Having started her life in 2004 as the 85-meter Annaliesse, one of Andreas Liveras' charter projects, the superyacht underwent a series of ownership changes until it was eventually acquired by American billionaire, Sheldon Adelson, who rebuilt the yacht and extended it by 6.5 meters.
Difficult to recognise following her 16-month refit in Italy, the newly named, 91.5-meter Queen Miri now features a state of the art, floodable garage that transforms into a heated, seawater swimming pool, a beach club and a revamped interior look. With a weekly rate starting at €1,825,000, she's also the most expensive yacht marketed for charter.
Originally built in 2004 by Greek shipyard, Neorion, the yacht was commissioned by the late shipping magnate, Andreas Liveras and christened as Annaliesse. Constructed during the golden age of yacht charter being a viable business for owners, Annaliesse was a popular yacht due to her ability to cruise with parties of up to 36 guests.
In 2007, Annaliesse was however sold to a Dubai-based owner who kept her private following the acquisition and renamed her to Delma. Two years prior to her sale, she was asking $103 million and got a price reduction to $79 million in 2006, the last recorded asking price remained undisclosed.
85m Delma
In 2013, Delma came back on the market, this time asking €53 million. Eventually the yacht was sold to her current owner, Sheldon Adelson. With a net worth valued at $38,6 billion by Forbes, Adelson is most well known as the majority stakeholder of the Las Vegas Sands.
Following his purchase, which occurred at some point in early 2015, Delma was sent to the Amico & Co refit facility in Italy, where the yacht was extended by 6.5-meters, essentially gaining her new beach club and seawater swimming pool. The interior of the yacht was also revamped and a large Jacuzzi installed on the sundeck.
Immediately procuring the image of a superyacht, Queen Miri's main salon features a hallway that stretches in a straight line up to the yacht's bow. On either side of the hallway are a total of 8 cabins on the main deck. Designed to entertain a large amount of guests, the main salon features several sets of lounging areas and coffee tables.
Forward of the lounging area; in the main salon, are two large dinning tables, separated by the infinite hallway, each capable of sitting 18 guests, hence being able to cater in a formal way to its 36 guests. Continuing the salon's purple colour scheme, the dinning room is furnished with a slightly darker violet pallet from its chairs to its carpets and chandeliers.
Whilst there are a lot of cabins onboard Queen Miri, it's behemoth like size at 91.5 meters in length still allows for large guest cabins. Its twin suites for example feature wide rooms with lots of space to move around as well bathrooms worthy of a master cabin on a 50m yacht.
As a true superyacht, Queen Miri features a massive staircase connecting its various floors from the bridge deck all the way down to the lower deck. Both wide and spacious, its staircase and foyers allow for large groups to move around the yacht with ease, for example when entertaining large parties moored in a harbour.
Up on the superyacht's upper deck is an area dedicated to sports. Surrounded by Queen Miri's large tenders and six jet skis, the gym features professional equipment spread out over a space, in essence, as large as the main salon found on the main deck. As a bonus, a children's playing castle was also included as part of the gym's equipment.
Forward of the yacht's gym are located another four guest cabins, two twins and two doubles. These are slightly larger than the cabins found previously on the main deck but are laid out in the same fashion around a central hallway as the rest of the yacht.
Towards the bow of the upper deck can be found Queen Miri's master suite. Although not as large as could typically be found onboard a 91-meter due to the large amount of guest cabins, the stateroom still offers an unbeatable 180 degree view, a private study, a large bathroom and the possibility to connect a twin cabin to it for guests with kids.
Located at the very forward of the yacht's upper deck, the master stateroom can be sealed off for maximum privacy, resulting in essentially a private residence with the best view on board. The gym can also be accessed in just a few seconds out of the owner's area.
Queen Miri's bridge deck, ie it's 4th storey, features yet another lounge area with a bar, playing table and three separate lounging zones, ideally set up for entertaining large groups of guests. Forward of the salon can be found another cabin as well as the captain's cabin. To the forward of the deck is the yacht's bridge.
Towards the aft of the bridge deck can be found another two dinning tables capable of seating 18 guests each as well. This area acts as an outdoor dinning area, which will in fact, typically, be much more used than the formal dinning are on the main deck. To the aft of the tables is a lounging area for cocktails either before or after dinner.
During her refit, one of the areas of the yacht that was most notably improved, in addition to the yacht's beach club, was its outdoor space. Designed within the blue colour theme that spreads throughout the whole boat, it features an American design with regards to furniture.
