MDL Marinas invests £5 million to infrastructural maintenance and development of its 19 UK marinas and boatyards in 2021. This investment includes £1.2m on replacing and re-decking of pontoons, providing marina users with modern, stable and anti-slip access to their boats throughout the year. All tides access to MDL’s marinas is guaranteed for another 12-months following over £750K of expenditure in dredging, with a further £500K devoted to refurbishing the onsite toilet and shower facilities, and £400K being allocated to new plant, including forklifts, hoists and boat movers.
But MDL is aware that it’s people, and not pontoons, who are the key to offering a truly exceptional customer experience and the company goes to great lengths to choose the right people to join the team. This year, £119K has been spent on staff training, from safety training and plant specific training to First Aid at Work, Powerboat Level 2 and VHF courses, ensuring that each member of MDL’s team has the skills to provide a great service to berth holders as well as exemplary customer service.
“Our staff are our biggest asset,” says Kerry Marriott, Head of Operations at MDL. “It’s the team that makes a difference as to whether we just provide a service or we provide an exceptional service, offering an amazing experience for berth holders, visitors and tenants.”
In addition, MDL is investing £350K in IT systems, including upgrading the WiFi to Wi-Fi 6 across all its marinas, providing berth holders and visitors with a faster internet connection to their boats. Developments to MDL’s website, and a new CRM system, mean berth holders can renew their berthing agreements online, making the process quicker and easier. The new systems will increase efficiency and free up staff to be out and about in the marina, spending more time with customers, vastly improving the experience and enjoyment of a visit.
Kerry continues: “The investment in IT is not visible like the investment we’ve made elsewhere, for example, in the new green initiatives, such as solar panels, waste management and electric charging points, but it is laying a foundation for the marinas to thrive and become even more customer centric. Everything we do is focused on enhancing the experience of our marinas for all.”
Credits: MDL Marinas
Saxdor Yachts, the Finnish shipyard recognized for its innovative approach and high-performance vessels, is preparing to showcase its latest developments at boot Düsseldorf 2025, scheduled from January 18th to 26th. The event will feature the German premiere of the Saxdor 340 GTWA, the updated Saxdor 320 GTC, and the introduction of the Fathom® e-power system, an advanced power management solution developed in collaboration with Navico Group.Saxdor 340 GTWAThe Fathom® e-power system, debuting for the first time outside the US, represents a significant leap in onboard energy efficiency. This integrated lithium-ion auxiliary power system pairs with a modified Mercury V10-400 engine, enabling the engines to function as generators. The system can produce up to 12 kW of power, efficiently recharging 48-volt Mastervolt lithium batteries while reducing noise, vibration, and emissions. Daniel Scharf, Chief Product Officer at Saxdor Yachts, described it as a “game-changer for onboard power management,” emphasizing its potential to provide near-unlimited power for systems like air conditioning and stabilizers. John Bennett, Vice President at Navico Group, highlighted the collaboration’s benefits, noting that it enhances power monitoring and consumption for a seamless boating experience.Saxdor 340 GTWAThe updated Saxdor 320 GTC will feature a redesigned aft layout, including a new sofa and table, along with upgraded upholstery in the wheelhouse to improve onboard comfort and usability. Meanwhile, the Saxdor 340 GTWA will make its German debut as the first wheelhouse walkaround model in the Saxdor range. Its standout feature, large side terraces, sets a new benchmark for boats of its size and enhances its versatility in all weather conditions.Saxdor 340 GTWATwo Saxdor models are finalists for prestigious industry awards during the event. The Saxdor 340 GTWA is nominated for the European Powerboat of the Year Award, while the Saxdor 400 GTC is a contender for the Motor Boat Award. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore other Saxdor models, including the 270 GTO, 320 GTO, and both versions of the flagship 400 Series, the 400 GTO and 400 GTC, which demonstrate the brand’s engineering expertise and forward-thinking design.Saxdor Yachts continues to drive innovation and redefine modern boating with a combination of technological advancements and refined design, offering attendees at boot Düsseldorf 2025 the chance to experience these breakthroughs firsthand.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
January 15, 2025
