Masquenda was relaunched in June 2021 sporting a new light and dark grey livery just over 8 months after arriving at the Lusben facility in Livorno. Her owner Pier Luigi Loro Piana is a highly experienced sailor, but the Masquenada motor yacht refit project was based around his changing priorities. He still enjoys competitive sailing, but when he started planning a round-the-world trip it quickly became clear that an explorer yacht would offer much more onboard comfort during long-range cruises.
“I decided to go for a big, beautiful motor yacht of around 50-60 meters in length, capable of accommodating around 10–12 guests for exploring the world in safety and comfort,” says Pier Luigi Loro Piana. “The size of the yacht was critical: any bigger and I wouldn’t be able to access the small, secluded bays I was used to visiting with my sailing yachts.”
At the beginning he was considering a new build, but, as he says “any new build, sail or power, would have taken at least three years and after one year from the loss of my beloved My Song I started thinking I didn’t want to wait that long”, so the hunt began for a suitable candidate for refitting.
“I recalled a vessel called Aspire (originally Etra) I had visited a few years before that I thought could fill the bill,” says Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design, who has known the owner for over 40 years. “Solidly built with ocean-going range, her almost 600GT volume and 51-meter length suited the owner’s plans to tour the world with his family. With Nauta acting as the buyer’s broker, a deal was struck and Aspire arrived in Italy in September 2020. Time was short and we wanted to get works off the ground so we chose Lusben, Azimut-Benetti’s refit branch, for this top-to-bottom refit that required redesigning the vessel both inside and out.”
The most obvious intervention requested by the owner is the complete redesign of the main deck aft. The stern had already been extended during a previous refit, but he wanted an open-air beach club with easy access to both the water and to the main salon that was also able to house an array of tenders and toys.
To this end, the aft bulwarks were cut away to provide a flush deck with unimpeded views suitable for heli operations and the transom was transformed into a true pieds dans l’eau swim platform. A major modification was removing the old deck crane and replacing it with a custom-built, 7.5-tonne capacity crane that folds away out of sight into a dedicated compartment below deck.
With space for two or more tenders, including an amphibious Iguana, when the tenders and toys are in the water the flush aft deck provides an enormous lounging or party space. The boarding ladders on both sides are height-adjustable depending on whether a tender or the Maxi Dolphin-Nauta chase boat is docked alongside.
“The crane hangar required cutting off the stern section and adding a completely new aft block,” says Pedol. “Naval architect Francesco Rogantin was engaged to reconfigure the underwater lines and we like to think the new transom looks more like a sailing yacht than a motoryacht. The main salon was transformed with the installation of a 2-meter wide door to enhance the connection with the open aft deck. The starboard access to the engine room is also new, as are the ventilation trunks with integrated chaise lounge.”
Both the upper and the bridge decks were already large and very liveable, but the aft overhangs of the upper and bridge decks were extended by 1.5 meters to create a more graceful profile and more shade underneath. On the bridge deck there is now room for gym equipment and two sailing dinghies that can be stowed away in a covered bay that doubles as a sunbed. The upper deck aft is set up for al fresco dining and lounging, while the top deck serves as an observation platform with a fitted BBQ-galley.
The original twin Caterpillar 3508 engines (total 2,100 hp) were thoroughly serviced and a new exhaust system fitted. With new propellers and the reconfigured hull lines aft, the yacht actually gained an extra 1.5 knots of top speed. Noise attenuation was a priority for the owner, so the brand new three Kohler generators are housed in sound-proof boxes and mounted on vibration dampers with structural reinforcements to avoid noise transmission through the hull.
The interior was made by Misa Poggi and is based on contrasting dark and light wood joinery combined with saddle-stitched leather and brushed bronze accents. The overall ambience is warmly refined but casually welcoming with parchment, bamboo and woven finishes adding an exotic touch.
Guest accommodation comprises two suites on the main deck, three on lower deck and a master stateroom on the upper deck forward for a total of 12 guests including the owner. The bulwarks flanking the owner’s lounge were cut down to provide better sea views and the voids fitted with electrically-controlled louvers for extra shade or privacy when moored in the marina.
Masquenda spent her first summer cruising the Mediterranean and has now departed for the Caribbean at the start of a three-year voyage that will take her around the world.
“Masquenda is a very versatile yacht and I am definitely very happy with the final outcome,” says Pier Luigi Loro Piana. “All the design team worked very well – Nauta, Misa and Rogantin – and my life on board with my family and friends last summer was just what I had envisaged when we started out on this adventure!”
