In June 2015 it was announced that yet another superyacht with a name inspired by a James Bond movie would be built, the 66-meter Spectre. The order for the vessel was placed by American businessman, John Staluppi as the owner's 7th yacht.
Moving up from an 18-meter Viking boat, Staluppi commissioned the 36-meter For Your Eyes Only from Denison as his first yacht. The semi-displacement yacht was eventually launched in 1985 and became the first motor yacht to have a combination of MTU engines with water-jets in the US, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 30 knots.
In the late eighties, For Your Eyes Only hit a sandbar which led to her taking in water from a crack in the engine room. The yacht was eventually salvaged, refitted and renamed with some speculating that the following alleged legal actions, combined with the sinking of two other Denisons within a short amount of time, led to the bankruptcy of the US shipyard.
In 1988, Octopussy was launched as Staluppi's second yacht in a successful attempt to build the fastest yacht in the world. A defining moment for Heesen Yachts, Octopussy had to reach 50 knots in order for Staluppi to take ownership of the boat, which it ultimately did, reaching a top speed of 53 knots. Staluppi eventually sold the 44-meter yacht after having used her for close to a year in and a half, which allowed him to start working on his next project, Moonraker.
By the time Octopussy was sold, HH the Aga Khan, was building a yacht to overtake the crown of the world's fastest yacht. Staluppi therefore set out to build an even faster one and the 36-meter Moonraker was eventually delivered in 1992 by Norship with a design done by Dutch-based Mulder.
In 1998, Staluppi set up his own business in yachting, Millenium Superyachts that was to handle his project in the superyacht industry. In 2004, the newly created label delivered The World Is Not Enough, a 40-meter yacht with 20,600hp that could reach a top speed of 70 knots but couldn't steer past 66 knots according to the owner.
In October 2007, Staluppi acquired a project in-build from Henry Luken, co-owner of Christensen Shipyards. In 2008, the 49.6-meter Casino Royale which can cruise at a more regular speed of 12 knots, was delivered to her new owner. Built out of composite, the full displacement yacht came in at just under 500GT. It was later listed for sale in December 2008 and sold in April 2009 to Californian businessman, David McDonald.
In July 2009, Staluppi acquired Midlandia, a 52-meter Benetti with an asking price of €19,950,000, which he renamed to Quantum of Solace and extensively refitted. In August 2009, he listed the boat for sale again at an asking price of $24,995,000 and eventually sold it, two years later, in July 2011.
In November 2011, Diamonds are Forever was launched for Staluppi who had acquired the yacht whilst in-built, 18 months prior to its delivery. Throughout the construction project, Staluppi made several substantial improvements including the addition of an extra top deck.
Originally intended to be chartered out by its owners, Diamonds are Forever was listed for sale in August 2012, asking $63 million. In October 2012, her asking price was reduced to $59.5 million and she was eventually sold in December 2013.
Commissioned in July 2015, Spectre will become Staluppi's seventh superyacht named after a James Bond film and will also be designed by Mulder.
