panoramic views, equipped with sun loungers and an L-shaped sofa. The long foredeck includes an elevated sunpad near an al fresco table, seating area, and tender storage, while the aft deck features an additional dining table sheltered from the sundeck overhang.Powered by twin 671hp Caterpillar diesel engines, Seleda reaches a maximum speed of 12 knots and cruising speed of 10 knots. She boasts an impressive 990 square meters of sail area.Seleda is listed for €11.5 million.Mengi Yay Yachts was founded in 1964 in Turkey. Now the company owns one of the largest (19,365 sq m) yards that were specifically designed for the refit and refurbishment of existing craft as well as the manufacturing of the new motor and sailing yachts. Credits: Mengi Yay Yachts
April 8, 2025
Exteta x Riva have collaborated to produce a line of outdoor furnishings that combines the design philosophies of both brands. The collection is inspired by Riva's heritage and the nautical lifestyle, offering a contemporary aesthetic rooted in the traditions of Italian craftsmanship.Materials and design elements from Riva motorboats are integrated into the Exteta x Riva collection, creating a seamless blend of sophistication and durability. The pieces are designed to enhance both residential and yacht environments, offering versatility and style.The collection includes seating, upholstered furniture, tables, and complementary accessories, all crafted with high-quality materials. The use of sapele mahogany and stainless steel reflects the attention to detail and timeless appeal of Riva’s legacy.The Exteta x Riva collection is intended to bring a refined touch to outdoor living, with thoughtful design elements that mimic the elegance of Riva yachts. Each piece is designed to complement both residential and nautical settings, providing users with a cohesive and stylish experience.Credits: Exteta x Riva
April 8, 2025