Mark Todd Receives MBE for Contributions to Sailing and Youth Development

Dutch shipyard Oceanco has launched its latest megayacht, Y726, measuring an imposing 111 meters in length and boasting a displacement of 4,550 GT. The vessel is set to undergo sea trials in the coming months before its official delivery later this year.Commissioned in 2022 by an experienced yacht owner and longtime Oceanco client, Y726 features exterior design work by Espen Øino International and interior design by Mark Berryman Design. The naval architecture was developed through a collaborative effort involving Lateral Naval Architects, the Oceanco team, and Dan Jackson of Falcon Yacht Management, who represents the owner.While Y726 ranks among the largest vessels in Oceanco’s portfolio, it is slightly smaller than the yard’s current largest motor yacht, Infinity. Delivered in 2022, Infinity measures 117 meters with a volume of 4,978 GT, compared to Y726’s beam of approximately 15 meters.The new megayacht is equipped with an array of luxurious amenities. The interior includes a cinema lounge, gym, spa facility with sauna and steam room, and a beach club with an outdoor bar leading to a swim platform. Exterior features comprise a winter garden, covered cocktail area, outdoor cinema, private owner’s area with hot tub, and a multi-purpose entertainment zone featuring another hot tub and swimming pool. The vessel can accommodate up to 28 guests and 34 crew members.Lee Archer, programme director at Lateral, commented: “This project is the result of bold design ambition and robust engineering. Through close collaboration with Oceanco and the project’s design partners, Y726 stands as a testament not only to engineering enabling design at the highest level, but also to the power of collaboration as a catalyst for excellence.”Edske Smit, project director at Oceanco, added: “From the outset, Y726 has benefited from a deeply collaborative, trusting, and positive spirit. She is set to be a standout addition to the Oceanco fleet, and we’re grateful for the strong partnerships with our co-makers, design team, and the owner’s team that brought this vision to life.”This launch follows Oceanco’s development of the world’s tallest sailing ship, the 127 meter Koru, reportedly owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Oceanco

Sirena Yachts has unveiled the interior design details of its latest superyacht model, the Sirena 118. The 36-meter vessel, with a gross tonnage below 300 GT, marks the introduction of the Turkish shipyard’s new, larger composite line.The first hull of the Sirena 118 is currently under construction in Yalova, Turkey, with an expected completion date in 2026. The yacht features Sirena’s distinctive plumb bow design, which provides additional volume within the spacious hull.The vessel’s layout includes an owner’s stateroom occupying the forward section of the main deck, complemented by a VIP cabin and up to four guest cabins on the lower deck. A unique feature of the owner’s suite is the option to span two decks in a loft configuration. The yacht also boasts direct water access via a spiral staircase leading to a large relaxation area with a fold-down swimming platform.The yacht’s naval architecture was developed by renowned Argentinian naval architect Germán Frers, while Sirena’s in-house design team handled the exterior styling. The interior design is the work of Dutch design studio headed by Cor D. Rover, offering a customizable layout emphasizing material layering and natural light.The interior features dynamic wood veneer applications, integrated lighting, and a sophisticated color palette including creamy upholstery, light wood tones, and bronze accents. The design creates a serene atmosphere with soft indirect lighting and natural textures that adapt to changing daylight conditions.Cor D. Rover, founder and director of the design studio, commented: “As a studio, we strongly emphasize client-designer collaboration. The design is a ‘reflection of your intentions’, tailored to suit individual lifestyles and preferences. The presence of ample loose furniture and flexible decor elements also means that it is easily customisable, enabling each yacht to reflect the character and lifestyle of its owner.”In terms of performance, the all-GRP Sirena 118 is equipped with twin MAN V12 engines as standard, providing a total of 3,100 hp. The yacht has a top speed of 16 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 11 knots. With the optional 3,800 hp engine package, the vessel can achieve a maximum speed of 21 knots.Çağin Genc, CEO of Sirena Yachts, stated: “As construction progresses on the first unit of our flagship Sirena 118 ahead of her launch next year, we are delighted to spotlight the incredible talent of our long-term collaborators at Cor D. Rover. The interior design is sharp and contemporary with a deep appreciation of the yachting lifestyle.”Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credits: Sirena Yachts

