Michelangelo, your experience goes back some time and you have an impressive knowledge of the yachting industry, both in power and sailing yachts. What are the challenges ahead in achieving operational excellence?
Many of the challenges we face today in our industry are shared across various yards, which offers potential synergies, although market requirements and customer orientation remain specific between power and sailing. First of all, adding features and contents to the Yachts, increasing guests’ comfort, without compromising on performance and seaworthiness. Second, improve quality and customer satisfaction for Owners that are benchmarking our product (definitely high complexity and low volume) versus quality they find on products from more industrialized sectors (luxury cars, planes, technology gadgets, etc). Finally introducing more and more green and sustainable solutions both in building and while using the Yachts. All this while also making the business sustainable in the long term, in terms of costs and new investments, which for sure requires achieving operational excellence.
Michelangelo Casadei
Nautor Swan is an icon, the brand DNA is based on pillars of Elegance, Excellence, Reliability and Performance: how do you and your team work to strive to deliver those elements in every model? Which are the stages and tools of the industrialization process, to gain operational excellence?
To answer the challenges I mentioned, we need to combine long-held and deep knowledge, experience and craftmanship, with technological innovation on design, materials, systems and components, plus a modern process in industrialization, properly tuned to our production volumes. Working through a stage-and-gate product development process and a lean industrialization is key, including the focus on measuring and validating results in any phase from conception to sea trials.
As far as we understand there is a process starting from the naval architecture and the more exquisite design lines of the exteriors and interiors, passing through the innovative solutions, till seaworthiness of every yacht. Can you please explain to us the touch points of how to build a Swan?
This starts from clear identification of product targets (elegance, reliability and performance among them), to be combined in the crucial “concept” development: in this phase exterior design ideas, interior design ergonomics & appeal shall be matched by a proper naval architecture: therefore architects, designers and engineers work closely in spirals, to achieve a robust concept that must be validated in style, weight, feasibility and costs. This also involves Suppliers for their specific contribution: in each technical category, proven partnerships and a modular / family scalable approach through the range, rather than “do-it-once” are improving results, and making the detailed engineering quicker and more robust. Innovation is often required at this stage to allow extra target stretch or the addition of new features. Tooling and assembly methodology are part of this, so the close connection between Engineering and Production (we recently boosted both Product Industrialization and Manufacturing Engineering Teams), before and during the first unit construction and test are crucial; as well as the respect of proper Quality control gates, culminating in extensive testing and trialing before launch and at sea.
What makes a Swan a Swan?
I would say People, first of all: people are a key asset in our industry, and this is the case with Swan. Working with the right skills in place, proper organization and continuous communication among departments, a sense of belonging and careful selection of Partners and Suppliers, are our goals and strength. Then we work to improve our tools and methods in order to combine long-established Company know-how, availability of information at the right time and place (here digital, virtual, lean and visual is making the difference compared to the past), attention to details and desired quality level and sustainable approach.
Nautor’s Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts.
Credits: Nautor’s Swan
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