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.
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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 27, 2025
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
June 26, 2025
Cantiere del Pardo has introduced the Grand Soleil 65 Performance, a performance-oriented evolution of its 20-meter sailing yacht series. Following the Long Cruise version, this model emphasizes speed and responsiveness while retaining onboard comfort. The yacht made its debut at the Palma International Boat Show in May.As part of the Plus Line for vessels over 18 meters, the 65 Performance involves owners in the customization process from initial design stages. Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line, stated: "The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector." Naval architecture was handled by Matteo Polli, structural design by Marco Lostuzzi, and layout by Nauta Design.Environmental considerations include sustainable teak, laminated glass insulation, linen-reinforced composites, water-based paints, and solar panels. The hull utilizes epoxy-infused biaxial fiberglass and carbon reinforcements, with construction processes meeting strict quality certifications.Matteo Polli's design adapts features from the larger Grand Soleil 72, including a V-shaped bow for reduced drag and improved light-wind performance. The sail plan positions the mast aft to maximize the foretriangle, with a self-tacking jib as standard for simplified handling. Underwater, an inverted T-keel and single rudder balance stability and maneuverability, offering draft options of 3.5 meters (standard), 3.0 meters (shallow), or telescopic configurations.Nauta Design optimized deck space and interior flow, lowering the saloon to align with cabin levels for improved continuity. The coachroof's tapered profile distinguishes it from the Long Cruise version's panoramic windows. Massimo Gino of Nauta Design noted: "Our challenge was to convey a sense of motion and energy while preserving comfort, functionality, and style."Interior materials are customizable, with owners selecting finishes from the shipyard’s portfolio. No pricing or delivery timelines were disclosed.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts
June 26, 2025
Denison Yachting has announced the availability of the fourth hull in the Conrad C144S series, priced at EUR32 million with a two-year delivery window. The vessel follows three previous models, including the award-winning Ace (hull 1), Extra Time (hull 2), and the upcoming Moonlight (hull 3), the latter two sold by Denison.Built by Conrad Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, the 44-meter C144S is a full-displacement superyacht with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The design features exterior styling by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, emphasizing seakeeping performance. The "S" designation refers to the straight bow, which increases interior volume while maintaining a streamlined profile.Interior options include the original M2 Atelier concept seen on earlier models or alternative designs, such as Nauta Design’s understated approach chosen for Moonlight. The yacht accommodates 10–12 guests across a full-beam owner’s suite and four VIP cabins, with crew quarters for nine.Key features include a sundeck with a hot tub, infinity pool, and outdoor cinema, along with a beach club featuring a wet bar and wellness area. Storage capacity includes a 7-meter tender, two jet skis, and multiple SeaBobs.With a transoceanic range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, the C144S cruises at 11 knots (max 13.8 knots) and complies with IMO Tier III and Lloyd’s MCA LY3 standards."The C144S represents a proven platform with award-winning design and strong value in the 500GT segment," said Denison broker Alex Clarke. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.Conrad Shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland and specializes in building steel, and aluminum luxury yachts ranging from 24 to 100 meters in length.Credits: Denison Yachting
June 26, 2025