One of the main improvements on Queen Miri was the installation of a supersized Jacuzzi forward of her sundeck. Surrounded by lounging pads as well as sunpads and lounging chairs, it created the perfect place to enjoy the sun whilst onboard. Aft of the Jacuzzi are a further set of playing tables, wet bar, technical space as well as a helipad populated with sunbeds when not in operation.
A signature area onboard Queen Miri has now become her lower deck. Previously mostly used for crew and operations, the space now features a floodable tender bay to transport one of her tenders. When at anchor, however, the bay transforms into a seawater, heated swimming pool surrounded by mosaics and lights.
Through folding platforms on both sides of the pool and to its aft, a large beach club is extended whenever Queen Miri is at anchor, allowing its guests to enjoy their time at sea and benefit from the yacht's wide array of watertoys and jetskis.
A bonus area of the yacht, which can often be overlooked, is her five-star hotel-grade spa, located amidst the lower deck. Featuring sunbeds located around a plunge pool as well as passage rooms, it acts as a perfect place to relax indoors whilst on Queen Miri.
Another alluring aspect of the yacht, especially to ladies onboard, is Queen Miri's onboard hair salon, which can also be found in its spa area. In addition to acting as a hair salon, it is also used for treatments of all sorts onboard.
Born in Cyprus in 1935, Andreas Liveras immigrated with his family to London in 1963 where he started off selling pastries and driving a delivery truck for a bakery. Five years into his job, he bought the company and expanded it to becoming one of the largest frozen cake manufacturers in Europe.
In 1985, he sold his first bakery business and ultimately started a cream-filled pastry producer in the UK in 1992 with his son, which they later sold for £130 million to the Bakkavor Group.
Liveras is however most well known in yachting for his business of building and chartering out yachts, Liveras Yachts, that he started with his gains from the bakery businesses during what was the golden age of yachting as a business. Queen Miri, formerly known as Annaliesse was one of the yachts built for this business. Tragically, Liveras was killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai, India in 2008.
Born in 1933, Adelson started his first business at 12 years old selling newspapers. His first big hit, however, came with Comdex, a computer trade show. In 1995, he and his partners sold the Interface Group Show Division for $862 million to SoftBank.
In 1988, he purchased the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In 1991, he built the Venetian on top of it. During the years that followed, Adelson continued to expand his gaming empire to other US states and Macau. Forbes currently puts his net worth at $38,6 billion.
Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones and Persico Marine are excited to announce the upcoming launch of their cutting-edge high-performance yacht, Magic Carpet e, which has successfully completed a technical pre-launch at Persico’s La Spezia shipyard.The Magic Carpet brand has long been synonymous with prestige, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the yachting world. At the forefront of this legacy is Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, whose vision and passion have led to the creation of a series of yachts that redefine both performance at sea and comfort on board. More than 20 years after the original Magic Carpet first made waves, Sir Lindsay is embarking on a new journey with Persico Marine, known for their exceptional high-performance yachts. Together, they are poised to reveal the latest groundbreaking addition: Magic Carpet e.This stunning 31-meter yacht, designed by the acclaimed naval architect Guillaume Verdier, combines artistic design with state-of-the-art technology. Magic Carpet e promises unparalleled performance for competitive sailing, setting new standards in the industry.By partnering with Persico Marine, Sir Lindsay ensures that Magic Carpet e exemplifies the highest levels of yacht design, engineering, and craftsmanship. With the yacht nearing completion at Persico’s La Spezia facility following its recent technical pre-launch, the official unveiling is planned for spring 2025 in Saint-Tropez. The yachting community eagerly awaits this event, as testing and fine-tuning push the boundaries of innovation, paving the way for an extraordinary season.As anticipation grows, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones's unwavering commitment to advancing technological frontiers remains central to the project, ensuring that Magic Carpet e upholds the legacy of pushing performance into the future. While built for racing excellence, the yacht also emphasizes luxurious interiors and comfort.For Persico Marine, Magic Carpet e represents the culmination of its commitment to innovation in marine design and engineering. “Projects like Magic Carpet e challenge us to break new ground,” said Marcello Persico, CEO of Persico Marine. “In a time when innovative, fast sailing yachts seem to hinge on foiling, this project demonstrates that there are virtually no limits to the pioneering concepts we can create for a 'traditional yacht.' Magic Carpet e truly elevates high-performance technology to unprecedented levels.”The grand unveiling is scheduled for March 2025.Credits: Studio-Borlenghi/Persico Marine
November 8, 2024
