Yacht builder Fairline Boats has been bought out of administration by Russian investors in a deal thought to be worth about £4.5m, the Telegraph reports. The Northamptonshire-based company collapsed in December, just two months after Jon Moulton's Better Capital sold Fairline to fellow private equity investor Wessex Bristol.
The new company, Fairline Yachts, is funded by two long-term UK-based Russian investors, thought to be Alexander Volov and Igor Glyanenko, who are said to be highly experienced in managing and developing marine businesses and in the production of high technology products, IT and media services. Both are also said to be passionate boat owners. Moreover, Volov and Glyanenko are listed as shareholders in Fairline Acquisitions, which was registered with Companies House on January 6.
Russell Currie, an 18-year veteran with Fairline, will take over as managing director of the business, providing continuity and to maintain relationships with customers.
"I am delighted to have been appointed managing director for Fairline Yachts," said Currie. "With the resources of the investors, coupled with the expert knowledge of the management team and our energy and passion for the brand, the structure is in place for a great future for Fairline Yachts. We will focus on creating high quality luxury motor yachts that boaters will want to own and dealers will want to sell."
He continued: "As a sign of our commitment to Fairline Yachts' loyal customer base and dealer network, we will be completing all orders for boats received by Fairline Boats, including those that have not yet started being built as well as those that are already in production."
Sources close to the company say under its new ownership, the current range of 14 yachts, which start at 38ft and rises to 78ft, is likely to be stripped back to a much smaller number.
Fairline Yachts will continue to operate at the same manufacturing facilities in Oundle. Previous employees will be the first in line to apply for more than 100 jobs that will be available immediately.
Alastair Massey of FRP Advisory and joint administrator, concluded: "The sale to Fairline Acquisitions offers the best possible outcome. We would like to thank a supportive customer and supplier base who, together with a loyal workforce, helped see the business through the administration process."
The new company, Fairline Yachts, is funded by two long-term UK-based Russian investors, thought to be Alexander Volov and Igor Glyanenko, who are said to be highly experienced in managing and developing marine businesses and in the production of high technology products, IT and media services. Both are also said to be passionate boat owners. Moreover, Volov and Glyanenko are listed as shareholders in Fairline Acquisitions, which was registered with Companies House on January 6.
Russell Currie, an 18-year veteran with Fairline, will take over as managing director of the business, providing continuity and to maintain relationships with customers.
"I am delighted to have been appointed managing director for Fairline Yachts," said Currie. "With the resources of the investors, coupled with the expert knowledge of the management team and our energy and passion for the brand, the structure is in place for a great future for Fairline Yachts. We will focus on creating high quality luxury motor yachts that boaters will want to own and dealers will want to sell."
He continued: "As a sign of our commitment to Fairline Yachts' loyal customer base and dealer network, we will be completing all orders for boats received by Fairline Boats, including those that have not yet started being built as well as those that are already in production."
Sources close to the company say under its new ownership, the current range of 14 yachts, which start at 38ft and rises to 78ft, is likely to be stripped back to a much smaller number.
Fairline Yachts will continue to operate at the same manufacturing facilities in Oundle. Previous employees will be the first in line to apply for more than 100 jobs that will be available immediately.
Alastair Massey of FRP Advisory and joint administrator, concluded: "The sale to Fairline Acquisitions offers the best possible outcome. We would like to thank a supportive customer and supplier base who, together with a loyal workforce, helped see the business through the administration process."
Benetti has unveiled its B.Neos concept, a motor yacht design emphasizing sailing yacht proportions and hybrid propulsion technology. The design collaboration involves Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design for exterior styling and FM Architettura for interior spaces.The concept prioritizes reduced volume pursuit in favor of spatial efficiency and functional layouts. Standard hybrid propulsion systems enable silent operation at anchor, reflecting the design's focus on acoustic comfort. The approach targets owners seeking understated luxury rather than ostentatious displays.Azimut|Benetti Group Chair Giovanna Vitelli stated: "B.Neos represents a new approach that looks ahead. We chose a leading designer from the sailing segment to bring the sleek proportions of sailing yachts to a motor yacht, avoiding the pursuit of volume at any cost."Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design brings experience from over 200 yacht projects, incorporating extensive glazing and structural innovation. FM Architettura, led by Francesca Muzio, applies its background in luxury residential and yacht interiors to create minimalist environments.The B.Neos concept forms part of Benetti's ongoing development of alternative propulsion solutions and contemporary design approaches. The company continues to offer both traditional motor yacht configurations and new concepts addressing evolving owner preferences regarding sustainability and spatial utilization.Production timelines and specific technical specifications remain undisclosed at the concept phase. Benetti's current portfolio ranges from 37 to 112 meters, with the B.Neos concept expected to occupy the mid-range segment of the company's offerings. The concept will be presented to selected clients before potential production decisions.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
September 11, 2025