Denison Yachting has announced its exclusive partnership with ISA Yachts, a brand under Palumbo Superyachts, to represent the new ISA Viper line in North America. This agreement complements Denison’s existing representation of EXTRA Yachts, also part of the Palumbo portfolio.Alex Clarke, broker at Denison Yachting, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership. “This collaboration strengthens our focus on the 24-40-meter sport yacht segment, allowing us to work with leading brands that prioritize innovative designs centered on lifestyle and performance,” he said.The ISA Viper line builds on over 20 years of ISA Yachts’ expertise in producing GRP sports boats, introducing new stylistic elements and optimized interior layouts. Designed by Fulvio De Simoni in his first collaboration with the brand, the Viper line will feature three models of 100 and 130 feet, utilizing composite construction with carbon reinforcements.The flagship 130 Viper, set for delivery in 2026, will feature a shallow draft of 1.5 meters, suitable for areas like the Caribbean. Powered by three MAN or MTU engines, it will reach speeds of up to 33 knots. Key design elements include a multifunctional beach club, expansive panoramic salon, and customizable accommodations for up to 10 guests.Credit: Denison Yachting
January 14, 2025
Balk Shipyard has announced the relaunch of Ursus, a 30.5-meter yacht transformed into a pocket explorer following an 18-month conversion. Originally built as a sub-24-meter vessel by Acico, the yacht underwent significant modifications at Balk’s facility in Urk, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Mulder Design. Delivery is scheduled for February 2025 after upcoming sea trials.The comprehensive rebuild extended Ursus’ length by six meters and increased interior and exterior volume. The modifications included a new bow and stern, a lengthened superstructure, and enhancements to the main saloon, sundeck, and beach club. Additional features include an upper deck extension, al fresco kitchen, and new wing stations.Improvements were also made to crew accommodations, with an added crew cabin and an en suite in the captain's quarters. On the technical side, the yacht was equipped with advanced diesel-electric pods and Veth Azimut drives for optimized performance.“This was one of the most complex rebuilds we've undertaken,” said Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard. “Our team embraced the challenge, and we are excited to fine-tune the yacht during sea trials.”The revamped sundeck now hosts a helm station, barbecue, Teppanyaki grill, and space for Jet Ski storage, complementing the yacht’s updated tender crane.The Balk family started established business in 1798, building wooden vessels on a small slipway in Elburg, Netherlands. Seven generations later, the company – now helmed by Daan Balk – has evolved into a leading yard for refits and rebuilt of superyachts.Credits: Balk Shipyard
January 14, 2025
Heesen Yachts has finalized the sale of YN 21255, known as Project Angelica, marking another milestone for the Dutch shipyard. The deal, completed on December 30, adds to Heesen’s portfolio of 55-meter Steel series yachts and brings a new level of personalization to the renowned line. The client, an experienced superyacht owner, plans to customize the vessel to align with his lifestyle preferences.The collaborative project will involve Heesen’s specialists, the client’s team, and designers from Luca Dini. The yacht’s 760 GT volume and nearly 400 square metres of interior space offer a platform for tailored modifications, including accommodations for up to 12 guests in seven staterooms.Project Angelica’s engineering highlights include a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen, ensuring efficient fuel consumption and stability in diverse sea conditions. Powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 IMO III engines, the yacht will achieve a top speed of 15.5 knots and a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer, praised the project, stating, “This sale underscores the adaptability of our 55-metre series and showcases our commitment to client-specific innovation.” Delivery is scheduled for 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: Heesen Yachts
January 14, 2025
Arcadia Yachts has announced the sale of a new A96 model to a client in the Middle East, marking the shipyard's first sale in the region. The transaction, finalized in collaboration with Arcon Yachts, follows the A96's launch just over a year ago. The yacht, which will be delivered in the spring after its initial Mediterranean season, is part of Arcadia's new generation of vessels designed to offer an on-board experience that connects guests with nature.Francesco Frediani, Chief Commercial Officer of Arcadia Yachts, emphasized the significance of the sale in expanding the company’s reach into new markets. He noted that the sale highlighted Arcadia's ability to customize its yachts to meet specific client needs. The partnership with Arcon Yachts played a key role in the successful negotiation, according to Frediani.Konstantin Kolpakov, CEO of Arcon Yachts, highlighted the growing global demand for sustainable yachting solutions, stating that the sale of the A96 reflects this trend. As the yachting industry increasingly focuses on eco-friendly innovation, the A96’s blend of advanced technology and luxury features continues to attract attention in international markets.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
January 13, 2025