RM Sotheby’s has introduced one of the lots of the forthcoming Villa Erba auction. The 1950s Riva yacht, once part of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly’s fleet, has been put to this years’ bid. The event will take place on May 25, 2019 at the lake Como, Italy.
Hull No. 62 out of Riva Tritone series was gifted to the reigning prince of Monaco, H.S.H. Prince Rainier III in early 1958 by a close relative, wealthy Milanese textile industrialist, Mr Gianoglio. The vessel was to represent admiration and gratitude of the presenter.
The hull of the yacht christened Via, features red and white stripes on the wood, reflecting the Principality’s livery colours. Via is powered by two Chris-Craft MCL six-cylinder engines of 5.5 litres, each capable of 175 HP at 3,400 rpm. The engines also feature an automatic diverter dubbing the ‘Chris-O-Matic’, launched when auto industry in the USA was fascinated with pushbutton automatic transmission.
Via was widely employed by the Prince’s family after his marriage to Princess Grace Kelly in 1956. According to RM Sotheby’s, she also served as the prince’s flagship, flying both the flag of Monaco and the personal flag of the prince.
However, Prince Rainier III later replaced Via with a smaller yacht, Riva Junior, used for short trips and water-skiing with Princess Grace and their children. Still, Via remained in their home port, maintained under long-term custodianship of her second owner in Monaco.
Several years ago, the vessel was sent to a Dutch specialist for renovation. The refit works took several years, returning the yacht to her original specification, with her original engines restored. The yacht was refurbished, while her Chris-O-Matic transmission was also rebuilt.
In 2014, the restored craft was purchased by the current owner, anticipating a returned to the home port of Monaco. Riva Via still represents a symbol of wealth and glamour, embodying the spirit of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
RM Sotheby’s was incorporated in 1991 as a classic car auction company RM Auctions, with headquarters in Blenheim, Ontario. Since 2015, the company has been partially owned by the world’s one of the most renowned auction houses, Sotheby’s. RM holds the top position in the rating of the most expensive cars ever sold at an auction, with the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $48,405,000 in August 2018.
Horizon Yachts has completed construction of the 15th hull in its FD80 series, a 24.6-meter motoryacht that will make its European debut at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show in September. This marks the first FD80 model specifically configured for the European market.The yacht features design collaboration with Dutch designer Cor D. Rover, incorporating an open-plan interior layout with floor-to-ceiling windows. Interior finishes include bleached teak and brushed gunmetal detailing throughout the cabinetry. The owner has specified several custom features, including large-format televisions in both the main saloon and master suite.Accommodations are arranged for eight guests across four staterooms, with a full-beam master suite on the main deck and three additional guest cabins below. The crew area accommodates four staff with direct access to the beach club.Exterior spaces include multiple social areas, with a hot tub and teppanyaki grill on the bridge deck, along with flexible aft deck space that can serve as either a lounge or tender storage area. The foredeck features a dining setup with sunpads.Powered by twin MTU engines, the yacht incorporates Horizon's Skyline superstructure design and a fully enclosed wheelhouse. The FD80 will be available for viewings at both European boat shows before delivery to its owner. The Fast Displacement series represents a significant portion of Horizon Yachts' current production output.Founded in 1987, Horizon Yachts has celebrated 35 years as one of the largest luxury yacht builders in the world as well as the number one builder in the Asia Pacific region. In the past three decades, Horizon has delivered over 855 luxury yachts, with more than 220 of these over 80 feet in length. Popular models ranging from 52 to 150 feet include motor yachts, superyachts, power catamarans, expedition yachts, and fast displacement motor yachts.Credits: Horizon Yachts
June 23, 2025
Dutch submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, having delivered 60 submarines worldwide since its 2005 founding. The company specializes in private, scientific, and commercial underwater vehicles, with models ranging from personal submersibles to research vessels."Since inception, the company has logged tens of thousands of dive hours," stated Wilbert Beilsma, Commercial Director at U-Boat Worx. The manufacturer maintains service hubs in Curaçao, Europe, and the U.S., providing lifecycle support including pilot training and spare parts for all models.Technical innovations include full acrylic pressure domes and lithium-ion battery systems. U-Boat Worx offers multiple ownership options: full purchase, leasing, wet lease (with crew), and charter arrangements. The company's submersibles are compatible with superyacht platforms, with integration services available.Current operations span private exploration, marine research, and emerging defense applications. "We remain driven by the same spirit that launched our first submersible," said Marketing Director Roy Heijdra. The manufacturer continues developing new models while supporting its existing fleet of operational submarines.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
June 23, 2025
The newly delivered Benetti Oasis 34 motor yacht Y has entered the brokerage market with Mark Seaton of Yacht. The 34.4-meter vessel was delivered in May 2025 and remains under full shipyard warranty. Currently berthed at Benetti’s shipyard in Viareggio, Italy, the yacht is available for immediate delivery.Designed by RWD, the Oasis 34M series features a distinctive Oasis Deck with fold-down bulwarks, a glass-sided infinity pool, and a spacious beach club area. The yacht’s streamlined profile, extended overhangs, and open-plan layout reflect Benetti’s approach to indoor-outdoor living.The interior design, created by Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture of New York, combines warm greys and natural tones with contemporary elements. The accommodation includes five staterooms for up to 10 guests, with a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck and four guest cabins below. The crew quarters can accommodate seven staff members.The 269 GT yacht is powered by twin 1,380hp MTU diesel engines, providing a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14.5 knots. The vessel sails under the Marshall Islands flag. The asking price for the yacht is €17,500,000, excluding VAT. It represents the only Benetti Oasis 34M from 2025 currently available on the market worldwide. The vessel was built under the supervision of experienced owners and a leading maritime consultancy, ensuring high-quality construction and finishing.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
June 20, 2025
Athens-based design studio IPYD has revealed Aether, an 80-meter superyacht concept developed for Oceanco's Simply Custom platform. The design features triangular geometric motifs throughout its exterior, referencing concepts of balance and harmony from ancient Greek philosophy.Presented at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Aether joins Oceanco's portfolio of semi-custom concepts built on a standardized technical platform by Lateral Naval Architects. Initial renderings show a continuous exterior profile with an open-plan beach club featuring spa facilities and lounge areas.The Simply Custom range offers owners design flexibility while utilizing pre-engineered naval architecture. Aether follows previous concepts including Ani by Vallicelli Design and Dunes by the Touch Studio. Oceanco has not disclosed construction timelines or technical specifications for the Aetherconcept.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: IPYD
June 20, 2025
The Pershing GTX80 has docked at Manhattan's North Cove Marina, marking the start of its East Coast tour celebrating Pershing's 40th anniversary. The 24-meter Sport Utility Yacht will visit Montauk (July 1) and Newport (July 12) before concluding in the Hamptons.The tour showcases Pershing's performance-oriented design combining speed and onboard comfort. The GTX80 series features an open layout with 370 square meters of living space across three decks, powered by twin 1,550hp MAN V12 engines reaching 35 knots.Allied Marine is coordinating the tour, with updates available through Pershing's social media channels. The itinerary highlights the yacht's coastal cruising capabilities along the Atlantic seaboard.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
June 20, 2025