Heesen Yachts announced the delivery of YN 20555, the 55-meter steel yacht named Serena, marking the first delivery of 2025. Managed by Arcon Yachts Monaco, Serena exemplifies the fruitful collaboration between the two companies, blending precision engineering with bespoke design.Rick van de Wetering, Chief Operations Officer at Heesen Yachts, expressed delight with the delivery, stating, "We are pleased with the first yacht of 2025, a successful project with Arcon Yachts Monaco. Their expertise ensured a smooth process from start to finish. Serena stands out as a unique blend of superyacht excellence and personal customization, built on a proven platform for reliability."Construction of Serena began in spring 2022, with the experienced owners playing an active role from the outset, working closely with Heesen engineers and the design team led by Luca Dini. The objective was to create a homely and relaxing interior, suitable for extended stays on board. Careful attention was given to seating arrangements and material selections, ensuring that every area promotes relaxation.Serena is equipped with a steel ultra-efficient, fast displacement hull form (FDHF), providing a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots and a top speed of 15.5 knots, thanks to two MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines (IMO Tier III). Designed by Omega Architects, the exterior complements the interior vision of Luca Dini, offering accommodation for 12 guests across five staterooms.Richard Kaye of Arcon Yachts Monaco noted, "We have refined the yacht with the owner, enhancing an already superb design. By incorporating windows into the beach club to create a serene sauna and relaxation zone, and making subtle changes throughout, we have tailored it to the owner's wishes. The result is a stylish and practical design that everyone should admire."The yacht's interior spaces include a main saloon divided into three areas, with a fully-equipped bar ensuring a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. The Sky Lounge acts as the social hub, featuring a custom games table and comfortable seating for entertainment. The beach club, lit naturally by glass portholes, is styled as a waterside retreat, while the sauna, adorned with elegant wood finishes, adds to the yacht's charm. The 110-square-meter sun deck provides versatile furniture arrangements and a forward seating area to enjoy the views.The owner’s quarters on the main deck include a lounge, office space, and a luxurious full-beam cabin with a private veranda. The lower deck features four guest staterooms with unique marble details in their en-suite bathrooms. Serena also boasts a gym on the bridge deck, which can be easily retrofitted into an additional cabin if desired.Bob van Zundert, shipyard captain, praised Serena’s handling, saying, "She handles impressively considering her size—760 GT of internal volume. Yet, she responds well to commands and offers comfort and stability akin to an aluminum vessel, with the maneuverability of her aluminum counterparts. Our 55m series instills confidence and reassurance in captains navigating the seas."Serena sets the tone for an exciting lineup of yachts to be delivered in 2025, heralding a remarkable year in the luxury yachting industry.Credits: Heesen Yachts
March 27, 2025
The Monaco Yacht Show is solidifying its position as a platform for industry progress by launching Blue Wake, a new initiative aimed at enhancing the visibility of environmentally sustainable solutions across the event. Beginning with the 2025 edition, MYS will integrate innovations with stronger eco-responsibility, reflecting the industry's commitment to a more sustainable future.Building on the success of the Sustainability Hub, introduced in 2022, MYS recognizes the growing importance of sustainability as a core industry focus. The launch of Blue Wake represents a natural evolution of MYS's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainability in yachting.Blue Wake will spotlight companies whose solutions meet rigorous environmental sustainability criteria. Approved exhibitors will receive prominent visibility throughout the show, enabling engagement with key stakeholders, including yacht owners, builders, investors, and industry leaders. As with the Sustainability Hub, the Water Revolution Foundation will continue to support MYS in identifying impactful solutions that contribute to genuine progress in the industry.Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, notes, "Sustainability has become an essential driver of innovation in yachting, and our role at MYS is to provide a platform where these advancements can gain the recognition they deserve. With Blue Wake, we are reinforcing this commitment by ensuring that sustainability is an integral part of the event experience, engaging all stakeholders in meaningful discussions about the future of our industry."Robert van Tol, Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation, emphasizes, "This initiative is about more than visibility—it’s about credibility. Through a rigorous vetting process, we are ensuring that the solutions presented under Blue Wake genuinely contribute to making the yachting industry more sustainable. It's an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment and for the industry to continue its progress toward a more responsible future."While specific exhibitors and solutions for the Blue Wake programme have yet to be confirmed for the 2025 edition, MYS encourages industry followers to stay tuned for updates as the event approaches.Credit: The Monaco Yacht Show
