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
Florida-based MarineMax broker James Corts has facilitated the sale of a new Ocean Alexander 35R to longtime clients, marking their fourth yacht purchase through Corts in two years. The experienced owners, previously operating vessels between 60-88 feet, took delivery of the 35-foot model for private cruising in Florida waters.The buyers selected the 35R for its enclosed skylounge configuration, climate-controlled upper deck, and crew accommodation layout. "The 35R checked all their boxes with its refined design and comfortable living spaces," said Corts, who has represented Ocean Alexander at MarineMax Naples since 2021.Ocean Alexander's Head of Global Operations Dan Mundy acknowledged Corts' role in the transaction: "His continued success reflects deep industry knowledge and dedication to clients." The manufacturer did not disclose the sale price or delivery timeline for the semi-custom motor yacht.The 35R model features a three-stateroom layout with crew quarters, joining Ocean Alexander's Revolution series targeting owners downsizing from larger vessels. MarineMax remains the exclusive Ocean Alexander dealer for Florida's southwest coast, with Corts having closed multiple seven-figure transactions for the brand in 2024.This sale continues a trend of experienced owners transitioning to smaller, more manageable yachts with premium amenities. Ocean Alexander reports strong demand for its 27-42 foot models in the Florida market, particularly from repeat customers. The new owners plan to use the vessel exclusively for private family cruising.With a rich heritage spanning over 45 years, Ocean Alexander stands at theforefront of the yachting industry. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and dedication to luxury, Ocean Alexander continues to redefine the standards of luxury yachting, offering vessels that are both performance-oriented and comfortable.Credits: Ocean Alexander
May 22, 2025
Columbus Yachts has launched its new 42-meter Crossover model, M/Y Big Naan, at its Savona shipyard in Italy. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was built for an American owner, with construction supervised by owner's representative Trevor van Wyk and brokerage handled by Zarpo Yachts.Designed by Hydro Tec with interiors by Hot Lab, the Crossover 42 features explorer-style exterior lines with a bulbous bow and distinctive angular superstructure. The yacht accommodates 11 guests across four lower deck cabins and a full-beam master suite on the main deck featuring a central bed, walk-in wardrobe, office area and bathroom with separate shower compartment. Crew quarters provide for nine staff members.The aft deck combines leisure and functional spaces with a 17-square-meter swimming pool and tender storage served by a built-in crane. A beach club on the lower deck incorporates a hydraulic door and receives natural light through side windows and a glass-bottom pool. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines delivering a maximum speed of 14 knots and transatlantic range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.Columbus Yachts currently has four additional vessels under construction at Savona, including a Crossover 47 scheduled for 2027 delivery and two ISA Gran Turismo 45 Alloy hulls that will be completed at the company's Ancona facility. The shipyard did not disclose the build time or price for Big Naan, which will undergo sea trials before delivery to its owner.The Crossover 42 model represents Columbus Yachts' approach to compact explorer vessels, combining long-range capabilities with leisure amenities typically found on larger superyachts. The launch follows the 2023 delivery of the first Crossover 42, M/Y Dragon, and expands the Palumbo Group subsidiary's portfolio of explorer-style vessels.Technical features include two watermakers producing 8.6 cubic meters daily, 60 cubic meters of fuel capacity, and dual stabilizer systems for both underway and at-anchor use. The yacht's interior design emphasizes natural materials and functional spaces suited for extended cruising.Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts
May 22, 2025
Italian boatbuilder Capoforte has unveiled a special "Summer Edition" of its CX240 day cruiser, available as a limited production run until August 2025. The 7.5-meter model features a monochromatic white exterior with cognac-colored upholstery accents and a sunset gold-finished console, powered by a matching white Yamaha F200XCA2 200hp outboard engine.The design draws inspiration from Mediterranean coastal architecture, with Valentina Procopio, Head of Marketing at Capoforte, explaining: "The white palette reflects traditional lime-washed buildings while offering practical cooling benefits through sunlight reflection." Below deck, the cabin accommodates a double berth that maximizes the vessel's 2.5-meter beam, with optional toilet compartment availability. Natural light floods the interior through elongated side windows enhancing the connection to the marine environment.Functional elements include a convertible helm seat that extends the aft dinette and a retractable canopy providing sun protection across the cockpit area. The helm station maintains vertical positioning for improved ergonomics while operating.Priced comparably to standard CX240 models (base price €85,000), the Summer Edition targets both novice and experienced boaters for coastal day cruising. Capoforte will continue offering its standard color options - including Ulisse Blue and Sepia Black - alongside this temporary variant.The Antwerp-based builder specializes in sub-8-meter day boats with Mediterranean styling cues. The company has not disclosed production numbers for the limited edition, maintaining its policy of small-batch manufacturing. The CX240 platform remains one of Capoforte's most popular models, recognized for combining compact dimensions with cabin amenities uncommon in its size class.Sea trials conducted in Mediterranean conditions confirmed the Summer Edition maintains the standard model's seakeeping capabilities, including performance in choppy conditions. Delivery timelines remain consistent at 8-10 weeks from order confirmation.The limited edition will be displayed at select European boat shows throughout summer 2025, beginning with the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, where Capoforte plans to showcase both Summer and standard edition CX240s side-by-side.Capoforte has twenty years of experience in boatbuilding. Over one hundred people work at the building site of Roccelletta di Borgia, close to Catanzaro. The yards extend to a production area of 19,500 sq. m, of which 9,500 covered. Credits: Capoforte
May 22, 2025
Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.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
May 21, 2025
Vripack has completed the interior concept for Burger Boat Company's new 55-meter superyacht, drawing on their 25-year collaboration with the Wisconsin shipbuilder. The design emphasizes natural materials, functional storage solutions, and adaptable lighting schemes for the custom-built vessel.The interior scheme features American walnut flooring and ceilings throughout, complemented by Calacatta Gold and Dark Emperador marble in guest bathrooms. Vripack prioritized maintaining sightlines through large picture windows while incorporating discreet storage units, particularly in the main salon. "Floor-to-ceiling windows are important, but shouldn't sacrifice functionality," said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.Lighting design forms a key element, with layered illumination including sconces, mini spots, and underlighting to transition from daytime to evening ambiance. The owner's stateroom employs a lighter color palette with customizable artwork displays, while guest areas feature Poltrona Frau furniture including Archibald armchairs.Storage solutions were expanded across all decks, addressing a common owner priority. The design maintains what Bouwhuis describes as "an easy-going foundation" with textured fabrics by Dedar and high-gloss finishes adding visual richness. Loose furniture selections include a Poliform Westside coffee table in the main saloon.The project continues Vripack's longstanding partnership with Burger, having previously collaborated on yachts including the mahogany-clad Ingot and the Slide Hull-equipped Burger 50 Cruiser. No delivery date was specified for the 180' model, which represents Burger's contemporary approach to custom yacht building.Vripack's design targets what Bouwhuis identifies as the typical Burger owner's priorities: "A vessel that's practical, comfortable, and tailored to their specific desires." The studio balanced aesthetic considerations with maintenance requirements and durability for extended cruising use.The Burger 180' interior marks another American-European collaboration for the Dutch designers, who have increasingly focused on storage optimization and transitional lighting schemes in recent superyacht projects. The yacht's technical specifications and propulsion details remain undisclosed at this stage of construction.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
May 21, 2025