Joachim Howard, Founder of Ocean Alliance, sees the collaboration as an important step towards maintaining one of the world's most celebrated reef systems while encouraging a positive utilisation of Superyachts through charter experiences.
"The Great Reef Census is a world-first for superyacht Owners and Charterers to participate in conservation efforts on the Reef. It is an opportunity to encourage a culture of "yachting for purpose" and offer Charterers the ability to incorporate a meaningful contribution to the ecosystem in which they are experiencing."
● Superyachts contribute to ocean conservation and research as a result of a new collaboration between Ocean Alliance and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
● The Great Reef Census aims to survey 100 priority reefs in 2020, and is a world-first citizen science project.
● Superyacht charterers are given the opportunity to visit unsurveyed areas of the Great Barrier Reef and contribute to important research work.
● A unique experience that can be incorporated into a luxury charter for as many days as
desired.
Launched in October 2020 by Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Reef Census is a world-first citizen science project to capture reconnaissance data from across the Reef over an 11-week period. Following a successful pilot program in 2019, this year sees a major scale-up to 100 priority reefs with the support of Superyachts and other vessels, with the intention to build on this year’s learnings to launch an even bigger Great Reef Census in 2021. Ocean Alliance is collaborating with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to involve superyachts in this pioneering initiative for ocean conservation.
Exploration is in the DNA of a luxury superyacht charter, though very rarely is there an opportunity to discover areas where little is already known. The Great Barrier Reef, encompassing 3,000 individual reefs that stretch for 2,300km along the sun-drenched Queensland coastline, is a unique yachting experience. Due to its sheer size measuring the overall state of the Reef is difficult, up to 40% of the Great Barrier Reef has never been surveyed before.
The Great Reef Census is a trial to explore new ways of capturing data from across the Great Barrier Reef, utilising citizen scientists as well as the wide range of marine assets already out on the water.
Ocean Alliance is leading the efforts from the superyacht industry to support this innovative new approach to conservation challenges.
Ocean Alliance has enlisted their central agency fleet to participate with the superyacht, BELUGA which has already participated in the Great Reef Census. For scientists and ocean conservationists involved in the Census, the involvement of superyachts is an important addition, given the distinct advantages and capabilities that these luxury vessels provide.
The 35m BELUGA has recently completed an itinerary from Lizard island to Port Douglas as the first Superyacht to participate in the Great Reef Census, providing a platform for the research team to test some key technology for the project as well as survey some target reef sites.
Andy Ridley, CEO of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, highlighted the important role that
superyachts can play in this project and urges more to get involved. "Superyachts are in a unique position to operate in remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef and utilise their resources, crew, tenders and communications to vastly improve the reach and outcomes of the project," said Ridley.
Superyachts indeed provide an incredible platform from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef. This is something that will benefit not only the research efforts of the Great Reef Census but also superyacht Owners and Charterers.
“To achieve the scale required this year needs a massive collective effort and that's what we're seeing, from the tourism industry, to some of the Reef’s top scientists, tech companies and now Superyachts,” Ridley continues. “We would love to see the superyacht community become even more involved as we scale-up this project in 2021, not only through vessel support but also through awareness-raising and access to influencers.”
Taking part in The Great Reef Census is a fantastic way for superyachts to give back to the oceans without which the joy of sailing and luxury charters wouldn't be possible. The Census provides owners and charterers with the chance to contribute to research which can be
incorporated into customised charter itineraries.
Superyachts will have the option to host leading marine biologists and scientists on board during their charter, giving guests a unique insight into the diverse ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the ultimate destination for captivating reef encounters, with other 600 types of hard and soft coral along with 1626 species of fish to uncover.
"Superyachts offer ideal platforms to align with scientific exploration and create a new way of connecting our caring audience even more closely to the essence of the Ocean element, inspiring and empowering the desire for its protection. What a generous way to give back whilst having an amazing experience on the Great Barrier Reef "comments Laurie Foulon.
The Great Reef Census is a Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef project, delivered in partnership with the University of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science with support from James Cook University. The project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Prior Family Foundation and the Reef & Rainforest Research Centre.
