The first superyacht ever built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, the 134-meter Serene was delivered in 2011 to Russian billionaire, Yuri Scheffler. As was later revealed, the oligarch sold his superyacht in July 2015 to Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman for $458 million.
Featuring a salt-water swimming pool, a supersized hot tub, a sauna in front of the sea and a fully-operational helipad, Serene became known in yachting as one of the most inspiring superyachts ever completed.
At the time of her delivery, Serene was the 9th largest yacht in the world, barely topping the Emir of Qatar's 133-meter Al Mirqab and outdone by David Geffen's 138-meter Lurssen, Rising Sun. For the state-controlled Italian shipyard, Fincantieri, Serene was, however, the first yacht the company ever built, having primarily focused on commercial ships before.
Currently the 15th largest yacht, Serene turns heads anywhere she goes, not only due to her giant-like size, but also her exterior lines drawn by Espen Oeino and series of innovations in the interior.
Following the sale, her former owner, Scheffler claimed that Fincantieri's second yacht, the 140-meter Ocean Victory built for Russian billionaire, Viktor Rashnikov, had infringed on his intellectual property by building the superyacht on the same platform as Serene. As a result, Scheffler filled a suit against Fincantieri claiming €20,9 million from the shipyard in damages.
Whereas it is unknown how much exactly Scheffler spent building the 134-meter Serene at Fincantieri, it is widely believed in the superyacht sector that the vessel was sold at a profit by Scheffler to the Saudi Arabian deputy crown prince. As revealed by media as part of the Paradise papers, Serene was sold for €420 million.
At the time of the sale, some publications had reported that the sale was closed within several hours with the buyer having asked Scheffler to vacate the yacht within hours of the purchase. The new documentation that emerged through the Paradise papers leaks, however, tells a different story as the sale took at least 10 days to close. Before it could change hands, Serene had to cruise into international waters.
Stretching over a beam of 18.5 meters, Serene is 6 decks tall and boasts a myriad of amenities that few five-star hotels have. One of her most noticeable features from the outside is her supersized bathtub located aft of the sundeck.
One of the seven pools onboard Serene, the Jacuzzi on the top deck is surrounded by lounging pad for sunbathing. Forward of the hot tub is a fully-stocked, wet bar underneath the yacht's observational deck that features an additional set of sun loungers.
Up on the sundeck is yet another spa pool surrounded by lounging pads, located forward of the deck. This particular pool features bar stools and is connected to a fully stocked bar surrounded by two additional hot tubs. A table for casual dining can also be found in the shaded area of the sundeck.
Serene's interior was designed by British design studio Reymond Langton, incorporating a sophisticated mix of cream and dark colors with wooden fixtures. Offering views from any imaginable vantage point, Serene's sky lounge is equipped with a myriad of sofas, chairs and coffee tables for cocktails and tea.
A more formal location designed for the entertainment of larger groups, the main lounge features white colors with dark tones. At the center of the room is a piano with cocktail tables spread out across the room. Interestingly, this lounge sits just over the main dining room with its chandelier hanging through the two spaces and letting the music spread.
The formal dining area features two tables, capable of each accommodating up to 12 guests, bringing the total to 24 guests. Its layout, however, allows for the possibility to extend the table in order to hold larger banquets. On both sides of the room are floor-to-ceiling windows. In terms of food, Serene features a fire pizza oven as well as a teppanyaki grill.
Each space on Serene features a different set of colors, all coordinated across one central theme that spreads around the yacht with circles both on the floor and on the ceiling to create a sense of symmetry. Some of Serene's unique features include an indoor climbing wall as well as an underwater observation lounge.
The 134-meter yacht can carry a total of 24 guests across 12 staterooms divided into one master suite with essentially an owner's deck, a VIP cabin, three twin cabins and seven double staterooms. Serene carries a crew of over 40 people onboard.
Prior to the yacht being sold to the Saudi Arabian crown prince, Serene was made available for charter to select guests by Scheffler. These have included Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, who reportedly chartered Serene at a price tag of $5 million per week during the summer of 2014.
