Richard Branson, the prolific British billionaire and mastermind behind the Virgin brand, has now sold his 32-meter catamaran, Necker Belle at an asking price of $3,000,000. This follows her being listed for sale in 2014 asking €8.5 million.
Launched in 2003 by CMN, the 32-meter catamaran features a total of 4 cabins for a maximum of 10 guests. Stretching over a beam of 14 meters, the yacht was refitted in 2009. Powered by Caterpillar engines, she could reach a top speed of 20 knots.
Lately part of Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, Necker Belle was available for charter from $60,000 per week amongst other assets such as his private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands where she was often based or his estate in Switzerland.
Branson, a billionaire since the 1990s, purchased the catamaran in 2009, when she was named Lady Barberetta, at an asking price of £5.3 million, before renaming her to Necker Belle, after his island in the British Virgin Islands. In 1986, Branson had broken the record for a Transatlantic crossing on a motor yacht on the Virgin Atlantic Challenger 2.
"I’m not really into motor yachts. We had great fun breaking the record on VAC II but I’d get bored cruising on a motor yacht." Branson said in an interview. "I sold it the day after we broke the record and have never had another one since."
"I love the platform of a big catamaran. There’s tonnes of space on board and it’s so much more stable than a conventional monohull, so it’s great for guests who sometimes feel queasy afloat" he added. "I love to have friends on board to explore the nearby islands, and of course the submarine adds another whole dimension to cruising the Caribbean. It’s like flying a mini fighter jet under water."
Valued by Forbes at $5 billion, Richard Branson was born in 1950 and became one of Britain's most famous entrepreneurs. Starting a magazine at 16, which ultimately failed, he later went into the record business, and expanded the Virgin brand in the 1980s. Today spanning over 400 companies, Virgin's most ambitious project is to enter space flights.
Launched in 2003 by CMN, Necker Belle was refitted in 2009 after Branson bought the catamaran. On the charter market since 2012, she was listed for sale in 2014 asking €8.5 million and underwent several price reductions up until her recent sale at a $3 million asking price.
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.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
April 17, 2025
The Amels 6007 has set sail for the first time in open waters, commencing its sea trials after passing through the lock at Vlissingen in the early hours of Wednesday, April 16th.Designed by Espen Øino, this yacht features a distinct aesthetic characterized by geometric windows, complemented by a bright white superstructure and black accents along its waterline. Damen Yachting oversaw the naval architecture for the Amels 60 series.Interior designer Ben Harrison highlighted the modern yet homely atmosphere aboard the vessel, describing it as “undeniably contemporary, a home away from home with a sophisticated take on beach house luxury.” Living areas feature stainless steel, bronze, fluted detailing, and natural oak floors and ceilings.Notable amenities include a comprehensive dive center and accommodations for up to 12 guests and 12 crew members, excluding the captain. Initial images from the sea trials showcase an extensive swim platform leading to what Harrison referred to as an “incredible beach club.”This marks another milestone for the Amels brand, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality and innovative yachts.Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting
April 17, 2025
At the prestigious Palma International Boat Show 2025, Sanlorenzo makes a grand entrance, marking the start of the Mediterranean yachting season. From April 30th to May 3rd, visitors will witness two iconic creations from the company's Yacht business unit – models that embody both the yard’s storied heritage and its visionary approach to innovation.SD96Introducing the SD96, Sanlorenzo redefines what it means to live aboard a yacht. This luxurious vessel prioritizes flexibility t hrough transformable spaces that seamlessly adjust to meet the diverse needs of passengers. Across three decks, SD96 boasts superior space utilization, blending classical design elements with cutting-edge features. Its interiors radiate warmth and sophistication, enhanced by exquisite materials such as textiles, woods, and marbles.Every detail contributes to creating a serene environment where occupants feel truly connected to the sea.From accommodating guests' varied preferences throughout the day to navigating distant waters effortlessly, the SD96 delivers unmatched versatility and comfort.SX88Innovative design meets practicality in the groundbreaking SX88 – a yacht that merges form and function into one cohesive whole. Its sleek lines and expansive living areas emphasize harmony between inside and outside spaces. An integrated flybridge provides captains with command over their journey while leaving the main deck fully accessible for leisure activities.This crossover exemplifies Sanlorenzo's dedication to sustainable practices, featuring advanced lighting technology, energy-efficient systems, insulated glass windows, and substantial battery reserves capable of delivering up to eight hours of zero-emission operation. These innovations ensure that the SX88 stands out not only aesthetically but also environmentally.By combining refinement, ingenuity, sociability, and eco-consciousness, these two yachts epitomize Sanlorenzo's philosophy: elevating maritime living beyond mere travel to become a holistic lifestyle choice.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
April 16, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has announced the technical launch of M/Y Rose, marking a major milestone for the company as they enter the luxury sport yacht market. As the first vessel from their new T55 Sportiva series, M/Y Rose showcases a bold and distinct design philosophy developed in partnership with Luca Dini Design & Architecture since its unveiling in June 2021.Photo by Marco FulviSold in January 2022, M/Y Rose was officially launched on April 14th and is now undergoing final preparations prior to delivery. Measuring 55 meters in length, this superyacht combines elegant aesthetics with advanced technology, reflecting the pinnacle of modern yachting.Designed by Luca Dini, the exterior boasts sleek, aerodynamic lines, while the interior design by renowned architect Piero Lissoni creates a sophisticated and personalized ambiance. Key highlights include extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the main and upper decks with natural light, creating an unparalleled onboard experience.One of the standout features is the Nemo Room – a semi-submerged lounge providing an intimate connection to the ocean. Additionally, the yacht offers spacious outdoor living areas, including a large beach club surrounding a striking swimming pool. Comfort is enhanced by two panoramic hot tubs — one reserved exclusively for the owner's suite and another located prominently on the upper deck.Photo by Giuliano SargentiniAfter the successful technical launch, M/Y Rose will undergo additional fitting out and sea trials at the Tankoa facilities. She is slated to make her global debut at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025, where she is expected to attract considerable attention among industry insiders and enthusiasts alike.CEO Vincenzo Poerio expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “The introduction of the Sportiva Line represents a fresh perspective on contemporary luxury. With M/Y Rose, we've achieved a harmonious blend of elegance and performance, setting a new standard for luxury yachting."Photo by Marco FulviLooking ahead, Tankoa continues to expand its portfolio within the Sportiva line. A second T55 Sportiva model is currently under construction and scheduled for completion before summer 2025, while a third hull is also in development, planned for delivery in 2027.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
April 16, 2025