Cantiere delle Marche announces the launch of the custom explorer yacht Tremenda, previously known as Project T. After thorough consideration, an experienced Owner selected Cantiere delle Marche to bring his extraordinary vision to life. The meticulously crafted explorer yacht made her debut in the waters of Ancona, witnessed by the owner and their family."Creating this fully custom explorer yacht has been a complex yet rewarding journey," stated Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche. "Our collaboration with Giorgio M. Cassetta has been remarkably productive, marking the beginning of a successful partnership that has influenced our new and incredibly successful RAW series. Tremenda embodies CdM’s core values – vision, character, and true ocean-going capability. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this exceptional explorer yacht to completion: to the owners for entrusting us with this ambitious project, to designer Giorgio Cassetta for challenging us to elevate our standards, to Arrow Yacht and FGI Yacht Group for their essential contributions, and to Ian Kerr for sharing his invaluable expertise."Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta shaped the striking lines of this 45-meter explorer yacht, featuring a graceful sheer line that transitions from a near-vertical bow to a welcoming transom, complete with an expansive beach area. The interior design further enhances the yacht's unique character and aesthetic."I have a profound appreciation for this extraordinary project,” said Cassetta. "The owners had a clear and well-defined vision. Their expertise and meticulous attention to detail, proportions, functionality, and flow made the design of Tremenda a truly unique experience. It was a privilege to design this yacht for them, and I sincerely thank CdM for their outstanding execution in bringing our vision to life."The owner expressed deep satisfaction with Tremenda: "What impressed us most was CdM's ability to deliver the yacht through finely-tuned teamwork, where every member contributed with skill and dedication, always striving for excellence."Tremenda's bold, striking design exemplifies the power of simplicity, characterized by geometric lines that are both rigorous and refined. This perfect blend of minimalism and elegance commands attention, leaving a lasting impression with her confident and sophisticated presence.Upon stepping aboard Tremenda, guests are greeted with a thoughtfully designed layout. Each space is perfectly proportioned, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance the sense of openness and connection to the surroundings. The yacht’s layout optimizes guest and crew circulation, ensuring seamless movement throughout, maximizing comfort for owners and guests while facilitating efficient service.The yacht accommodates eight guests in four spacious suites located on the Lower deck. The owners enjoy a private, full-beam apartment on the forward section of the main deck, complete with separate his-and-her bathrooms, a dressing area, and a cozy lounging space.Smart naval architecture and engineering solutions by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec allow Tremenda to fully utilize her displacement hull. Powered by twin Man V12-1400 engines, she boasts a top speed of 14.5 knots and an impressive range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, establishing herself as a stunning and highly efficient explorer yacht.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
November 8, 2024
Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group, has been honored as the National Winner of the 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Award, marking the twenty-seventh edition of this prestigious recognition.The award was conferred by an independent jury comprising representatives from various institutions, economics, and industry sectors, who commended Vitelli for her leadership in steering the company towards not only increased growth and profitability but also for her commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, employee welfare, and corporate social responsibility.Giovanna VitelliThis accolade is bestowed annually by EY, the global leader in professional services, on Italian entrepreneurs who significantly impact their country’s economic, social, and environmental landscape. The award recognizes those who excel in transformation, innovation, and sustainability amid evolving challenges.Vitelli began her journey in corporate law before joining the Board of Directors of her family-owned Azimut|Benetti Group in 2000. She advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming Chair in 2023. Under her leadership, the Group — a global leader in mega yacht manufacturing — reported a revenue of 1.3 billion euros in the last financial year, reflecting a remarkable 55% growth over the past four years.Staying true to the mission and values instilled by her father, Vitelli emphasizes continual investment in innovation as essential to maintaining leadership and creating value for both people and the local community. The Group's product development strategy aligns with the aspirations of both the Azimut and Benetti brands, focusing on setting new trends in onboard lifestyle and pursuing technological advancements to minimize environmental impacts.Since the start of her entrepreneurial journey, Vitelli has challenged conventional nautical design by encouraging teams to rethink onboard spaces, resulting in offerings that emphasize contemporary living with a focus on elegance, conviviality, and connection to the sea. Noteworthy innovations include Benetti's Oasis Deck® and Azimut's Seadeck Series, both of which have become market leaders.In terms of environmental sustainability, the Group's strategic approach melds practical solutions with visionary goals, achieving leading results in emissions reductions through advancements like weight reduction, high-efficiency hull designs, hybrid propulsion, and smart onboard power management. Additionally, in partnerships with independent organizations and academic institutions, they advocate for establishing certification standards for consumption and emissions, promoting a more responsible industry.To support this vision, Vitelli has initiated efforts to enhance managerial