In addition to her vast interior spaces, Serene's exterior lounging spots have been optimized to best utilize the space onboard the 134-meter superyacht. Forward on the bow, for example, forward of the commercial-grade helipad can be found a lounging spot on the bow of the yacht. Although a long walk from the aft deck, these spaces are often used for maximum privacy when moored in a harbor.
Perhaps the most unique space onboard Serene is her swimming pool located aft of the main deck under a retractable glass roof. Up on the main deck, this opening can be closed with glass panels and is surrounded by lounging areas.
One of the most advanced swimming pools ever built on board a superyacht, it is the key element of the beach club that stretches for a large portion of the yacht's lower deck. Within the pool area are two additional Jacuzzis for the yacht's guests to relax in. On both sides of the yacht are lounging areas with access to the sea through foldable platforms.
Serene's beach club facilities, however, do not stop just with its pool. The superyacht features a full-sized spa with a sauna room with glass doors looking out onto the sea through a foldable platform. Next to the sauna are a hammam as well as a snow room.
Lighting systems were installed throughout Serene's exterior to ensure that the yacht could boast a sleek look at night as well as during the day. During the summer, the yacht could previously often have been seen lighting up Monaco and the Côte d'Azur.
Photo by Julien Hubert
Following her sale to the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia, the yacht started spending time in the Persian Gulf. During the summer of this year, Serene ran aground on a reef near Tiran Island in the Red Sea. Some damage is believed to have been sustained to her bow at the time, although the superyacht has been repaired since. Several days ago, she cruised to a shipyard in the Netherlands for maintenance work.
Currently valued at $1,6 billion by Forbes, Yuri Sheffler made his fortune in the alcohol business. Venturing into business in 1993, Sheffler made a series of moves that got him the rights to brands of vodka such as Stolichnaya, which was previously owned by a state-owned corporation. This has put him at the center of long litigations with the Russian government over the ownership of the brand.
Having left Russia for Switzerland and the United Kingdom during the early 2000s, Sheffler is currently the main shareholder in SPI Group, a conglomerate that sells alcohol under 380 brands in 160 countries. Earlier this year he acquired an estate in Scotland at an asking price of £25 million.
In 2014, Fincantieri launched its second megayacht, the 140-meter Ocean Victory which was commissioned by another Russian oligarch, Viktor Rashnikov, whose net worth is estimated at $4.8 billion. Prior to its launch in December 2014 however, Fincantieri was ordered to pay €20.9 million to Serena Equity Limited (the company controlled by Shefler that owned Serene) by London courts.
Shefler's main claim was that Fincantieri had used Serene, on which the billionaire says he holds intellectual property, to develop Ocean Victory which he says is a near sistership. In fact, both superyachts boast an exterior design by Espen Oeino and seem to have similar technical characteristics.
As such, English courts have granted Shefler €13,2 million for the violation of his intellectual property and €7.7 million for late deliveries, which were to be paid by Fincantieri where the Italian government holds a 70% controlling stake. Fincantieri, however, filed a motion in Trieste's Court of Appeals in 2015 to dismiss the fact that London's ruling applied.
Mohammad bin Salman, born in 1985, is the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia and currently sits as the youngest defense minister in the world and the first deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
Julien Hubert
From a technical standpoint, Serene can reach a top speed of 25 knots and cruise at 15 knots. Reportedly, her interior volume comes in at 8,231GT, ie, half of Dilbar, the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage.