March 27, 2025
Apreamare will be among the exhibitors at the 2025 Croatia Nautic Show, taking place from April 3rd to 6th at Marina Kaštela. The Italian shipyard will showcase its Gozzo 38 Cabin alongside the new dealer, Alberta Yachts, in a move to strengthen its presence in the region.The Croatian boat show is a significant platform for Apreamare, given the country's longstanding appreciation for the iconic Gozzo line. In addition to Croatian clientele, the enchanting Adriatic coast draws northern European owners, particularly from Germany, Austria, France, and Italy. Partnering with Alberta Yachts, the new dealer for Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, and southern Germany, Apreamare is poised to solidify its brand in this important market.The Gozzo 38 Cabin represents a significant evolution of the open Gozzo 35, introducing new design elements to enhance comfort and habitation. The expanded internal volumes, facilitated by the deckhouse, address the needs of owners seeking greater protection and improved comfort, enabling year-round navigation in various weather conditions. The generously sized beach platform, now extending the boat's total length to 11.45 meters, underscores its seaworthiness.The connection between interior and exterior spaces is seamless, with a 4-panel glass door linking the large cockpit to the spacious internal dinette. The lounge includes a helm station, a functional kitchen, and an L-shaped seat, ensuring comfort at any time of day. The exterior spaces are designed for optimal livability, featuring a generous stern platform, a large cockpit with a retractable/convertible table, an L-shaped sofa for six people, and a large sundeck at the bow, accessible via two large, flush side-walkways.Below deck, the careful optimization of space results in a layout with two cabins and a bathroom, boasting an internal height of two meters. The guest cabin, located amidships, is notably wider than average in its size class, featuring a 140-centimeter-wide bed at the head. Regarding propulsion, options include twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI or D4-320 DPI sterndrives, or the traditional Volvo Penta D4-320 shaft configuration, ensuring efficient and versatile navigation, always comfortable and safe, even in rough seas.Through its participation in the Croatia Nautic Show and partnership with Alberta Yachts, Apreamare aims to showcase its commitment to innovation, quality, and adaptability, resonating with the preferences of the discerning regional audience.Credits: Apreamare
March 27, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announced the successful sale of the 28-meter Ferretti L'Opera, with Gaston Lees-Buckley representing the seller.Launched and delivered in July 2019, L'Opera is the tenth hull of the successful Ferretti 920 series, built for a long-standing client and experienced yachtsman under the guidance of Camper & Nicholsons.Camper & Nicholsons extends its congratulations to all parties involved in the transaction and wishes the new owner countless hours of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences on board.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
March 26, 2025
Azimut Yachts has once again solidified its status as the most desirable brand among high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) in China, earning recognition as the "Best Innovative Yacht Brand." The groundbreaking Seadeck 7 was also honored with the "Luxury Hybrid Yacht Best New Arrival" award. These accolades were announced during the prestigious Best of the Best Awards 2025, organized by the esteemed Hurun Research Institute, reflecting the results of the Hurun Chinese Luxury Consumer Survey.Azimut Seadeck 7 Hybrid ProjectEach year, the Hurun Research Institute conducts extensive research analyzing the preferences of HNWIs in China via a survey involving 750 participants. These individuals possess an average wealth of 47.5 million CNY (approximately 6.5 million USD), with an investable wealth of 12 million CNY (about 1.6 million USD). Among these respondents, 32 are classified as ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), boasting assets exceeding 100 million CNY (14 million USD).From left to right: Mr. Rupert Hoogewerf, the founder of Hurun Report; Sharon Xu, business development manager of Azimut Asia Pacific; Mr. Xu, Founder of Private Equity ( Hurun’s VIP guest).During the award ceremony in Shanghai, Azimut Yachts received the coveted "Best Innovative Yacht Brand" title, celebrating the company's relentless pursuit of cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing the ownership experience. Additionally, the Seadeck 7 garnered the "Luxury Hybrid Yacht Best New Arrival" award, highlighting its transformative impact on the market. As the first production yacht integrating a hybrid-electric system powered by Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, the Seadeck 7 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40% annually, presenting a viable option for eco-conscious owners without compromising comfort or performance.These dual achievements affirm Azimut's standing as a trailblazer in the luxury yachting industry and reinforce its prominent position in China, where it has delivered approximately 200 vessels to local clients since 2006. This recognition underscores the brand's ability to anticipate market demands while advancing towards a more sustainable and innovative future.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
March 26, 2025