The custom 62m steel and aluminum superyacht Rio was delivered by CRN in May of 2022. The taut, flowing hull lines and near-vertical bow bear striking testament to her remarkable elegance and dynamic, sporty personality. She was designed and built by CRN in close collaboration with design and architecture studio Omega Architects, who created the exterior concept, and designers Pulina Exclusive Interiors for the styling inside.
TWW Yachts is representing the owner, while TWW Yacht Management has provided integral technical consultancy with survey and project management oversight throughout the final stages of construction and onward through her operational management.
At 62 meters long and 11.2 meters in the beam, this four-deck yacht comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests in the owner’s suite and five guest cabins, including two full-beam VIPs – one on the main deck forward, the other on the lower deck – and three suites on the lower deck, namely two doubles and a twin, served by a lift to all decks. There are also nine cabins for the 15 crew.
Main saloon
This true-custom yacht has an unmistakable pursuit: to make on-board life uniquely pleasurable. The owner expressly requested bright, colorful spaces and a happy atmosphere for the younger family members to enjoy. A vibrant concept has been developed with a tropical mood, where the prevailing upbeat white tones, pure lines and natural materials are set off by a judicious mix of lively pops of color and vivid décor inspired by exotic motifs. The white walls harmonize with the marine palette, from pastel turquoise to the varying shades of azure for the furnishings and textiles in custom textures. And delightful details – in tones of blue and fuchsia or green and gray – further embellish every deck.
Main deck aft
Rio's generous full-height windows form a visual continuum in sync with the elegant exterior architecture. The main aft deck profile revels in the harmony of designer Frank Laupman’s signature arches, which protect the deck and assure guests’ privacy while framing superb views from the side and stern.
Beach club
The outdoor spaces are conceived as multipurpose areas for relaxing and sociable moments. This wealth of spaces includes the stern lounge with bright, airy al fresco dining facilities or the lounge at the bow on the owner deck with a generous spa pool and sun area for fitness use and parties. The wellness lounge has water toys at the beach club, the huge spa pool and cinema zone aft located on the wheelhouse deck.
Main saloon dinning area
The main-deck spaces are fully integrated inside and out in a harmonious flow. The cockpit hosts a large, comfortable open-air living space with a versatile layout that highlights the owner family’s desire for quality time together. This lounge and welcome area features furnishings by contemporary Italian design brands with a color palette that plays with natural elements like the sea and sky, fusing in unison with the tropical mood. A sliding glass door unveils the palatial main saloon. This multipurpose space makes a superb social and dining area. Guests are welcomed by an American bar at the entrance, which becomes a bridge between the indoor and outdoor lounge areas.
Dinning area
The dining area is designed for more formal moments. Its centerpiece, an impressive totally bespoke round drum table, seats eight people and can swiftly extend to accommodate up to 12.
VIP cabin
The full-beam VIP cabin is grand enough to be considered a second owner suite. Here, a capacious walkin wardrobe opens on to another very luminous space in white tones and bright-blue profiling, complete with relaxation zone and desk area. Guests can work there in absolute comfort and peace even while cruising – an amenity offered in all the larger cabins, at the owner’s direct request.
At the bow, the full-beam garage accommodates two jet skis, an array of toys for all the family and guests to enjoy, an 8-meter Pascoe Beachlander tender and a second tender of almost 5 meters for the crew that also acts as a rescue boat. In addition, there is also a 14-meter SACS Rebel 47 tender chase boat.
On the lower deck, the beach club is a multipurpose lounge area looking right on to the sea, equipped with a spectrum of water toys for unrivaled aquatic enjoyment. Besides the wellness area which houses a hammam and shower, there is a lounge with bright, cheerful floating poufs shaped like starfish for guests to enjoy with a large TV that doubles as an interactive whiteboard for games and other entertainment. Down from the main-deck lobby to the lower deck, a fully equipped gym forms a keep-fit zone in combination with the bow area. The four guest cabins with private bathroom comprise one full-beam VIP, two identical doubles and a twin with third Pullman bed, all with white lacquered-oak staved walls pepped up with dashes of color.
