One of the world's most appealing industries in the world from a PR and marketing standpoint, yachting often appears as a relatively untouched field to the automotive industry. Yet, over the years, several players from that market tried to venture into yachting.
Whilst the avenues they took to compete in yachting ranged from simple concepts co-designed with shipyards to actual yachts built with partner yachting brands to outright acquisitions of stakes in shipyards, the perspective of a potential success in yachting has continued to excite car manufacturers for several decades.
Ferrari and family
Brands: Ferretti Group (13.2%)
The Italian sports car manufacturer's history in yachting stretches all the way back to 1990 with the delivery of the Riva Ferrari 32. In total, 30 hulls of this speedboat line styled by Ferrari were built. In 2016, a barely used model was auctioned off by Sotheby's in Monaco at a starting price of €180,000. Powered by Vulcano engines, the boat can reach a top speed of 100 km/h.
Ferrari's most significant step into yachting seems to however have come in 2016, when Piero Ferrari, the son of Ferrari founder, Enzo Ferrari, bought 13.2% of Ferretti Group, the company behind brands such as Riva, CRN and Pershing. Controlled by Chinese conglomerate, Weichai, Ferretti Group posted earnings before tax of €11 million in the first quarter of 2016.
Porsche and family
Brands: Royal Falcon Fleet, Fearless, Kormaran
Partners: Dynamiq Yachts
Through its majority-owned subsidiary, Porsche Design Group, the German company first tried entering yachting with the Fearless 28, an 8.5-meter luxury speedboat reaching top speeds of up to 78 knots, four of which were built.
The German's sports car manufacturer's second attempt to enter yachting came in 2009 with the introduction of a concept for a 41-meter catamaran in combination with Royal Falcon Fleet, a now Swedish-based company that had developed the project for a fractional ownership program with a break down of about 10 owners per RFF135.
The delivery of the first RF135 was however postponed first from Q4 2010 to 2012 and then later seemed to disappear from the map. Part-built, the catamaran is currently still lying in Oregrund, Sweden where Royal Falcon Fleet offices are now located.
In 2012, Peter Daniell Porsche, great-grandson of Porsche founder, Ferdinand Porsche became a partner in Kormaran, a company trying to bring to market a transforming watercraft capable of cruising in six different positions, including a monohull and a trimaran, which is set to retail for near to €1 million.
Following their delays with the RF135, Porsche design was ultimately able to put a yacht on the water. The first superyacht they designed to be built became the 35-meter GT115 built together with yachting upstart, Dynamiq Yachts. Delivered earlier this year, the GTT115 is now on the market asking €13,950,000.
The second largest model in the company's Gran Turismo Transatlantic range, after their 39m GTT 130, the launched 35m yacht has a beam of 7,1 meters and a shallow draft of just 1,45 meters letting the yacht access sheltered bays.
Built out of aluminium, the GT 115 can boasts 3 or 4 cabins for a total of 6 or 8 guests and carries a crew of 6. With a gross tonnage of 198 tons, she can reach a top speed if 21 knots and cruise for up to 3,400 nautical miles at 10 knots. At 9 knots, she consumes just 52 l/h. According to the shipyard, production of the GT 115 will be limited to 7 units to make the yacht a collector's item, with prices starting at €12,500,000, going up depending on customisation.
Mercedes-Benz
Model: Arrow 460 Granturismo
Partners: Baltic Yachts
In 2016, Mercedes-Benz, the famed German car manufacturer, introduced their first yacht designed by Mercedes-Benz Style, a 14-meter luxury speed boat nicknamed, Silver Arrow of the Seas. Powered by twin Yanmar engines of 480hp each, the yacht can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. With a price tag of near €2,5 million, only 10 of these boats will be manufactured at Baltic Yachts for this first edition.
Baltic Yachts will produce all the composite components for the Arrow460 Edition1 and be responsible for assembly. Each yacht will be produced in Jakobstad using a ‘just in time’ manufacturing system, common motor industry practice noted for its streamlined efficiency. All partner companies in Silver Arrows Marine’s Network of Excellence supply chain will deliver direct to Baltic Yachts.
