After a major refit that lasted just nine months, Lusben has launched Masquenada, a 51m expedition yacht now owned by the fashion entrepreneur and great sailing enthusiast Pier Luigi Loro Piana. Masquenada was built in 2007 by Penglai.
The main focus was the external profile of the boat – based on the work of Nauta Design – which has been radically transformed and extended in the stern block, as well as the complete renovation of the interior and the repainting of the entire superstructure and part of the hull.
The main transformation that Masquenada underwent was the removal and extension of the entire stern block: in addition to the installation of a transformer that doubled the available surface of the beach area, the lengths of the bridge and upper deck were increased by 1.5 meters each. Lusben also removed the deck crane, left over from the boat’s previous vocation, from the main deck, and installed a new, powerful crane below deck in the lazarette. This was a tremendous intervention, which required a redistribution of space and storage. With the crane in rest position, this solution frees up an area of approximately 200 sq. m on the main deck.
Next, the exterior décor was completely overhauled to adapt to the wishes of the owner who, in addition to customized freestanding furniture, requested to remove the hot tub from the sun deck and replace it with an outdoor cooking station.
Mario Pedol, founder together with Massimo Gino of Nauta Design, worked with his team on the exterior design. He commented, "The profile of Masquenada is now much more sleek and elegant and, in redesigning the stern block, we have managed to improve the contact with the water and the liveability of this area, now transformed into a 'pieds dans l'eau'".
For the interiors, the owner has chosen to renew the collaboration with the architect Misa Poggi, who has been working with Loro Piana since 2002.
Great attention was also paid to the reduction of vibrations and noise: Lusben, Vulkan and the Names studio collaborated to create new custom supports for the three latest generation Kohler generators, including a double soundproofing box for the central generator, while the thruster and hydraulic stee-ring have been replaced by electric systems. New air conditioning units, converters and propellers help ensure high navigational standards.
The private ceremony was held in Livorno at the Lusben shipyard in the presence of her new owner. "The most important element of this entire project was time," said Pier Luigi Loro Piana in his speech at the launch. "Time is the most essential factor for an owner and I am enormously satisfied with the capacity of the Lusben shipyard which, together with all the collaborators, managed to complete this incredible transformation in just a few months. Now, the project for the immediate future is to embark with my family and sail around the world."
Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector.
Credits: Lusben
At its recent annual general meeting, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) announced the introduction of a brand-new Paris-based boat show, set to take place in November 2025.The highly anticipated Paris Nautic Show will run from Wednesday, November 26th, to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, hosted at the prestigious Parc des Expositions du Bourget in northeastern Paris. This announcement follows the cancellation of the initial Nautic-en-Seine boat show, which had been planned for April 2025 along the banks of the River Seine. Market conditions led to the decision to cancel the open-air event, originally intended as a fresh iteration of the longstanding Nautic Paris boat show.The newly organized indoor event will be managed by M2O, FIN's dedicated event subsidiary. FIN emphasized the critical role of a Paris-based boat show in supporting the nautical industry amid challenging economic and political environments, serving as a vital platform to showcase resilience and innovation within the sector.Approximately 350 exhibitors and between 300 to 400 boats are expected to participate, occupying two expansive halls totaling 40,000 square meters. Compared to earlier iterations of Paris-based boat shows, the duration of the event has been streamlined to align better with the global exhibition calendar.The show's leadership team comprises experienced professionals, including Jean-Paul Chapeleau as President, Christophe Vieux as Managing Director, Caroline Popovici as Deputy Commissioner General and Operations Director, and Guillaume Verbrugghe as Deputy Commissioner General and Commercial Director. At the general meeting, they unveiled the event's new branding, including its distinctive logo and marketing materials, marking the official start of commercial activities for the show.Credits: jerileecornelio/unsplash.com
April 2, 2025
The 2014 Sunseeker 28m yacht Play the Game has recently been sold through an in-house deal by Northrop & Johnson. Yacht Broker Ed Dickinson represented the seller, while Matt Palmer brought the buyer. Previously listed at €3,500,000, this vessel is part of the esteemed Sunseeker 28m series.Built in 2014, Play the Game has been meticulously maintained by its sole owner since launch. Its extensive refit history includes a 2022 kitchen renovation, complete reupholstering and new carpeting in 2018, along with a thorough 10-year RINA class survey and MCA commercial compliance update during the winter of 2023. The vessel is fully compliant with modern safety standards.One of the highlights of Play the Game is her expansive flybridge and remarkable volume relative to her size, offering unparalleled space for both indoor and outdoor living. With zero-speed stabilizers ensuring steadiness even when anchored, guests can enjoy every moment aboard without discomfort.Inside, her bright, open-plan design features large windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Warm