The Italian Marine Industry Association will present the 65th Genoa International Boat Show at Expo 2025 Osaka on June 30, highlighting the Mediterranean’s largest boating event and the world’s third-largest boat show.The Japanese presentation serves as a strategic platform to reinforce the Genoa International Boat Show’s position as a global hub for promoting Italian marine manufacturing. The event is part of Liguria Week at the Italian Pavilion, aiming to demonstrate Italy’s leadership in the boating sector.The Italian boating industry achieved a record global turnover of €8.33 billion in 2023, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Exports surpassed €4.3 billion, with Italy leading worldwide superyacht production (>24m) and inflatable boat manufacturing. The sector supports over 200,000 jobs with a 90% export rate.Organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association – Confindustria Nautica, the Genoa International Boat Show has maintained its status as a global reference point for the marine industry for 65 years. According to Nielsen analysis, the event generates between €65 and €70 million during its duration and attracts industry professionals from over 30 countries.Alessandro Gianneschi, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association responsible for promoting Made in Italy production, commented: “With its presentation at Expo Osaka, the Genoa International Boat Show, organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, continues in its role as an ambassador of the Made in Italy brand across the world and of the industrial value of the boating sector. For 65 editions, the Genoa International Boat Show has promoted and supported the boating industry, thanks to its specific nature as a supply chain event, designed and organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, an Association of Companies for Companies, and has fostered such an exceptionally positive trend over the last twenty years, accompanying the sector’s businesses on a journey defined by growth and excellence.”The 2025 edition will take place from September 18-23 at the new Levante Waterfront venue designed by architect Renzo Piano. The 20,000 sqm event features five interconnected product areas: Yachts & Superyachts, Sailing World, Boating Discovery, Tech Trade, and Living the Sea. The venue’s unique design allows 85% outdoor space for sea trials and seamless visitor access.The show will also host the 4th World Yachting Sustainability Forum and the Design Innovation Award, recognizing creativity and technological excellence among new products.Credits: Confindustria Nautica
June 26, 2025
The centenary edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race is set to feature a fierce competition among the world’s fastest 100-foot maxi yachts vying for the prestigious Erivale Trophy for monohull line honours.The main contenders this year are Black Jack 100, owned by Ramon Vos, and SHK Scallywag, belonging to Seng Huang Lee. Black Jack 100, originally Alfa Romeo II, underwent a complete refit in Italy. Skipper/project manager Tristan le Brun noted: “We’ve done a full overhaul of all systems… We’ve replaced all the moving parts.” The yacht features a revised sail plan with a reduced mainsail and enlarged foretriangle.SHK Scallywag, formerly Ragamuffin 100, has a notable racing history. In the recent Rolex Middle Sea Race, it finished 18 minutes ahead of Black Jack 100. The yacht recently won the Loro Piana Giraglia.Another strong contender is Leopard 3, owned by Joost and Laura Schuijff. Long-term skipper Chris Sherlock reported: “We had a new rig and a new sail package and we reduced the weight of the boat by 10 tonnes.” The yacht is preparing for the event after winning the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship in Porto Cervo last year.The fleet also includes VO70 yachts, with Christian Zugel’s Tschüss 2 being a strong contender. The yacht, originally Groupama 70, has an impressive racing record, including victories in the Volvo Ocean Race, RORC Caribbean 600, and the Transatlantic Race.The current monohull race record stands at 2 days, 7 hours, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, set by Charlie Dalin’s IMOCA MACIF in the previous edition. The race presents the unique opportunity for a yacht to achieve the ‘triple’ — winning line honours, IRC overall, and setting a new race record. The last to achieve the ‘double’ (line and IRC honours) was Ludde Ingvall’s Nicorette in 1995.The race, which covers 695 miles to Cherbourg, will test the yachts’ capabilities in various conditions, with the potential for record-breaking performances.Credits: Royal Ocean Racing Club
June 25, 2025