Aston Martin
Model: Aston Martin AM37
Partners: Quintessence Yachts
In partnership with Quintessence Yachts, a boat builder based in the Netherlands, Aston Martin have introduced their first 37-foot luxury speedboat at the Monaco Yacht Show last year. Having spent two years in research and development, the A37 will come in two options with top speeds of either 50 or 45 knots.
All AM37s benefit from a unique sliding cockpit cover which can be remotely operated with a mobile app. Navigation, control monitor and entertainment systems are integrated within a 15’ touchscreen in the dashboard, with advanced functions to control the electric anchor, retractable bimini and retractable swim platform. Each of these phenomenal day cruisers is manufactured using the latest in composite technologies and features many carbon fibre mouldings, including the deck of the boat.
Bugatti
Models: Niniette Series
Partners: Palmer Johnson
The result of a partnership between French car manufacturer, Bugatti and former US shipyard, Palmer Johnson, the Niniette series features several models between 50 and 88 feet. Amongst the project's key amenities are a large sunbathing area on the main deck as well as a spacious living room and a large master cabin on the lower deck.
An advanced stabilized hull achieves speed with efficiency, whilst the super slim main hull means higher speeds with lower input power and fuel burn. Side sponsons give additional vessel beam and hence increased stability at rest. Bugatti Niniette 66 reaches a top speeds of 44 knots and has a shallow draft of 0.83 metres.
"The Niniette is a genuine member of the Bugatti family. With its accentuated centre line and the duotone colour split of the exterior, it encompasses key elements of Bugatti’s heritage." explained Etienne Salomé, Design Director at Bugatti. "True to the company’s guiding design principle of ‘form follows performance’, the clear lines and dynamic stance of the yacht in combination with the characteristic, Bugatti signature line fused into the side profile of the boat are a reference to the recently launched Chiron. Even from a large distance when entering a port, the Niniette will always be recognized as a true Bugatti"
Lexus
Model: Lexus Sport Yacht
Partners: Marquis-Carver Yacht Group
Lexus, a division of Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, had recently launched a concept for a 12.7-meter luxury speedboat built by Marquis-Carver Yacht Group in Wisconsin. The proof of concept could reach a top speed of 43 knots powered by twin 440hp Lexus engines but is not set to go into mass production.
The captain controls and monitors onboard systems from a color touchscreen panel at the helm; screens show GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The forward passenger cabin is inviting in luxurious Lexus leather with wood and glass details. A standing height, sofa seating for six with a table, and air conditioning create a comfortable environment for intimate entertaining.
Henrik Fisker
Partners: Benetti
The lead designer behind luxury electric car manufacturer, Fisker Automotive, Henrik Fisker partnered with Italian shipyard, Benetti, the shipyard delivering the most yachts per year in the world, on a 50-meter concept.
Taking a new look at traditional yachts delivered by Benetti, the concept boasts a range of intriguing features. In addition to an open sundeck, with a round lounging area forward of the main deck, the yacht would feature a hot tub forward on the bow to utilise space more.
In addition to a large beach club created through folding platforms on either side and aft of the yacht, another intriguing feature of the concept is a master cabin on the bow of the yacht with floor-to-ceiling windows and a working fireplace.