Italian yacht builder Maiora, part of NEXT Yacht Group, will preview its new M|30 model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 30.4-meter yacht is scheduled for delivery in summer 2026, representing the latest addition to the brand's M line.Designed in collaboration with Quartostile studio and Acube Design, the vessel features a 7.5-meter beam and three-deck configuration. Accommodations include five cabins for 12 guests, with a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck and four guest suites below. Crew quarters aft of the lower deck accommodate five staff members.Design characteristics incorporate full-height windows and glass bulwarks to connect interior and exterior spaces. The exterior profile emphasizes coupé-like lines while maintaining interior volume. The beach club area has been enlarged and reconfigured as an open veranda space connected to the main deck.Acube Design's interior approach utilizes natural materials and organic aesthetics. The main saloon offers flexible usage options, while the owner's suite includes walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathroom with windows, and convertible desk space. The upper deck provides customizable layouts alongside a separate wheelhouse area.Outdoor features include a redesigned sundeck, WalkAround concept passageways, and a forward garage convertible between toy storage and swimming pool functions. The hull incorporates a signature lighting strip consistent with Maiora's M|36 model.The presentation forms part of NEXT Yacht Group's strategy to expand its European market presence. The company describes the M|30 development as contributing to its "Renaissance" initiative focused on contemporary Italian yacht design standards. Production will utilize Maiora's existing facilities with the first unit currently in development.Credits: Maiora
September 10, 2025
Cantiere del Pardo brings three new models at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The presentation includes the Pardo 43 walkaround yacht, VanDutch 75 day cruiser, and Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance sailing yacht.Pardo 43 The Pardo 43 represents an evolution of the previous model, with over 300 units sold since its introduction. Company President Gigi Servidati stated: "This new version is not about revolution, but evolution - continuing to refine and improve a model that has already made history." The design maintains the walkaround configuration while updating various elements.VanDutch 75The VanDutch 75 measures 22.9 meters and introduces updated styling to the brand's existing design language. The model retains the low-profile silhouette and clean geometry characteristic of VanDutch yachts while incorporating new technical details and Mediterranean design influences.The Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance follows the Long Cruise version presented at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The sailing yacht measures 24.4 meters and offers performance-oriented features alongside customizable interior layouts. The first unit has been sold and is currently under construction.Grand Soleil Plus 80 PerformanceCantiere del Pardo currently has four yachts in production across its Plus series: two Grand Soleil Plus 80 models (one Long Cruise and one Performance), one GS Plus 72 Performance, and one GS Plus 65 Long Cruise. Delivery schedules indicate spring 2026 for the first GS Plus 80 LC and late 2026 for the GS Plus 80 Performance.The company maintains production facilities in Italy supporting both motor yacht and sailing yacht construction. With over 5,000 yachts built since its establishment, Cantiere del Pardo operates through a network of 60 countries worldwide. The Cannes presentation demonstrates the company's continued investment across its three brand portfolios.Credits: Cantiere del Pardo; Gianluca Naphtalina Camporesi
September 10, 2025
Sunreef displays the Ultima 55 performance catamaran at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, marking its European debut following initial presentation at the Dubai International Boat Show. The 16.8-meter model represents the first in Sunreef's new performance-oriented catamaran series.The vessel achieves 36-knot maximum speed using twin Volvo Penta IPS-800 drives, with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion available on subsequent hulls. The design incorporates a hydrofoil system between hulls to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Construction utilizes carbon composite materials for weight reduction.Sunreef founder Francis Lapp stated: "We listened to our clients, and the feedback was clear. There is still huge enthusiasm for our sustainable, solar-powered luxury catamarans, but some of our owners were requesting a smaller, faster and nimbler take on the genre." The company reports 16 orders with seven hulls currently under construction.Accommodations include an owner's cabin plus two additional guest cabins with king-size beds, each hull containing longitudinally arranged bathrooms. The design allows optional crew cabin configuration. Solar panels integrated into the coach roof provide auxiliary power generation.The catamaran features twin stern platforms extending beam to 7.6 meters for water access, with storage capacity for tenders and water toys. The main saloon connects to exterior spaces through sliding glass doors, creating continuous indoor-outdoor areas. The series will eventually span 13 to 34 meters across six models.The Ultima 55 will be exhibited alongside other Sunreef models at the festival, which runs till September 14. The company continues production at its Gdansk facility, with delivery timelines for ordered hulls extending into 2026.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
September 10, 2025
Moonen Yachts has launched the 37.4-meter motor yacht Ad Astra, representing the seventh hull in its Martinique 122 series. The vessel was commissioned by an American owner and features customized elements including a hot tub and distinctive orange waterline marking.The yacht underwent christening ceremonies in September 2025 before beginning sea trials. Following testing completion, Ad Astra will transit from the Netherlands to Caribbean operating areas for private use and charter operations.Design collaboration involved René van der Velden for exterior styling, Diana Yacht Design for naval architecture, and Hollander Yacht Design for interior spaces. The owner worked with designers to incorporate personalized elements throughout living areas and exterior features.Nicky van Zon, Moonen's Technical Director, stated: "Each new build reflects the strength of the platform while giving space for owners to make their yacht truly their own. With her striking orange waterline and bespoke lifestyle features, Ad Astra is a perfect example of this balance."Project Manager Ian Vermoen noted the team's craftsmanship in executing owner-requested modifications while maintaining the Martinique series' technical specifications. The model continues Moonen's focus on semi-custom construction within its production range.IYC's Matthew Stone, representing Moonen's global sales, confirmed the owner initially considered larger yachts before selecting the Martinique platform for its volume and customization capabilities. The yacht's design emphasizes Caribbean cruising suitability with extended range capabilities.The Martinique 122 series maintains consistent naval architecture while allowing owners to personalize interior layouts and exterior styling elements. Moonen continues production at its Netherlands facility with additional hulls in various construction phases.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
September 10, 2025