Kids cabin
With 323 sq. m for the owner’s exclusive use, this deck is notable for its harmonious symmetries, its great openness to the sea, and its eclectic blend of spaces with privacy uppermost in mind. To the stern, an al fresco dining area links to the sky lounge for an unforgettable indoor–outdoor experience. The area includes a lounge zone for relaxed interactions and features some of Italy’s most prestigious design brands. The centerpiece is a custom-made round dining table identical to the one in the main-deck lounge.
Owner suite
The owner suite with 180° windows offers peerless sea views. At the entrance, a walk-through wardrobe leads to a beautifully lit bathroom made with premium materials, from Calacatta Vagli Oro marble on the walls to the Crema d’Orcia marble floors. A unique feature is a spectacular tub by the windows.
Owner suite
At the heart of the room, the fully custom king-size bed features a white-leather headboard with a 3D effect from the vertical petrol-blue leather inlay. To port, the study area has a desk made to the owner’s precise specifications: it can rotate by 90 degrees into an L-shape, so he can always enjoy a sea view while he works.
Upper saloon
The wheelhouse deck hosts a spacious outdoor area for guests to relax in the spa zone and have fun in the sun. The fully custom pool is a welcome feature, raised and with a conveniently integrated sun pad along one side. This highly versatile area becomes a fully equipped open-air private cinema with a big screen and projector that slides down from the ceiling; it can also host lively karaoke evenings with friends.
The yacht has a top speed of 15 knots and cruises at 12 knots, she is IMO Tier III-certified. Rio will make her debut with a world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show from 28 September to 1 October 2022.
CRN is a historic shipyard and Ferretti Group brand and company that designs and builds fully custom 45m to 95m steel and aluminum yachts. It was founded in 1963 in Ancona, Italy. The Ancona yard spans over 80,000 sq. m and boasts a large historic private marina looking out on the Adriatic, where all the CRN megayachts are made. The fleet now numbers over 400 seagoing vessels, plus several aluminum and light-alloy models built for other Ferretti Group brands.
Credit: CRN
Heesen Yachts has announced the passing of its founder, Frans Heesen, on April 23, 2025, in his hometown of Oss. He is survived by his wife Petra, children, and grandchildren.Frans Heesen’s leadership and talent for identifying and nurturing potential were fundamental to the success and growth of Heesen Yachts. Known for his visionary approach and Dutch courage, Heesen took bold steps that shaped the future of the shipyard.One of his most notable achievements was the decision to build the groundbreaking yacht Octopussy, despite significant risks. This project not only succeeded but also brought global recognition to Heesen Yachts.Throughout his career, Frans dedicated himself to creating a family-like atmosphere at the shipyard. Even after the company was sold, the family environment he established remained strong. The values he instilled continue to define the company’s culture today.Heesen Yachts expressed its deepest condolences to Frans’ family and friends, noting that while his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit and vision will continue to guide the company.Frans Heesen’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the yachting industry and on everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. He will be remembered for his pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence.Credits: Heesen Yachts
April 24, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the brand-new Absolute 56 Flybridge for sale at EUR2,033,250, with yacht brokers Jeffrey Chan and Martin Holmes representing the vessel. The Italian-built motor yacht combines performance with contemporary design, featuring Volvo Penta IPS engines for efficient cruising and joystick docking.The 56 Flybridge offers a full-beam master suite positioned forward for panoramic views, along with three guest cabins and a separate crew cabin. The aft galley connects the cockpit and saloon, enhancing indoor-outdoor flow, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light. High-end finishes include polished cabinetry and sleek countertops.On deck, the yacht maximizes space with an expansive flybridge featuring a U-shaped dining area, wet bar, and lounging zones. An optional hardtop includes solar panels for energy efficiency. The foredeck includes a lounge with sunpads and a convertible teak table, while the hydraulic swim platform at the stern functions as a beach club with retractable stairs for water access.Designed for comfort and reliability, the Absolute 56 Flybridge is available for immediate delivery. Buyers seeking a turnkey, high-performance motor yacht can view the listing through Northrop & Johnson.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 24, 2025