Turkish yard Bering Yachts has released details on its new 32.2-meter explorer model, the Bering 105. The yacht is designed for extended cruising and charter operations, building on the platform introduced with the 26.6-meter Bering 88, whose first unit recently completed sea trials.The Bering 105 features the same beam of 8.2 meters as its smaller sister, with accommodation for 10 guests and seven crew. The additional six metres translate into roomier interiors and exteriors, including a spacious swim platform and beach club, along with an optional swimming pool on the main deck aft.Guest cabins are located on the lower deck alongside the crew quarters and captain’s cabin, while the master suite is positioned on the main deck towards the bow. The master suite is equipped with windows port and starboard, a desk space, and a his and hers en suite. The upper deck skylounge can be converted into a suite if preferred, with a separate lounge area and private access to the upper deck aft, which stores a 5.2-meter tender and other water toys while underway.On the main deck, there is the main saloon, a formal dining area for ten guests, and a sit-up bar. A projector and large screen convert the space into a home theatre when required, while the screen between the salon and the galley can be removed to create a semi-open kitchen concept.The beach club can be configured as a gym, sauna, or additional storage space. The flybridge features a wet bar, open galley, and sofa seating aft, shaded under the hardtop, with sunloungers forward. An additional lounge space is positioned on the bow, complete with a coffee table and twinned sofas.The model can be powered by a hybrid propulsion system for a maximum speed of 14 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles.Bering Yachts designs and builds semi-custom, steel-hulled expedition yachts and luxury trawler yachts ranging in size from 20m to 45m. Bering Yachts employ over 200 skilled craftsmen in our modern shipbuilding facility in Antalya, Turkey. Credits: Bering Yachts
November 6, 2024
Designed for off-the-beaten-track exploration, Burgess has announced its appointment as Central Agent for Hemisphere, available for sale at EUR 46,000,000.Built in 2011 by Pendennis and refitted in 2023, Hemisphere is the largest sailing catamaran in the world, measuring 44.2m in length. Designed for adventurous exploration and providing unforgettable experiences, her twin hulls offer exceptional stability, making her the perfect family charter yacht.With a beam of 16.6m, Hemisphere boasts vast deck spaces ideal for outdoor living. From the flybridge hot tub and al fresco dining areas to shaded spaces on the main deck aft and the sunbathing trampoline forward, Hemisphere offers everything you need for relaxation and entertainment.The award-winning interiors are both refined and welcoming, accommodating up to 12 guests across five luxurious cabins. Two VIP cabins are located on the main deck, each with access to a terrace lounge forward, while the remaining cabins – two doubles and one twin – are below.Hemisphere features an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, she cruises comfortably at 11 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots. She also operates in tandem with her 16.4m custom-built F&S Sport Fishing tender TT Hemisphere (also available for purchase).Hemisphere is currently located in Tahiti, French Polynesia.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
November 6, 2024
U-Boat Worx, the world leader in personal submersibles, proudly announces the launch of its 60th submarine. Marking a significant milestone in the company’s 20-year history, the latest addition to their fleet is a bespoke Super Yacht Sub 3, crafted exclusively for a client and outfitted in a striking metallic bronze colour scheme.Founded in July 2005, U-Boat Worx set out with a vision to make the deep sea more accessible for private explorers and researchers alike. This journey began with the launch of the C-Quester series in 2005, and since then, the company has established itself as a pioneer in submarine innovation, shaping the manned submersible industry. Two decades on, with 60 submarines built to date, and tens of thousands of dives, U-Boat Worx continues to push the boundaries.From design and engineering to software, production, and field support, U-Boat Worx insists on full control over every detail, ensuring the craftsmanship expected from a Dutch shipbuilder. By combining advanced design, innovative technology, and premium materials — while placing the operator at the heart of every concept — the company has created iconic submarines.Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager at U-Boat Worx, adds: “While each submarine is a feat of engineering, we are now known for building personalised masterpieces that provide the epitome of luxury for the owner to experience the ocean’s depths.”Over the past 20 years, U-Boat Worx has defined features in its designs that are now the considered the benchmark:Full acrylic viewports with an unobstructed view.Lithium-ion batteries for longer dive times, faster recharging, and minimal maintenance.Intuitive user-interface and operating systems, ensuring ease-of-use.Comfortable seating, climate control systems, and high-quality craftsmanship that come together to create a luxurious experience.Unique safety features like the Safety Buoy and automatic resurfacing mechanisms.High-precision thrusters and control for better manoeuvrability, quiet operation, and enhanced performance.High freeboard and excellent stability, providing ease of boarding.Compact and lightweight models with flexible launch & recovery solutions, optimising superyacht integrations.