Last month Paul Allen's Tatoosh made international headlines when her anchor damaged a Cayman Islands' coral reef. And now Microsoft co-founder retained experts in coral restoration to "assess the situation" and has submitted a plan of action to the Department of Environment, according to a statement from his company Vulcan Inc. The 92,38m Tatoosh is blamed for damaging coral across a 13,000-square-foot area of reef on Jan. 14. Video footage by divers, shared with the Cayman Compass last week, showed where coral had been sheared off from the reef.
According to the statement, "Paul G. Allen and Vulcan believe the most important action now is a rapid review of the remediation plan by local officials and the restoration of the reef. Time is of the essence, and we stand ready to begin playing our part in quickly implementing that plan."
The statement went on to outline Mr. Allen's credentials as a "global philanthropist and conservationist."
"Mr. Allen has developed programs and invested in solutions that protect and regenerate declining coral reefs, created the largest comprehensive data-collection and analysis of the world's populations of reef sharks and rays, and is working to raise awareness and inspire action to address climate change and illegal fishing. Because of that commitment, the damage to the reef resonates particularly deeply with us and is why we supported swift action to help mitigate the impact and restore the reef as quickly as possible."
Regarding the remediation plan, Vulcan additionally says, "We took this step even though extensive past and recent damage to this same reef, as a result of other incidents, makes it difficult to determine what, if any, actual damage was caused by the Tatoosh."
According to the statement, "Paul G. Allen and Vulcan believe the most important action now is a rapid review of the remediation plan by local officials and the restoration of the reef. Time is of the essence, and we stand ready to begin playing our part in quickly implementing that plan."
The statement went on to outline Mr. Allen's credentials as a "global philanthropist and conservationist."
"Mr. Allen has developed programs and invested in solutions that protect and regenerate declining coral reefs, created the largest comprehensive data-collection and analysis of the world's populations of reef sharks and rays, and is working to raise awareness and inspire action to address climate change and illegal fishing. Because of that commitment, the damage to the reef resonates particularly deeply with us and is why we supported swift action to help mitigate the impact and restore the reef as quickly as possible."
Regarding the remediation plan, Vulcan additionally says, "We took this step even though extensive past and recent damage to this same reef, as a result of other incidents, makes it difficult to determine what, if any, actual damage was caused by the Tatoosh."
Damen Yachting have received the prestigious Yacht Style Award 2025 for the Amels 80 in the Superyachts 60-80 meters category at the award ceremony held in Singapore. Presented during the SEA Yachting Conference and preceding the Singapore Yachting Festival, the awards recognized the finest accomplishments in the Asian superyacht industry.Accepting the award on behalf of Damen Yachting, Marketing Manager Sarah Flavell expressed the company’s delight: “We are thrilled to accept this award for the Amels 80 in the 60-80 meter category here in Singapore. This region has become increasingly significant for us in recent years, and it is gratifying to see Amels receiving such recognition here. Since introducing this new 80-meter Amels Limited Editions in 2022, we have been overwhelmed by the industry’s and our clients’ responses to this groundbreaking next-generation design. It has been an extraordinary journey.”The Amels 80 embodies a perfect blend of performance, sophistication, and enduring quality, crafted through a true collaboration between renowned designers and talented craftsmen. Originating from the visionary exterior lines of Espen Øino and the refined interiors of Sinot Yacht Architecture, the yacht also reflects the meticulous naval architecture of Damen Yachting. Built by skilled craftsmen at Damen’s Dutch shipyard, the Amels 80 exemplifies a harmonious fusion of heritage and progressive design.Scheduled for official launch in May and delivery to its Owner this summer, the Amels 80 boasts exceptional specifications: 80 meters in length, 12.5 meters in beam, 2,175 GT, a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, accommodations for 14 guests and 20 crew, and advanced naval architecture by Damen Yachting.Damen Yachting, the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group, is renowned for building and refitting the finest Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition superyachts, and Yacht Support vessels, enabling clients to experience the pinnacle of luxury and adventure. Supported by a team of approximately 500 yacht-building professionals and hundreds of specialist co-makers, Damen Yachting delivers on its promise of excellence with unrivaled know-how and a relentless commitment to innovation.Credits: Damen Yachting
April 10, 2025
M/Y Kasper 7, a 67-meter superyacht built by Benetti, has been honored with the Yacht Style Awards 2025 in the “60-70M” category for her design that fosters conviviality. Recognized for her exceptional style, Kasper 7 was specifically designed for an owner couple who envisioned their yacht as a floating home centered on social interaction.Hosted annually by Yacht Style concurrently with the Singapore Yachting Festival, the awards acknowledge the most outstanding yachts presented globally. This year’s selection, including M/Y Kasper 7, acknowledges her uniqueness and distinction. Immediately striking with her originality, Kasper 7 creates an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, drawing admiration from guests.Designed and built by Benetti, with exteriors by Cassetta Yacht Designers and interiors by the owner Nisrine Karagulla and her studio Ask Deco, Kasper 7 embodies a warm and relaxed ambiance, making guests feel at ease. The project seamlessly integrates design and engineering, crafting a singular on-board experience.Credits: Benetti
