Established in 1873, Benetti went a long way from building wooden boats to posting a €1 billion turnover in 2008. Stronger than ever, the Italian group is now on its way to expanding its reach into the 100-meter plus market, tightening its grasp on yachting.
Benetti's story starts with its foundation by Lorenzo Benetti in 1873 to manufacture local wooden boats. After WW2, the need for wooden boats had disappeared and the company started building steel, pleasure crafts. By the 1960s, it was creating some of the world's first superyachts.
Its strongest push came with the acquisition of the yard by Azimut in 1985, resulting in the Azimut Benetti group, which still exists to this day. Propelled by commercial successes and a cooperation with then unknown designer Stefano Righini, the group went on a buying spree.
Amongst its purchases, the Gobbi shipyard, which manufactures its Atlantis range today, Fraser Yachts, the brokerage house, as well as Marina di Varazze and the Royal Yacht Club in Moscow. By 2008, the group built its way to a €1 billion turnover.
As the subprime crisis hit yachting, leaving many shipyards to shut down, the whole market, including Benetti, which was able to push through strongly nevertheless. Amongst yachts built in that period were Staluppi's 61-meter Diamonds are Forever and Nick Candy's 63-meter 11-11 amongst others.
By 2016, Azimut-Benetti's turnover had risen again to near €700 million, marking 3 years of consecutive growth. Throughout this time, Benetti's most visible products, 30 to 60-meter yachts remained highly attractive to charter clients, some of which started buying them again as the market picked up.
Whilst most visible through Benetti yachts in the mid-size range, the group's influence on yachting spread deeply throughout the market in different spaces. Azimut, a leader in the construction of yachts of up to 30 meters, has become a reference in the space, acting as a gateway drug to the group's yachts.
Through its full ownership of Fraser Yachts since October 2017, the group controls Fraser Yachts, a brokerage firm also active in yacht management and crewing. By extension this provides the group with first-party data on client behaviour as well as deeper insights into yachting, knowing first hand how other competing shipyards perform.
"This recent acquisition is part of the strategic plan of our group to offer superyacht owners not only the most beautiful yachts, but also the utmost service" commented Azimut-Benetti's president, Paolo Vitelli, when the group bought out V.Ships' minority stake in Fraser in 2017.
Skewing towards small to mid-size yachts of up to 60-meters, the Azimut-Benetti group had grown its position in the sector to the point of building the most meters out of any shipyards for 19 consecutive years. Its impact on the megayacht market, however, remained immaterial leaving Northern European shipyards like Lurssen, Feadship and Oceanco to dominate the space.
Benetti's first attempt to enter the space came in the 1980s. At the time, the yard had secured the build of the 86-meter Nabila for Saudi businessman and arms dealer, Adnan Khashoggi, the 8th largest yacht in the world. The yacht was later purchased for $29 million in 1987 by Donald Trump and renamed to Trump Princess.
For decades after, Benetti stayed away from new builds of this size, leaving the market to other shipyards. Recently, however, yachting changed and the megayacht space entered into an upswing, leading to Benetti coming back into the size range. This first took the form of the 90-meter Lionheart, delivered to British businessman Philip Green in 2016.
The yard's current flagship, however, is about to be eclipsed by a 107-meter yacht launched in December 2018. More significantly, this will be the first yacht out of 3 over 100 meters to be delivered by Benetti over the coming months. Amongst customers for one of these new hulls is Australian billionaire and serial yacht owner James Packer.
Benetti's ambition to takeover one of the remaining parts of the market is not unfamiliar to other shipyards. Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts, backed by Russian billionaire Vagit Alekperov, has also built a new dry dock capable of building yachts of up to 85 meters back in 2016.
Meanwhile yards known for megayachts such as LVMH's Feadship have started expanding their influence downward with projects such as Feadship's Lagoon Cruisers of 34 meters in length. Results of these strategies remain to be seen in coming quarters, however, even now over half of yacht gross tonnage is built by just 10 shipyards.