Technohull has introduced the XPD 46, the first model in its new Expedition Series, designed for year-round, all-weather cruising. The 14.85-meter yacht combines Scandinavian ruggedness with Mediterranean styling, featuring a convertible superstructure that can be fully enclosed or opened.The XPD 46 is built on a Dynastream deep-V hull with ventilated steps and a wave-piercing bow, engineered for performance and comfort in various sea conditions. The layout includes an en-suite master cabin forward, a guest cabin with an oversized double aft, and an optional skipper’s cabin beneath the aft sunbed.The central superstructure adapts to different climates, with sliding doors, a retractable roof, and an opening aft window for open-air use. The helm station accommodates three seats, while the aft lounge can be configured for additional seating. Deck spaces include a large aft sunbed with storage, side walkways, and a forward sunpad with locker space.Power options range up to 1,800 hp, enabling a cruising speed of 35 knots and a top speed nearing 60 knots. The 4.40-meter beam provides stability, and the hull design prioritizes seaworthiness for coastal and offshore navigation."The Expedition Series marks a significant step in our journey, a boundary-pushing new family within our range that positions the brand firmly within the explorer market," said Gerasimos Petratos, CEO of Technohull. "Designed for those who seek limitless adventure and wish to enjoy year-round cruising, the XPD 46 masterfully blends extreme capability with the benefits of Technohull’s signature comfort and renowned seaworthiness."The yacht’s interior features high-end finishes, including premium upholstery and storage solutions. No pricing details have been disclosed. Greece company Technohull launched its first hull in 2004. The most popular Technohull models of today include: Omega 45, 38 Grand Sport, 909, Explorer 40 and SeaDNA999. Credits: Technohull
June 25, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the delivery of a new Numarine 37XP explorer yacht to its owner. The vessel, sold by yacht broker Richard Higgins at the end of 2022, represents a significant addition to Numarine’s expanding 37XP Series.The 37-meter yacht is designed for long-range cruising and offers impressive performance capabilities. It features a range of 5,500 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and stabilizers for enhanced comfort during voyages.The yacht’s exterior design, created by Can Yalman, showcases angular lines and expansive dark-tinted windows across all decks. The triple-deck layout includes spacious outdoor areas such as a large beach club, shaded aft deck, and extensive sundeck.Interior features include floor-to-ceiling windows on the main and upper decks, which provide natural light and panoramic views. The contemporary interior design offers spacious accommodations.Richard Higgins commented on the project: “The construction of this yacht was a complex and rewarding journey — one that ultimately resulted in a truly exceptional vessel. While not without its challenges, the project was brought to a successful conclusion thanks to the dedication, experience, and close collaboration of the build team and the buyer’s knowledgeable representatives. From concept to delivery, every stage was met with a strong commitment to quality and a clear focus on achieving the owner’s vision. The result is a yacht that not only meets but exceeds expectations in design, performance, and craftsmanship — a testament to what can be accomplished through expertise, perseverance, and an effective team.”This delivery strengthens the reputation of the 37XP Series, which continues to attract owners seeking a capable platform for worldwide cruising with a focus on style and comfort.Credits: Numarine
June 24, 2025
The 32.7-meter motor yacht Far Niente, built in June 2024 by Turkish shipyard SES Yachts, is now available for sale through broker Dominic Meredith-Hardy of Classic Charters. Combining classic aesthetics with modern technology, the yacht features a fuel-efficient hull design by Hoek Design Naval Architects, inspired by early 20th-century Dutch herring luggers.Constructed with a steel hull and wood-composite superstructure, Far Niente was commissioned by experienced owners as a classic-style expedition yacht. The interior layout accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, along with crew quarters for six.The yacht’s design blends traditional and contemporary elements, with grey-washed oak and white paneling contrasted by exposed timber beams and classic deckheads. The main saloon includes a dining area for 10 and an L-shaped lounge, while the bridge deck offers a TV lounge and an outdoor space with al fresco dining and sunpads.Additional features include tender storage on the foredeck, serviced by a retractable crane. Powered by a single MAN diesel engine, Far Niente reaches a top speed of 11 knots, with a cruising speed of 9.5 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles. Key specifications include a 200GT interior volume, a 6.7-meter beam, and a 2.5-meter draft.The asking price is EUR13,000,000.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
June 24, 2025