Credits: Nauta Design
Pershing has renewed its collaboration with British apparel brand Murphy&Nye to mark its 40th anniversary, introducing two new collections. The partnership, established in 2004, has produced yachting apparel and accessories since its inception.The Pershing 40th Anniversary Capsule Collection consists of five items: a performance polo shirt, a minimalist T-shirt, a weather-resistant windbreaker, a padded vest, and a cap. Each piece features commemorative embroidery celebrating Pershing’s four-decade legacy.Additionally, the brands unveiled the Owner Set, a seven-piece collection designed for Pershing yacht owners. It includes a waterproof travel bag, a unisex cap, a fully waterproof and windproof hooded jacket, UPF 50+ nylon polo shirts, and refined shorts. The technical fabrics prioritize functionality while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.The collections were previewed at the Venice Boat Show and will be available for purchase to both Pershing owners and Murphy&Nye customers. 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
July 23, 2025
The 1995-built Benetti motor yacht Solafide has completed an extensive multi-million euro refit (2023-2025) and is now exclusively listed for sale with Camper & Nicholsons. The 499GT vessel underwent a complete transformation while retaining its classic Benetti lines.Measuring 45 meters in length with a steel hull, Solafide offers transatlantic range of 4,600 nautical miles at 12 knots. The refit included full hull and superstructure repainting, complete engine and generator rebuilds, new CMC electric stabilizers, and upgraded navigation systems.Tommaso Spadolini supervised the exterior redesign which created new alfresco dining areas and transformed the 120 sqm sundeck into a helicopter-capable space with hot tub. The aft deck now features fold-down terraces expanding the beach club area.Supernova Design Studio completely reimagined the interior with warm wood tones, onyx details and custom furnishings. The layout accommodates 12 guests in six cabins, including a main deck master suite with convertible office/lounge and four lower deck cabins (two doubles, two twins)."Solafide represents the perfect combination of classic Benetti quality and contemporary systems," said sales broker Della Pearce. The yacht's comprehensive refit earned a nomination for Best Refit at the 2025 World Superyacht Awards.The refit addressed all major systems while enhancing both guest amenities and operational capabilities. With its proven bluewater credentials and extensive recent upgrades, Solafide offers new owners a turnkey solution for global cruising.Credits: Benetti
July 23, 2025
Italian architecture firm MASK Architects has released details of its 85-meter superyacht concept, ONYX H2-BO 85, featuring an innovative hydrogen propulsion system. The vessel utilizes seawater electrolysis combined with hydroelectric turbines to generate power, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependency during short cruises.The system works by extracting seawater, which undergoes filtration and desalination before entering an electrolysis chamber. An electrical current then separates the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The collected hydrogen serves as fuel for engines, generators or fuel cells, with excess stored in tanks for backup power."While producing hydrogen from seawater is feasible, it requires specialized equipment and expertise," noted the studio. "Collaboration with marine engineering and hydrogen technology experts would be essential."The yacht's design features a narrow profile with sport yacht influences. Renderings show contemporary interiors incorporating what the designers describe as "sumptuous" and "eco-conscious" materials. Leisure areas include a sunbathing foredeck, al fresco dining space on the sundeck, and an aft swimming pool.Technical specifications reveal the hydroelectric turbines capture kinetic energy from surrounding water, potentially eliminating the need for large fuel reserves. The studio claims this approach could offer long-term cost savings given rising fuel prices, though no specific efficiency data was provided.The concept emerges as the maritime industry faces increasing environmental regulations. While hydrogen propulsion promises zero local emissions, challenges remain regarding the energy-intensive electrolysis process. The studio suggests supplementing the system with renewable energy sources like solar panels, though these are not shown in current renderings.At 85 meters, ONYX H2-BO 85 would rank among larger superyacht concepts, though no construction timeline or potential shipyard partners were disclosed. The project represents one of several recent attempts to develop cleaner propulsion systems for luxury vessels, joining concepts using batteries, fuel cells and alternative fuels.MASK Architects, known for futuristic design proposals across maritime and aviation sectors, has not indicated whether the concept has attracted client interest. The studio typically focuses on conceptual work rather than production-ready designs. Industry observers note that while hydrogen shows promise for maritime applications, infrastructure limitations and storage challenges remain significant hurdles for widespread adoption.The release of additional technical details suggests ongoing development of the concept, though no sea trials or prototype construction have been announced. The project joins a growing portfolio of eco-conscious yacht designs as the industry explores solutions to meet tightening environmental standards.Credits: MASK Architects
July 23, 2025
The Olympic Yacht Show 2025 will take place at Olympic Marine in Lavrio from October 9-12, with preparations currently underway. This year's edition will feature 140 yachts, 400 luxury brands, and host 5 world premieres alongside 14 European debuts, marking the largest iteration of the event to date.Exhibitor registration shows strong participation from major industry players, including shipyards, dealers, and marine specialists. The event continues to attract both returning and new international participants, reflecting its growing influence in the European yachting calendar.The show will present new yacht models ranging from hybrid propulsion systems to mega yachts, maintaining its position as a platform for industry innovation. Organizers anticipate record attendance from industry professionals and yachting enthusiasts.As Greece's primary yachting exhibition, the 2025 edition will focus on business networking opportunities while showcasing current design and technology trends in the marine sector. The event reinforces Greece's role in Mediterranean marine tourism and luxury yachting markets.Credits: Zisis Dalakouras/The Olympic Yacht Show
July 22, 2025
Damen Yachting has launched the newest 60-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht, with delivery scheduled for autumn 2025. The vessel represents the next generation of the Amels 60 series, maintaining the line's charter-ready features and eco-conscious design approach.The yacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and custom interiors by London-based Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's second Amels 60 project. The interior concept emphasizes contemporary styling with enhanced visual connections to the marine environment.Paul Deurloo, Damen Yachting's Project Manager, stated: "It is one of the highlights of the build process when we get to see the superyacht coming out of the shipyard. We are delighted to show her to the world."The Amels 60 series continues to offer accelerated delivery timelines as part of its Limited Editions concept, with this unit available for handover within approximately 15 months. The yacht joins an existing fleet of Amels 60 vessels, all built on Damen Yachting's established naval architecture platform while allowing for individual customization.The newly launched unit is currently available for purchase, with Damen Yachting continuing production of the Amels Limited Editions range at its facilities in the Netherlands. The autumn 2025 delivery schedule positions the yacht for potential Mediterranean or Caribbean cruising seasons.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
July 22, 2025