Security matters and finding ways to protect their assets, crew, and guests from such dangers as pirates or paparazzi, have been in focus of the yacht owners for years. Security systems deployed onboard normally depend on the owner’s profile, the assets in question and the locations a system would be operating.
Increasingly, the owners order security systems that can automatically monitor, detect, track, classify and alert operators to approaching objects in the proximity of a yacht. There are some technical devices, normally deployed for better protection.
When it comes to paparazzi, one of the most helpful device would be anti-drone protection. Such equipment would detect and identify commercial drones within a 20+km range, providing GPS positioning of both drone & pilot together with the drone’s speed and heading.
When a real drone has been detected, the system enables creation of a 500 metre plus electronic ‘exclusion zone’ around the yacht. Once the drone approaches this zone, its control/video signals would be blocked, forcing it to land or return to operator.
One of the most popular examples of anti paparazzi protection on a superyacht, is Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich chosing to install a special shield system against paparazzi on his 162.5-metre Blohm+Voss superyacht Eclipse, built in 2010.
According to The Times, the device is capable of fixing the activity of the photosensitive elements on digital cameras, and disables them with a direct laser beam. The system works under both automatic and manual modes.
The fourth in his private fleet, Eclipse was famously built for Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich and the owner of Chelsea football club, as the largest yacht in the world (at that moment), a title that she held until the delivery of the 180-metre Azzam in 2013.
M/Y Eclipse
Eclipse also comes fitted with an underwater mini-boat and two helipads in case of emergencies. The initial price of the yacht was rumoured to amount to € 350 million, but additional equipment might have increased her value to € 800 million.
According to Forbes interview with Johannes Pinl of superyacht privacy and protection company MARSS, nowadays onboard CCTV, access control (door locking systems) and deck mounted pressure sensors likely to ‘form the basis of most standard superyacht security packages.’
These will be connected over an onboard network and managed from the bridge or a central control security room. Long-range daylight and thermal imaging cameras can have a dual function for both navigation and security use cases. Such cameras can be equivalent to military specification and are mounted on the mast to provide a long distance visual capability around a vessel.
He also stresses out that the key important thing is ensuring awareness among the crew to increase reaction time and make better decisions based on a clear assessment of a situation.
Meanwhile, one of the recent security devices installed by MARSS on a 100-metre plus superyacht, was NiDAR 360° degree surveillance system integrating multiple sensors to provide automated monitoring, detection, tracking and classification of objects in the vicinity of a vessel.
Operating autonomously at 24/7, NiDAR tracks both known and unknown surface and air objects. Smart software algorithms automatically analyse and rank threats, triggering alerts to notify crew and security personnel as required.
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
Arcadia Yachts has secured the sale of its fourth A96new unit, continuing the model's commercial success following previous sales in Turkey and Middle Eastern markets. The latest 29-meter yacht will operate in the Mediterranean following delivery.The buyer selected the existing interior design by Igor Lobanov, maintaining the Art Deco-inspired dark lacquered surfaces featured on the first hull, with only minor customizations requested. The A96new series emphasizes holistic wellbeing concepts in its layout and amenities.Ugo Pellegrino, CEO of Arcadia Yachts, stated: "The new direction charted by the A96new has tapped into a need felt by owners all over the world, which is why we're so proud to present the A80new at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival, a boat designed for owners seeking the same lifestyle on board but in a slightly smaller format. We expect this new model to have the same success as the series flagship."The Sorrento-based shipyard will debut the 24-meter A80new model at September's Cannes Yachting Festival, targeting owners seeking similar features in a more compact package. Current production continues on the A96new series while the yard prepares its new smaller model for market introduction.The consecutive sales demonstrate sustained demand for Arcadia's wellbeing-focused yacht designs, with the A96new establishing itself as the brand's current flagship offering. The upcoming A80new presentation will test market reception for the scaled-down version of the concept.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
July 22, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has launched M/Y Singolare, the second unit in its T450 series, at its Genoa shipyard. The 45-meter yacht, designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta, follows the successful delivery of the first T450 model, M/Y GO.The launch ceremony was attended by the South American owner and family members. The yacht features a fully enclosed veranda with climate control, an elevator connecting main to sun deck, and a flush foredeck concealing a watertight tender garage. The upper deck includes a sauna, gym, and private cinema.Brazilian architect Debora Aguiar designed the interiors, featuring floor-to-ceiling wine cellars and sliding glass panels connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The main deck contains a master suite with walk-in wardrobe and steam shower, while the lower deck accommodates four guest cabins and crew quarters.Guido Orsi, Tankoa Yachts Vice President, stated: "This launch marks another important milestone for Tankoa. It strengthens our position in the international markets, particularly in South America, where demand for high-end yachts is steadily increasing."The shipyard currently has another 45-meter hull and two 50-meter T500 models under construction, all presold. M/Y Singolare will be delivered this summer for Mediterranean cruising before relocating to the Caribbean for winter season.The launch reinforces Tankoa's position in the 45-50 meter custom yacht segment, with the T450 series demonstrating strong market demand.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa
July 22, 2025
The first hull of Riva's new 112' Dolcevita Super model has launched from the brand's La Spezia facility. Measuring 34.37 meters with a 7.27-meter beam, this flybridge yacht expands upon the successful 110' Dolcevita design with enhanced outdoor spaces and improved water access.Developed by Officina Italiana Design in collaboration with Ferretti Group engineers, the yacht features a 35-square-meter beach club with fold-out terraces and storage for water toys. The stern garage accommodates a tender and jet ski while the cockpit offers multiple lounge configurations. Owners can choose between additional bow seating or a Jacuzzi in the forward area.The flybridge presents redesigned living spaces with a central bar area and entertainment systems. Interior options include two main deck layouts - one with aft dining and another with traditional forward lounge placement. The master suite incorporates larger windows and redesigned storage solutions.Standard power comes from twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines delivering 2,638 hp each, providing a preliminary top speed of 25.5 knots. An alternative MTU M97L engine package includes SCR emissions reduction technology. Stabilization systems include zero-speed fins with Humphree interceptors, with optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers available.Bridge configurations range from standard quad 19-inch monitors to a premium option with dual 49-inch displays selected for this first unit. Soundproofing measures include reinforced bulkheads between crew and guest areas on the lower deck, which houses four VIP cabins. Interior finishes combine high-gloss rosewood with black hammered leather detailing.The yacht is scheduled for its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, representing Riva's latest development in the 30-40 meter flybridge segment. Production continues at Riva's La Spezia yard alongside other models in the 70-130 foot range.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 21, 2025