culture and governance, establishing the Azimut|Benetti Group Corporate Academy, which focuses on professional development and the cultivation of Italian excellence in technology, engineering, and manufacturing, while also aiding the next generation entering the yachting sector."This award signifies recognition for the achievements of our entire Group as we guide our clients into a new era of yachting and a renewed relationship with the sea,” stated Giovanna Vitelli. “As a family company, we have the unique opportunity to focus on long-term value. Today, that commitment means reducing emissions to foster a more sustainable nautical industry that can inspire others to follow suit, all while merging unparalleled beauty with advanced technology. I extend my gratitude to the 2,250 dedicated individuals at Azimut|Benetti Group worldwide, who, alongside me, continue to navigate this journey."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 8, 2024
Over the span of August to early October, Custom Line celebrated the launch of four bespoke yachts, ranging in length from 30 to 42 meters, at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard.The festivities commenced on August 1, with the launch of the 32nd hull in the Custom Line Navetta 33 displacement series, attended by the owner’s family from the AMAS region, shipyard workers, and external contractors. This 33-meter yacht, showcasing unmatched refinement and timeless design, boasts a beam of 7.52 meters. The creation of the Custom Line Navetta 33 was a collaborative effort between the Strategic Product Committee, overseeing exterior styling, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, responsible for the interior aesthetics, with contributions from the Custom Line Atelier. Tailored to reflect the unique style of its seasoned owner, the yacht features a significant focus on social spaces, furnished with expansive custom dining and coffee tables that can accommodate up to 10 guests. The interiors, characterized by an elegant simplicity, utilize a palette of softer tones – white, gray, and bronze – contrasted by darker shades such as deep brown and lava gray, all complemented by luxurious materials including Taj Mahal and Essential Grey marble, Canadian maple wood, and fine leather.On September 10, the twenty-first Custom Line Navetta 30 made its debut. This 28.43-meter yacht, designed through a partnership between the Strategic Product Department and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, features interior architecture by ACPV ARCHITECTS Alberto Citterio Patricia Viel and exterior styling by Filippo Salvetti. It emphasizes spaciousness across three decks, fostering communal and relaxing experiences. With generous glass surfaces and a sleek silhouette, the yacht emphasizes performance with improved fuel efficiency. Its interiors blend classic and modern aesthetics, marked by refined carbon accents and exclusive lacquering, while bespoke furnishings crafted from fine materials exude a sporty yet chic elegance.September 25 marked the launch of the fifth unit of the Custom Line 140’ flagship planing line. This yacht, the result of collaborative design efforts, highlights a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, drawing inspiration from residential architecture to create a refined ‘Made in Italy’ style. High-quality materials like Invisible Grey and polished Azul Cielo marbles merge harmoniously with features inspired by the natural world, such as the soft textures and colors found in the sea. The sophisticated interplay of muted and vibrant hues enriches the yacht’s aesthetic, while metallic finishes and unique fabrics elevate its contemporary elegance.Lastly, on October 10, the twenty-third unit of the Custom Line 106’ planing line was unveiled. Spanning 32.82 meters with a 7.4-meter beam, this yacht embodies a perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort, with an emphasis on natural light and fluid space transitions. Designed by the Ferretti Group Engineering Department and the Custom Line Atelier, it showcases a chic design with warm, inviting interiors highlighted by ribbed walnut panels and luxurious marbles such as Travertino bronze. Subtle color variations enhance the yacht's sophisticated atmosphere, making it a remarkable addition to Custom Line's fleet.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 7, 2024
Strong client demand drives the introduction of high-performance sports yachts, culminating in the launch of the Palm Beach GT70 as the new flagship of the GT series.The hallmark of a successful yacht design lies in its ability to deliver outstanding performance, irrespective of the propulsion system employed. When the foundational elements are meticulously executed, yachts can achieve optimal performance and efficiency, providing a smooth and reliable ride whether outfitted with straight shafts, pod drives, jet drives, or outboards. Palm Beach Motor Yachts exemplifies this principle with its tailored performance motor yachts, redefining what it means to own a true powerboat on the water.Beyond mere performance, Palm Beach Motor Yachts offers enhanced handling and stability – even in challenging sea conditions – supported by glowing testimonials from satisfied owners worldwide. While other vessels remain docked during inclement weather, Palm Beach owners can navigate to their destinations safely and comfortably, regardless of the conditions.At the forefront of this new era of offshore powerboats is the GT RS Series, which now proudly includes the newly launched GT70 RS, alongside the GT50 RS and GT60 RS.A boatbuilding business was launched by Mark Richards in 1995. Today, the company builds a variety of models, including their Classic Series, comprised of the 42, 45, 50, 52, 55, 65, and 70, and the sporty GT Series, which includes the GT50 and GT60. Credits: Palm Beach Motor Yachts
November 7, 2024