Mark Todd, Chief Executive of Ocean Youth Trust South, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his services to sailing and young people.Todd has served as CEO of Ocean Youth Trust South since 2010, following nine years as a Staff Skipper. He holds multiple roles within the sailing community, including Chair of the Association of Sail Training Organisations, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, Yachtmaster Examiner, and member of the Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel. In 2011, he received the inaugural MCA/ASTO Award for Command Commitment to Sail Training, and he is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and a Younger Brother of Trinity House.Ocean Youth Trust South, a registered charity, utilizes sailing as a tool for personal development among young people aged 11-25 from diverse backgrounds. The organization operates a 105-foot ketch named Prolific, facilitating residential voyages for up to 15 young participants alongside staff and volunteers.Speaking about the award, Mark Todd said: “It feels very special to have been awarded an MBE for my work in sail training. I am passionate about the power of sail training to make a lasting positive difference to young people, and I hope to use this award to bring wider recognition to the industry.”Todd reflected on his 25-year journey with the organization, noting the transformative impact of sail training on young people’s wellbeing and potential. He emphasized its role in fostering confidence, resilience, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, alongside promoting friendship, fun, and adventure.The CEO also shared his personal journey, highlighting how sail training had changed his own life despite early challenges related to scoliosis and educational obstacles. He acknowledged the vital contributions of staff and volunteers across the industry, expressing gratitude for their role in providing life-changing experiences at sea for thousands of young people.Credit: Ocean Youth Trust South

MarineMax broker Scott Roberton has facilitated the sale of a new Ocean Alexander 28E explorer yacht to experienced owners transitioning from a Sanlorenzo SL86. The 28-meter vessel was selected for its operational efficiency and spacious layout featuring four staterooms and dedicated crew quarters."The 28E checked every box," stated Roberton. "It delivers true exploring capabilities while maintaining a refined, contemporary aesthetic that rivals any European builder." The owners specifically valued the model's 70-square-meter aft deck and on-deck master suite.Designed by Evan K. Marshall with a focus on volume and functionality, the 28E will operate seasonally between Newport, Rhode Island and Florida/Bahamas waters. The sale represents the owners' first acquisition from Ocean Alexander's Explorer series.Dan Mundy, Ocean Alexander's Head of Global Operations, noted: "The 28E exemplifies the innovation, volume, and versatility that define our Explorer series." The model's 90-ton displacement and 2,000-nautical-mile range address growing owner demand for capable coastal cruisers with superyacht amenities.MarineMax Newport's Frank Brennan assisted in the transaction. The yacht will enter private service following final commissioning. Ocean Alexander currently produces the 28E at its Kaohsiung, Taiwan facility with an estimated 12-month build timeline.Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander

The Italian Sea Group secured two awards at the 2025 International Yacht & Aviation Awards in Monte Carlo. The 66-meter Admiral JAS won in the "Motoryacht over 60 meters" category, while the 78-meter Admiral Platinum claimed victory in the "Motoryacht over 70 meters" division."We are proud that two of our most recent creations have received such prestigious recognition," said Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of The Italian Sea Group. "This highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation."The Admiral JAS, designed in collaboration with Mark Berryman, represents the semi-custom ADM 66 series with four units sold. Brad Whiteman of Qudra Yachts served as owner's representative during construction. The yacht features integrated indoor-outdoor spaces developed by MB Architects.The flagship Admiral Platinum, a full-custom project, features exterior design by Lobanov Design and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Magnitude Yachts oversaw construction as owner's representatives.Both yachts were recognized for their construction quality and design execution. The awards ceremony took place June 6 at Hôtel de Paris, Monaco, during the 16th edition of the Design et Al competition.The Italian Sea Group currently operates production facilities in Marina di Carrara, with both awarded yachts delivered within the past 12 months. The company maintains active construction projects across its Admiral and Tecnomar brands.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