Benetti unveiled M/Y Juno’s 7, the inaugural vessel of its Class 44M series, during a launch event in Viareggio. This remarkable yacht showcases the artistry of Cassetta Yacht Designers, featuring a design that emphasizes natural, informal settings across its four decks, reflecting the brand's rich heritage.Juno’s 7 represents a significant milestone for Benetti, as it is the shipyard's fiberglass flagship, merging excellence and tradition with a modern flair. Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti’s Sales Director, expressed her excitement, stating, “This yacht embodies our continued commitment to innovation while honoring our legacy. Cassetta Yacht Designers have expertly redefined the exterior and interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to our design ethos.”The design philosophy behind Juno’s 7 focuses on creating a relaxing atmosphere, intentionally steering clear of overly artificial or elaborate environments. The use of expansive transparent surfaces, such as hull mirrors in the main lounge, enhances the natural light and openness of the space.Material selection played a central role in the design. Highlights include the use of trowelled resin for bathroom surfaces instead of traditional marble – reserved only for the main deck's basins. The yacht features a diverse array of FSC-certified woods, including antique elm flooring that retains the wood’s natural knots and uniquely varied plank sizes. Striped ash paneling was chosen for the walls, meticulously curated to achieve the perfect aesthetic for the yacht.Juno’s 7 is tailored for extended and secure voyages, with a layout designed for maximum privacy and ample storage. The yacht boasts four decks: the main deck includes the owner’s cabin, a galley, a dayhead, and a spacious lounge with panoramic views; the upper deck features a helm station, expansive living areas, and an optional VIP cabin; the sun deck offers over 102 square meters of recreational space, while the lower deck houses four guest cabins and crew facilities. A unique beach club near the water's edge adds an independent, multifunctional area, complemented by a garage strategically located on the port side.Soundproofing is a standout feature, placing this 44-meter yacht at the forefront of its class through advanced floating floors, bulkheads, and cutting-edge flexible transmission couplings. Additionally, the yacht’s air-conditioning system ensures optimal climate control with six air exchanges per hour.Powered by twin MAN engines rated at 1,400 HP each at 2,300 r/min, Juno’s 7 can reach a top speed of 15 knots and offers an impressive range of 4,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
November 15, 2024
The Italian Sea Group marked a significant milestone with its brand Tecnomar for Lamborghini during the European premiere of Automobili Lamborghini's latest super sports car, the Temerario1.Over 400 automotive enthusiasts arrived at Lamborghini Day Germany, hosted at Luftschiffhangar Mülheim near Düsseldorf, showcasing their extraordinary super sports cars. The event offered a thrilling 360-degree celebration of the iconic brand and unveiled the Temerario1, a remarkable Fuoriclasse super sports car boasting a powerful 920-hp twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain.As a partner for the occasion, Tecnomar for Lamborghini curated a unique experience using its Ad Personam configurator, enabling guests to customize their own Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht. A stunning scale model of the yacht captured the attention of attendees, emphasizing the dynamic synergy between the realms of Tecnomar and Lamborghini through their shared attributes of sportiness and power.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
November 15, 2024
The power of enduring collaborations is evident, especially when it comes to the partnership between shipyard and design studio. This synergy speaks not only to the success of previous projects but also to the mutual understanding of project needs and how to elevate past designs into something new.This rings true for the Italian design studio Hot Lab, a part of the Viken Group, and Turkish shipyard Numarine, known for their popular contemporary explorer yachts, many of which have benefitted from Hot Lab's creative flair. It’s this successful history that led Numarine to engage Hot Lab for the interior design of its new flagship, the 45.34-metre 45XP, debuting for the first time. The interiors showcase clever spatial designs, multifunctional spaces, and a clean yet inviting beach-house-chic aesthetic that beautifully complements the expansive deck areas and guest amenities of the 45XP.Main saloon “With several years of collaboration under our belts, we share a mutual understanding of each other’s distinct styles,” said Ömer Malaz, Chairman of Numarine. “Given the significance of this new flagship, establishing a cohesive design strategy was paramount. While we provided some technical guidelines, we entrusted much of the creative vision to the Hot Lab team.”Main saloonThe yacht boasts a remarkable 498GT exterior, highlighted by striking profile lines that maximize deck space and superstructure glazing, ensuring a strong connection to the outside world from any point within. But the 45XP is designed not only for aesthetics; it’s built for serious cruising, featuring a seaworthy hull with a