April 10, 2025
A Zeelander 5 has been delivered to Hawaii, marking the first Zeelander yacht to reach the islands. The vessel, named Koa, features a striking Royal Night’s blue metallic and pearlescent white color scheme. Departing from the Netherlands, Koa’s epic 13,000-mile journey took it down the European and African coasts, across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal, and northward to Vancouver. From there, it was transported to Seattle on a low-loader, with a barge completing the final 2,800-mile leg to Hawaii.Despite the distance and challenging conditions, Koa proved its seaworthiness. Captain Tony Joyce recalled the treacherous journey, noting that the yacht encountered 10- to 14-foot seas and winds peaking at 35 knots. The yacht’s robust design and hydrodynamic efficiency allowed it to endure these extreme conditions, including waves breaking over the bow and occasional submerging. Remarkably, Koa remained watertight throughout the journey, with no water ingress reported.Koa is also the first Zeelander yacht to be equipped with solar panels, featuring four 40W units embedded in the curved coachroof. These panels proved highly productive in Hawaii’s climate, compensating for the absence of shorepower and conserving battery reserves.Beyond its ruggedness, Koa reflects the personal touches of its owner, with an interior dominated by exclusive leathers. Although predominantly used for day trips, the yacht has been busy exploring Hawaii’s coastline, with activities ranging from whale watching and scuba diving to fishing and picnicking. The yacht has drawn significant attention locally, with visits from the US Coast Guard and interactions with a US nuclear submarine during multilateral naval exercises.Floris Koopmans, Zeelander’s business development manager, expressed pride in Koa’s delivery, highlighting the yacht’s performance under challenging circumstances and the skill of Captain Joyce. This milestone underscores Zeelander’s global appeal and the reliability of its designs, even in the most remote corners of the world.Credits: Zeelander
April 10, 2025
Italian designer Mauro Giamboi has partnered with Van Oossanen Naval Architects to introduce a new superyacht range named Azzurra. The designs, ranging from 30 to 50 meters, fuse classic Italian aesthetics with innovative engineering features, including an asymmetric main-deck layout prioritizing the main saloon and a highly efficient naval platform."Mauro Giamboi and Van Oossanen have created a family of yachts that are not only visually stunning but also set new standards in performance and efficiency," said Perry Van Oossanen, attributing the success of the designs to the synergy between Italian design and Dutch engineering. All models are based on the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), developed by Oossanen, offering up to 20 to 30 percent fuel savings at cruising speeds.The Azzurra 40, the first model in the range, has been designed as the "ultimate semi-custom platform" in its size category (40.2 meters). Central to its design is the aft deck, featuring a glass-fronted dip pool, sun loungers, and sofa seating. Expandable bulwarks increase the usable space to 85 square meters, while steps aft and starboard lead to the swim platform for easy water access. The sundeck houses dining, sunbathing, and lounging areas, with the latter partially shielded by the hardtop.The yacht accommodates up to 16 guests and nine crew, with the option to convert cabins for charter-friendly occupancy. The owner's suite, located on the upper deck, features a casual dining area, office space, sofa seating, and a private balcony spanning 40 square meters. The Azzurra 40 is compatible with traditional twin-engine setups and hybrid propulsion, with a projected maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Two additional models, the Azzurra 36 and an ice-class Azzurra 48, have also been developed.Giamboi recently shared two other concepts with BOAT International: an 80-meter yacht designed for polar adventures and a 40-meter catamaran featuring the largest, most immersive beach club in its size range.Credits: Mauro Giamboi
April 9, 2025
Acquera Yachting is participating in the 35th edition of the MYBA Charter Show, scheduled from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the scenic Portosole Marina in Sanremo. As the pinnacle event for charter superyachts, the MYBA Charter Show attracts attendees from over 30 nations, making it a must-attend occasion for brokers, service providers, and management firms alike.For Acquera Yachting, this show serves as a pivotal moment to showcase its enhanced in-house processes and services amidst a period of rapid evolution and expansion. Notably, around 30% of Acquera Yachting's clientele consists of charter yachts, reflecting the firm's comprehensive capabilities in managing port operations, customs and immigration procedures, bunkerage, technical assistance, and bespoke lifestyle services such as concierge and entertainment.In today's fast-evolving landscape, charter clients demand not only opulence and convenience but also immersive, curated journeys tailored to their preferences. Recognizing this shift, Acquera Yachting remains steadfast in its mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions that integrate digital innovation, sustainability, and exclusivity.Caterina Oliviero, Chief Commercial Officer at Acquera Yachting, emphasizes the transformational nature of the charter market, stating:“Clients today seek extraordinary adventures in breathtaking locations, combined with impeccable service. By leveraging technological advancements and emphasizing eco-friendliness, we’re unlocking unprecedented possibilities for yachting enthusiasts. Our unwavering commitment lies in providing unrivaled experiences that define the future of yachting.”Through strategic investments and dynamic partnerships, Acquera Yachting aims to lead the way in shaping the charter industry of tomorrow.By blending expertise with innovation, Acquera Yachting looks forward to engaging with global partners and strengthening its position as a trailblazer at the MYBA Charter Show 2025.Credits: Acquera Yachting
April 9, 2025