The inaugural World Yachting Summit in Monaco convened over 200 participants from 20 countries, including industry leaders, regulators, and innovators, to address critical challenges facing the sector. Modeled after global forums like COP and Davos, the three-day event featured 19 panel sessions and 8 keynote talks focused on sustainability, modernization, and generational engagement.Keynote speaker Jean-Claude Biver, former CEO of Blancpain and Hublot, emphasized innovation through his "first, unique, different" philosophy, while Azimut Benetti's Giovanna Vitelli led discussions on practical sustainability measures. A SMART framework emerged from debates:Sustainable: Industry must transition from compliance to climate leadership, per DNV's Barbara Sanches and Energy Observer's Victorien Erussard.Modern: Calls for transparency in listings and standardized regulations for emerging destinations.Attractive: Shift needed from ostentation to purpose-driven experiences for younger demographics.Resourceful: Unified advocacy and economic impact storytelling urged, mirroring aviation sector models.Transformative: Early marine education and human-centric design identified as priorities.Albert Manzone of Société des Bains de Mer highlighted Monaco's stability as a blueprint for resilience. Closing sessions noted geopolitical and labor challenges, with cautious optimism about adapting to sustainability demands and experience-focused ownership models.The Summit was co-organized by M3 and OMNIYAT. M3 CEO José Marco Casellini stated: "WYS 2025 leaves a lasting impression... establishing itself as a driving force for innovation and strategic thinking about the future of yachting."A second edition is planned for 2026 to continue progress on these initiatives.Credits: World Yachting Summit
April 24, 2025
Sacs Tecnorib will exhibit four models at the Palma International Boat Show from April 30 to May 3. The display, organized with Mallorca distributor Swiss Yachting and Spanish dealer Helimotor, will feature the Pirelli Speedboats 30 and 35, along with the Strider 13 and Strider 11, at stand M-34 in Zone 1.Pirelli 30The Pirelli Speedboats line, designed by Ted Mannerfelt, will be represented by the 30 and 35 models, which emphasize performance and sporty aesthetics. Strider 11The Strider range, designed by Christian Grande, includes the 13-meter Strider 13, focused on comfort for extended cruising, and the more compact Strider 11, suited for day trips with functional living spaces.Pirelli 35The company's participation underscores its focus on expanding its Mediterranean presence with models that combine design, construction quality, and performance. The Palma show marks the beginning of the Mediterranean boating season.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Sacs tecnorib spa is the official licensee of Pirelli brand inflatable boatsCredits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
April 23, 2025
Alinghi Red Bull Racing has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming America’s Cup competition, citing financial and strategic reasons. The team, which was set to compete in the 37th edition of the prestigious sailing event, confirmed the decision in a statement released today.“After careful consideration and thorough analysis of our current situation, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the America’s Cup,” said team principal Bruno Troublé. “This was not an easy choice, but we believe it is the right one for the future of our organization.”The withdrawal comes as a significant blow to the America’s Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Barcelona later this year. Organizers have yet to comment on how the absence of Alinghi Red Bull Racing will impact the competition format and schedule.Alinghi Red Bull Racing has been a prominent participant in recent America’s Cup editions, most notably competing in the 36th edition held in Bermuda. The team has a history dating back to the original Alinghi squad that won the America’s Cup in 2003.“We want to thank all our supporters, partners, and the incredible team members who have been part of this journey,” Troublé added. “While we are leaving the America’s Cup, we remain committed to the sport of sailing and look forward to exploring new opportunities in the future.”The team’s departure leaves the field of competitors for the 37th America’s Cup reduced, with organizers now facing the challenge of potentially finding a replacement team or adjusting the competition format. The America’s Cup is known for its high-stakes, high-tech sailing competitions involving cutting-edge catamarans capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots.Details regarding the future of Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s assets, including their AC75 foiling catamaran, have not been disclosed. The team’s withdrawal adds to the uncertainty surrounding the America’s Cup, which has already faced challenges related to cost and complexity in recent years.Organizers of the America’s Cup are expected to provide further updates on how they plan to proceed with the competition in the coming days. The event remains one of the most prestigious and technically demanding regattas in the sailing world, attracting teams from around the globe.Credits: Alinghi Red Bull Racing
April 22, 2025