trans-ocean range of 6,000 nautical miles. This exceptional foundation allowed Hot Lab to enhance the livability of the guest spaces, drawing upon their extensive experience with previous models in the series.Master cabinThe design process began with a thorough review of the layout, which proved to be a straightforward task, thanks to Numarine’s advanced work. “The project was already positioned well technically, and Numarine requested our input on the general arrangement,” shared Enrico Lumini, design director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “Minimal intervention was needed because the yard had developed an incredibly solid design. For this 45-metre yacht, we provided insights built from our extensive construction experience, focusing on the yard's strengths while suggesting minor improvements for detail.”Upper deck loungeMalaz noted that Hot Lab understood Numarine's previous projects well, having crafted varied interiors for their last few models. “They recognize that interiors don't always need to mirror the exterior style, especially for well-received yachts produced in multiple units,” he stated. “However, they strive to enhance the interplay between interior and deck spaces, ensuring that windows and connections to the outdoors create cohesion.”Upper deck cabinThe interior design philosophy aimed to craft warm, inviting, and well-proportioned areas that harmonize in color. The layout prioritizes spaciousness in individual cabins rather than simply maximizing the number of cabins. While the design is adaptable to client preferences, Numarine is showcasing the project with an emphasis on five generously-sized cabins, fostering privacy alongside communal spaces—an essential feature for their flagship design. The yacht includes large saloons and a spacious owner’s cabin with direct access to a private bow area. “It harmonizes the yard's characteristics with innovative proposals,” Lumini noted.Moreover, they intentionally layered multiple functionalities within shared spaces to promote social interaction. This resulted in inclusive areas where families of varying ages could engage together or pursue different activities, with the saloon serving as a communal “piazza” that thoughtfully integrates lounging, dining, and cinema within a unified setting.Complementing this design is a carefully curated palette of colors and materials, balancing wood and leather and contrasting grey-sand oak with burgundy leather. The stylish design of walls and columns is fused with oriental tones in the ceiling panels. “This blend of styles is perhaps the yacht's most distinctive feature,” Lumini remarked.Main saloonÖmer Malaz further emphasized that the designers drew inspiration from current trends – not simply for the sake of fashion, but because these trends align seamlessly with their design philosophy. Their approach favors simplicity, natural materials, and unrefined finishes, celebrating the essence of materials like travertine and oak without artificial treatments. “This philosophy allows the natural aesthetics of these interiors to shine,” Lumini affirmed.This collaboration exemplifies the thorough alignment of purposeful layout and design, positioning the 45XP as a testament to Numarine's commitment to quality and style. “Our long-term partnership reflects continuity and trust, making us proud of our collective achievements,” expressed Antonio Romano, commercial director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab. “This yacht is unequivocally Numarine, offering spacious interiors and unique pathways, yet it represents the pinnacle of quality and style developed by the yard over recent years. We’re thrilled to have contributed to it.”Malaz wrapped up by noting, “Our new flagship marks a further evolution of our previous endeavors, embodying the design expertise and construction quality we've perfected over countless projects. This interior layout and style resonate perfectly with the essence of the 45XP and the adventurous cruising lifestyle that Numarine offers to all our owners through our tailored explorer yachts.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.The Viken Group includes Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. It has been established to gather leading and passionate companies, with similar ideas and business ethics, under one umbrella. This enables it to provide a full range of completely aligned and comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services.Credits: Numarine
November 15, 2024
Saxdor Yachts enhances its global footprint by entering the Mexican market through a strategic partnership with Performance Boats, the country’s leading family-owned marine company. As Saxdor's inaugural official dealer in Mexico, Performance Boats will introduce the brand’s cutting-edge, high-performance models to customers nationwide, solidifying Saxdor’s presence in the Americas and positioning Mexico as a vital hub for future growth in the region.With over 33 years in the industry, Performance Boats stands as Mexico's largest family-owned marine business. Built on a foundation of exceptional customer service, the company boasts an impressive portfolio, representing renowned brands like Ferretti, Boston Whaler, Fairline, and Pershing. To date, they have successfully sold over 4,000 units and operate from eight strategic locations across the nation, including full-service