wooden accents blend harmoniously with subtle blue hues and neutral finishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere. An especially notable feature is the drop-down balcony on the starboard side of the main deck – an ideal setting for intimate dinners or quiet mornings overlooking the sea.Play the Game accommodates up to eight guests across four lavishly appointed staterooms. The full-beam master suite boasts a king-sized bed, ample closet space, a cozy seating area, and a beautifully designed ensuite bathroom. Outdoor spaces are equally breathtaking, including an alfresco dining area on the aft deck, a versatile foredeck lounge with sunpads and a dining table, and a generously sized flybridge featuring two U-shaped lounges, dual wet bars, and a retractable hardtop for customizable sun exposure. A hydraulic swim platform provides effortless access to the water and facilitates smooth tender operations.Powered to reach speeds of up to 23 knots, Play the Game, delivers a truly exceptional experience on the water.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker Yachts
April 2, 2025
Ocean Alexander honors Scott Roberton as the recipient of its 2024 Annual Sales Award, celebrating his exceptional achievements, dedication, and contributions to the brand’s success.Roberton’s career is distinguished by his expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. His extensive knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of client needs have led to outstanding sales results and elevated client happiness.Dan Mundy, Head of Global Operations, praised Roberton, stating, "Scott’s professionalism and passion for Ocean Alexander are evident in every transaction. His ability to match clients with their ideal yacht while providing unmatched service makes him a leader in our industry. We are honored to recognize him with this award."With over 25 Ocean Alexander transactions to his name, Roberton has played a crucial role in introducing new owners to the brand, ensuring they experience the exceptional quality, design, and service that define Ocean Alexander.Reflecting on the achievement, Roberton expressed, "It’s an honor to receive this recognition. Ocean Alexander continues to set the standard in yacht design, usability, and service, making it a privilege to represent the brand. I’m grateful for the support of my clients and the entire OA team, and I look forward to another exciting year ahead."Ocean Alexander congratulates Scott Roberton on this well-deserved accolade and extends gratitude to all its sales professionals for their dedication to excellence.Credits: Ocean Alexander
April 2, 2025
Spanish shipyard Maxim Yachts returns to familiar shores as they participate in the Palma International Boat Show from April 30 to May 3. Making their debut at the event, the company showcases the Max 43 Comfort – a dynamic day cruiser capable of achieving speeds up to 45 knots. Designed by Alex Cherigny and engineered by Isonaval, this 13-meter model exemplifies speed and luxury combined.The Max 43 Comfort is powered by twin 440-horsepower Volvo Penta engines, ensuring swift and stable navigation. Its exterior layout is highly adaptable, featuring two foldable tables and four sofas, one of which comes with built-in refrigerators. The ergonomic helm station houses two double seats and a stylish carbon fiber console, outfitted with state-of-the-art marine technology, including dual 16-inch Garmin screens and 11 analog gauges.The onboard galley is fitted with a ceramic cooktop, sink, and two large refrigerators, with optional upgrades available such as additional refrigerators and an ice maker. Adjacent to the galley is a flexible dining area equipped with a double table and cozy side seating. Inside, the interiors, adorned with high-quality finishes, house a spacious double cabin capable of sleeping up to four guests. The cabin also boasts one of the tallest ceilings in its class, emphasizing both comfort and practicality.Established just last year, Maxim Yachts has quickly made waves in the industry, marking their presence at prestigious global events. Their participation in the Palma Boat Show signifies their commitment to growth and innovation, as they join approximately 300 exhibitors representing the best in maritime craftsmanship.Credits: Maxim Yachts
April 1, 2025
Turkish shipyard Numarine has introduced its newest superyacht, the 47MXP, marketed as a "Mediterranean Explorer." Despite its name, the vessel is engineered for worldwide exploration, merging the relaxed beach-club lifestyle with robust, long-range capabilities.Expanding on the acclaimed 45XP series, the 47MXP integrates a durable steel hull with a lightweight aluminum superstructure. Retaining the efficient hydrodynamics of its predecessor, the new model gains added length, increasing internal volume and enhancing exterior deck spaces.Renowned Italian studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, orchestrated the 47MXP’s bespoke interiors. Known for their subtle yet sophisticated touch, Hot Lab infuses the yacht with a warm, elegant atmosphere. The layout encompasses up to six guest cabins, highlighted by a full-beam owner’s suite with a private terrace on the main deck.The 47MXP emphasizes alfresco enjoyment with numerous terraces and lounges spanning its four decks. Noteworthy is the aft deck, which now features a sizable infinity pool, converting the area into a high-end beach club setting. Additionally, the sundeck showcases a second pool, a fully stocked bar, and abundant seating for hosting events.Fitted with twin MAN V12 diesel engines, each generating 1,450hp, the 47MXP achieves a top speed of 16 knots. More importantly, she demonstrates exceptional endurance, capable of traversing over 6,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 9 knots perfect for transoceanic voyages.Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
April 1, 2025