Damen Yachting has announced the grand reveal of the Amels 6007, the seventh yacht in the Amels 60 series. The unveiling took place at their shipyard in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in the build process. The Amels 60 Limited Editions design is developed by Espen Øino International.Chris Callahan from Moran Yacht & Ship, representing the owner, expressed excitement about reaching this stage and praised the incorporation of personal touches into the yacht. He noted that many customizations and improvements implemented in previous builds, such as ENTOURAGE (Hull 6002), have been carried over to the Amels 6007.The interior of the Amels 6007 has been designed by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's first collaboration with Amels. The design reflects a contemporary and welcoming style, inspired by beach house luxury, with natural materials and detailed finishes creating a warm and tactile environment.Joppe Osté, Damen Yachting Project Manager for the Amels 60, emphasized the team's pride in achieving this milestone and their focus on completing the final build phase to ensure the yacht is ready for its intended lifetime at sea. Following the launch, the Amels 6007 will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner in early summer 2025.A guest capacity of Amels 6007 is 12 people, a crew capacity of 12 members plus the Captain, a gross tonnage is 853 GT.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
February 21, 2025
Turquoise Yachts has partnered with the renowned British design studio Bannenberg & Rowell to introduce a duo of superyacht concepts, measuring 65 and 80 meters, named Above and Beyond, respectively. The 65-meter Above is the first of the two concepts to hit the market, while the upcoming 80-meter Beyond is set to begin construction on speculation later this year. One standout feature of the designs is the crow's nest, creatively envisioned as a custom platform-elevator that ascends the mast’s height.Central to the design ethos is the efficient layout of the main deck, which seamlessly connects six guest cabins to the main saloon and dining areas. The spacious salon flows into the aft main deck, which features a large lounge alongside a stunning glass-bottom pool that allows sunlight to permeate the beach club below.The beach club offers extensive wellness amenities, including a sauna, steam shower, massage room, and a fully equipped gym with a balcony. Additionally, a lounge area with a bar, seating, and dual balconies enhances the onboard leisure experience.Crew efficiency was a key factor in the design of Above, featuring well-thought-out configurations across decks, including generous pantries and a commercial-grade galley equipped with a walk-in freezer. Crew amenities also encompass dedicated laundry facilities, a gym, and a spacious mess area.The 65-meter and 80-meter projects will be available as new construction opportunities exclusively with Denison Yachting.Turquoise was established in 1997 by two leaders of the Turkish boat building industry: Proteksan Yachts Inc. and Turquoise Yacht Construction. After launching the 50m M/Y Turquoise (now called Double Trouble), 20 other megayachts ranging from 40m to 77m in length have since been delivered to an international roster of clients from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Credits: Denison Yachting
February 21, 2025
Riva Classiche will make a striking appearance at The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, a prestigious event dedicated to classic and vintage automobiles, held on February 21 and 22 against the stunning backdrop of the frozen lake in the Engadin valley. Known for its mission to restore and preserve vintage powerboats, Riva Classiche will showcase a beautifully restored Riva Olympic boat, elegantly displayed on the ice.The I.C.E. St. Moritz International Concours of Elegance is a celebrated gathering for collectors and aficionados of classic cars, blending art, style, and heritage in a unique winter setting. Each year, the event draws participants from around the globe, and this edition promises to be no exception, emphasizing the intersection of culture and classic automotive excellence.Riva Classiche will not only present its iconic boat but will also create a luxurious Riva Lounge at the Grace La Margna Hotel St. Moritz. This exclusive space will encapsulate the essence of the Riva brand, featuring a selection of collectibles and accessories from Riva Boutique, all while immersing visitors in the brand’s timeless elegance.With its participation in The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, Riva Classiche reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the rich heritage of classic craftsmanship, making this event a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage powerboats and the art of fine living in the Swiss Alps.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.Credits: Ferretti Group
February 21, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa recently unveiled the stunning interiors of the new Akhir 44 at the Dubai International Boat Show, a key event in the Middle Eastern maritime calendar. Collaborating with Pulina Exclusive Interiors, the design showcases a striking contrast between warm materials, such as bleached oak, and sleek metal finishes, providing the yacht with a sporty yet technological aesthetic.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, emphasized the innovative approach behind this model: “The Akhir 44 is the first in a new series crafted from carbon and glass composite, reaching a remarkable top speed of 35 knots. This yacht marries the iconic lines of our original range with current market needs.” He noted that the interiors are designed for exceptional livability, catering to cosmopolitan owners who appreciate both luxury and functionality.Pulina Exclusive Interiors, founded by Alessandro Pulina, is renowned for its high-end designs across multiple sectors, including yachts, private residences, and hotels. “Our design blends energy in motion with spatial harmony,” Pulina explained. “The contrast of warm and cool materials, paired with a fresh neutral color palette, enhances the interiors’ livability while promoting a sense of openness.”Measuring 44 meters in length with a beam of 8.6 meters, Akhir 44 features an innovative layout emphasizing symmetry and fluidity. The main deck prioritizes guest comfort, with a spacious saloon and an adaptable dining area that can transform using sliding panels. An eye-catching floating staircase, crafted from metal and glass, serves as both a functional feature and an artistic centerpiece.Offering four guest cabins and an owner’s suite with extensive glazing, the yacht ensures maximum privacy while enhancing the connection to the surrounding water. With three powerful 2,600 HP MTU engines, the Akhir 44 promises an exhilarating experience at an average speed of 30 knots, making it a formidable presence on the water.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
February 21, 2025
The stunning 52-meter Sanlorenzo motor yacht Seven Sins has officially been listed for sale by Virginia Di Antonio of Yachting Partners International (YPI). Currently listed at EUR28,000,000, Seven Sins is situated in the Caribbean. As the inaugural vessel in the esteemed 52 Steel series from Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, this yacht was delivered in 2017 and has captured attention for its exceptional design by Officina Italiana Design. Seven Sins was honored with a prestigious Neptune award at the 2018 World Superyacht Awards.This listing marks the yacht's second appearance on the market since its initial launch, previously sold as part of a co-ownership arrangement via SeaNet Europe, making her one of the largest superyachts to have two owners.One of the standout features of Seven Sins is its expansive beach club area, complete with a striking glass-bottom swimming pool. This versatile space also includes fold-out balconies, a well-equipped gym, and a sauna. When not in use, the beach club can easily transform into a floodable drive-in tender garage, offering both convenience and functionality.Seven Sins accommodates up to 11 guests across five cabins, which include a master suite, two doubles, and two twin rooms. The sundeck is another highlight and is likely to become the preferred outdoor gathering spot for guests. Equipped with stylish furniture from Paola Lenti, it features an array of sun loungers at the aft, comfortable seating arrangements around coffee tables, a dining table that accommodates 12, and an impressive bar dressed in silver-flecked granite that sparkles in the sunlight. It’s no wonder that Seven Sins enjoys popularity as a charter yacht and is also available for charter through YPI.The yacht is powered by two 2000hp Caterpillar 3512-C diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 17 knots and an impressive cruising range of 4,400 nautical miles at a speed of 11 knots.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: YPI
February 20, 2025