marinas, dry storage facilities, and fueling stations. Performance Boats offers a comprehensive range of services, ensuring maintenance, storage, and yacht management for their clients.This partnership signifies a crucial milestone for Saxdor, which is actively expanding its geographic reach—an impressive feat achieved in just five years. By entering the Mexican market with Performance Boats, Saxdor aims to address the diverse demands of the country’s boating regions, from the stunning waters of Cancún to the Pacific coastline and inland lakes. The brand’s versatile models will deliver the perfect mix of performance, design, and innovation, enhancing the experience for Mexican boating enthusiasts.Performance Boats’ dedication to quality service is key to this collaboration, ensuring Saxdor owners in Mexico receive superior, localized support. With a bilingual team fluent in Spanish and English, Performance Boats offers a comprehensive suite of services, including after-sales support and technical assistance, guaranteeing that each Saxdor boat operates at peak performance for yacht owners and their crews. To further enhance after-sales support across the Americas, Saxdor will also establish a spare parts storage facility in Florida, minimizing response times and ensuring swift access to essential components for U.S. and Mexican clients.“We are extremely proud and excited to begin this partnership with Performance Boats, the most esteemed dealer in Mexico,” said Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts. “Their long-standing reputation for excellence and extensive reach align seamlessly with Saxdor’s commitment to quality and performance. This collaboration opens new opportunities for Saxdor in one of the most vibrant yachting markets.”Jon Hautamäki, Saxdor Yachts’ Sales Director, added, “We are truly impressed with the strong presence that Performance Boats has established in the Mexican market, supported by exceptional facilities and an experienced team. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will broaden the brand’s reach in the region and provide top-notch service to our customers.”The alliance with Performance Boats represents a significant advancement in Saxdor’s strategic plan to establish robust footholds across the Americas. Together, Saxdor and Performance Boats will deliver innovative, high-quality boats to the Mexican market, granting local enthusiasts access to Saxdor's state-of-the-art fleet and a tailored customer experience backed by decades of industry expertise.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
November 14, 2024
Ferretti Group continues its upward trajectory, reporting a remarkable marginality of 16.0%, an adjusted EBITDA of €138.2 million, and an order intake that has surpassed €1 billion, resulting in an unprecedented order backlog of €1.6 billion as of today.Order intake for the first nine months of 2024 reached €736.9 million, totaling over €1 billion due to a robust influx of orders after the quarter-end, fueled by favorable responses from recent boat shows. The current order backlog stands at a record €1.6 billion, reflecting the volume of orders secured since the conclusion of Q3. Net revenue from new yacht sales amounted to €865.3 million, which marks a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of €138.2 million represents a 10.7% increase, with a margin of 16.0%, up by 100 basis points from the first nine months of 2023. The net profit was €62.2 million, closely aligned with the €61.9 million reported in the first nine months of 2023. As of September 30, 2024, the net financial position reflects €149.6 million in net cash. The mid-term guidance remains intact; however, the 2024 forecasts have been cautiously revised, pending the confirmation of order pickups from the American market following the elections in the composite segment.The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. convened to review and approve the consolidated financial results as of September 30, 2024, and to organize the upcoming ordinary shareholders’ meeting.Alberto Galassi, the Group’s CEO, commented: “With the closure of this quarter, we have achieved a new record in profitability, reaching 16%, confirming the strength and effectiveness of our strategy. In the third quarter of 2024, we observed a significant increase in order intake from the Super Yacht segment, confirming the success of our positioning in this market through the enhancement of our brands. We are also seeing excellent signs from the Composite Yachts segment, which we expect will provide a new boost to order intake. Additionally, the strong results from our participation in the major Mediterranean boat shows and the opening of the American season further contribute to our outlook, being activities that could bring concrete benefits in the short term. The Order Backlog as of September 30 stands at €1.3 billion, and by adding the orders received after the close of the quarter, the value is in line with that recorded in the first nine months of 2023. On the production side, we are continuing at a rapid pace with the construction of the Ravenna shipyard, which will soon allow us to expand and further improve our offering, optimizing the product mix and consolidating our position in segments with high growth and profitability potential.”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
November 14, 2024