“Our 60th submarine is more than just a number – it reflects years of hard work, innovation, and close collaboration with our clients,” said Erik Hasselman, Commercial Director at U-Boat Worx. “As we mark this milestone, our focus on safety, and building top-quality submarines remains steadfast. Looking ahead, we’re committed to working even more closely with our clients to unlock incredible experiences, expeditions, and new discoveries that are made possible by the incredible submarines we build.“Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx has been at the forefront of innovation in the design and manufacture of submersibles for private, research, and commercial use. With a focus on safety, performance, and comfort, U-Boat Worx continues to revolutionise the way people explore the underwater world.Credits: U-Boat Worx
November 6, 2024
The Riva Boutique, open from November 5 to January 31, 2025, will be hosted by Deodato Arte at Via Nerino 2 in Milan, surrounded by pop and street art.This exclusive new space combines timelessly elegant design inspired by the world of Riva boats with contemporary art. Riva announces the opening of the first Riva Boutique at Deodato Arte, a leading Italian gallery and international benchmark in pop and street art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Banksy, Jeff Koons, Mr. Brainwash, and David LaChapelle.Enthusiasts can explore the entire Riva Boutique collection, showcasing the quintessential quality and incomparable style that permeates the brand. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and home furnishings of rare beauty, the store offers a wide range of products.Among the items for sale are collaborations with top brands, such as the Riva by Frette collection of fabrics, the new models of the Riva Florida and Riva Junior powerboats from Kiade, two fine-art books marking the 60th anniversary of the Aquarama published by Assouline, and innovative speakers developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen, designed for peerless acoustic quality even at sea.In addition to the Riva Boutique collection, guests can also purchase artworks by Deodato Arte artists, making this fusion of boat design and contemporary art even more unique.The Riva Boutique will host a series of exclusive events, including the presentation of scale models of Riva boats on November 21 and an evening dedicated to the books on December 5.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 5, 2024
Mishi 88 is Mishi Yachts’s debut sailing superyacht, featuring advanced carbon composite construction from a trusted shipyard. This yacht is designed to provide a thoroughly comfortable oceangoing experience, with a spacious guest cockpit area and class-leading safety features.Photo by Oguzhan TosunWhen the curtain rose on this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, visitors to the Mishi Yachts stand were unaware of the epic journey the gleaming 27-metre Mishi 88 had just completed. The yacht had just completed a gruelling 1,500 nautical mile passage from Istanbul across the stormy autumn Mediterranean in just seven days, demonstrating its credentials as a comfortable oceangoing yacht.Photo by Oguzhan TosunCaptain Ferhat Tosun and his crew of four sailors covered the distance with ease, aiming for an average speed of 9.5-10 knots. They used a combination of sails and engine, reaching a maximum sailing speed of 13.5 knots. The route took them from Istanbul via the Corinth Canal, Messina, Capri, and Elba to Monaco, showcasing the yacht’s stability and manoeuvrability.Photo by Oguzhan TosunCruising in comfort was a key aspect of the journey. The Mishi 88’s vast cockpit area, sheltered from sun and rain by a robust carbon-fibre deckhouse, provided ample space for relaxation. The big saloon, with deep sofas, was the perfect place to gather, even under sail. The U-shaped galley, located near the boat’s centre of gravity, offered a comfortable space for cooking and socialising.The yacht’s spacious cabins, including the master cabin forward and two aft cabins, provided ample privacy and comfort. The journey showcased Mishi Yachts’ design features, including comfort, performance, and ease of use, elevating the sailing experience to a higher level.Photo by Pozitif StudioOn the return leg, the crew took in more of the highlights along the way, fishing under sail, marveling at dolphin escorts, and enjoying memorable meals along the French, Italian, Greek, and Turkish coasts. Storm-bound in Porto Venere, they took the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.The Mishi 88’s journey from the Marmara sea to the Mediterranean and back demonstrated its ability to provide a seamless and comfortable sailing experience, making it a standout in the yachting world.Photo by Pozitif StudioMishi founder and Chairman Şakir Yılmaztürk said: “We have brought the comfort of motor yachts to a sailing yacht, enabling us to cover long distances in a relaxed and efficient manner, as the voyage to the show so clearly showed. The level of interest we received in Monaco confirmed that our brand of family-friendly, comfortable carbon yachts is resonating with potential owners from both sail and motor backgrounds. It is clear that our offering is unique on the market.”Photo by Pozitif StudioFounded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Mishi Yachts
November 5, 2024