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.
A fire broke out in Fort Lauderdale's Bahia Mar Marina after an 8.5m boat caught fire after refuelling, with the flames spreading over the superyacht W (ex Larisa), built by Feadship in 2013. The 57.6m yacht had gone through a major refit in the Feadship home base of the Netherlands and was delivered to her new owner July 2020. The W hull was damaged by the fire, but it was successfully extinguished by twenty Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue firefighters. No injuries were reported.Video: Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue
January 19, 2021
Fraser and Burgess have announced the sale of the 67.15m Damen Garçon support yacht. Garçon was used as a support vessel for the 87m yacht Ace during her exploring and environmental missions. Garçon has a lot of space for tenders, Jet Skis, and other water toys, as well as a room for a helipad. The vessel can reach a top speed of 25 knots. The last known asking price was 24 million euros.Credits: Damen Yachts
January 19, 2021
Ferretti Group has released its first sustainability report on corporate operations. The document formally testifies to the Group’s introduction of a virtuous pathway to minimise the environmental impact of its production processes and yachts, promoting better and wider ranging corporate social-responsibility measures. A materiality analysis has identified the topics with the greatest impact on business activities and the indicators to evaluate them, grouping them in four areas that will be examined each year in ever greater detail and used to measure the environmental and social performance of Ferretti Group: – Innovation and luxury: yachts– Environmental impact of the production process– Value for the local area– Human capitalFor Ferretti Group, sustainability starts with the quality and excellence that characterise the yachts it builds. Which is why research and development focus on the use of high-performance, sustainable materials and reducing energy consumption. The wood used in interior design is sourced from certified forests managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards. The use of carbon fibre significantly reduces hull weight, resulting in yachts that are more efficient and consume less fuel. The research into hybrid engines and new technologies that reduce hull weight, as well as into improving the efficiency of shipyard activities is an important part of Group activity. In this sense, the ISO 14001 certification of the environmental management systems in place at the La Spezia site is the starting point for integrated management of the environmental impact of all production processes, as is the IMO Tier III certification obtained by CRN, the first shipyard in Italy to achieve this milestone, for a 62m megayacht. Also worthy of mention is the installation of the Ancona trigeneration plant to produce clean electric power, heating and cooling.Fundamental aspects are in the social sphere and include the impact on the local area, the entire supply chain and the central importance of human capital. Over 85% of Ferretti Group’s supply chain, which employs a total of more than 2,500 workers, is based in Italy and over 75% of the total economic value generated is distributed in the country. This contributes to job creation and the growth of the ecosystem of small and medium enterprises, including craft businesses, with which the Group has for years had a history of virtuous collaboration. This collaboration allows Group suppliers to develop specific processes and know-how and operate on global markets, generating development and innovation.As a result of all the measures that have been introduced, including the complete sanitisation of the production process right through to delivery, Ferretti Group has obtained RINA Biosafety Trust Certification, the first voluntary certification to prevent and control COVID infections, protecting over 1,500 workers, as well as customers. Finally, the Group has taken out an insurance policy covering all employees and providing protection in the event they test positive for the virus. This policy, which has been renewed for 2021, will be completed by another initiative to distribute 1,500 pulse oximeters to employees. “If we want to continue to grow steadily as a market leader, it is essential to address the economic, environmental and social impacts produced by our activities on the local areas where we operate. Successful sales efforts must go hand in hand with corporate responsibility,” commented Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “In recent years, Ferretti Group has reported rapid growth and development, bringing beauty and innovation to the marine industry. We work with many different stakeholders and their sustainability needs and expectations are important in defining the measures we introduce from day to day to manage and mitigate the impact of our growth strategies. For this reason, and to testify to our corporate responsibility, we have decided to embark on a formal process that has led to the preparation of our first Sustainability Report. A first for Ferretti Group and a first for the Italian marine industry.”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
January 19, 2021
Nautor’s Swan is launching a new project and entering the motor boat market with Swan Shadow. The Swan Shadow is broadening the range of vessels that the Finnish yard offers its customers and is perfectly aligned with the core elements of its brand: performance, quality and elegance.“For so many years we’ve been thinking about launching a power boat, but we always resisted this temptation until we really felt we had something really special and unique to present. And this is what is happening with Swan Shadow. She is full of the ingredients we believe in, and we are confident that we are going to make an important statement in the power yacht segment,” says Leonardo Ferragamo, Nautor’s Swan President.The new model is a multipurpose motor yacht concept able to reach a performance of up to 55 knots top speed.The design of Shadow incorporates features that customers might generally expect to see in larger full-custom or semi-custom yachts, features that are not too common in 40-foot powerboats. One of these features is a movable aft platform, transforming a visually simple design from a fixed platform to a swim platform or a passerelle. Another design feature is the addition of optional telescopic roof pillars and moving glass panels to create a convertible cabin. This allows the boat to be used either fully open or closed for privacy and comfort during bad weather. Swan Shadow has been conceived to easily accommodate an overnight or weekend trip to the archipelago. In keeping with the original aim of versatility and focusing on user experience, the layout also fits an additional crew cabin in the bow.According to the shipyard, this vessel is for more discerning owners of motor yachts or sailing yachts who are looking for a tender to their main vessels.The interior has been designed to ensure maximum comfort and style onboard, offering accommodation for either shorter day trips or longer cruises. The forward cabin is ideally suited for a couple. An additional crew cabin can be installed in the bow.The interior styling follows the timeless and classic style of Nautor’s Swan interiors, representing a pared-down design and simplified approach that focuses on the essentials: carefully designed and well-executed spaces created using top quality materials."The concept of Swan Shadow is coming from the interaction we have with our owners and discussion about the experience of sailing. The conclusion has been that the need for a ‘chase boat’ to provide an added dimension to Swan yacht ownership was becoming stronger and stronger." says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. "Today, with Swan Shadow, it seems we have managed to develop a new concept: she's not only a chase boat but a powerboat embodying the core values of Nautor's Swan, answering broader owner demands like lifestyle enhancement and pride of ownership and able to open up a wider market."Nautor’s Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor’s Swan
January 18, 2021
Hylas Yachts had a gratifying year in 2020, despite many challenges, as several new models touched the water for the first time and have been delivered to their owners. The shipyard decided that it's time to show the new yachts to the wider Hylas community.Hylas H57The company is going to host an exclusive yacht show on Friday, January the 22nd, and Saturday, January the 23rd at the brand new Hylas Yachts and David Walters Yachts sales and service center located just south of Fort Lauderdale at Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach, Florida.The event's program includes private walk-throughs of every new Hylas model and meeting with the family behind Hylas Yachts. Then, Friday evening, the Grand Opening of the new Hylas Sales and Service center will be celebrated."The highlight of this year’s event will be the unveiling of the brand new Hylas H57," said Hylas director Peggy Huang.This exciting new model, designed by Bill Dixon, has just arrived from the yard, making this event the first time the yacht will be on display to the public. Hylas H60Also on the dock will be the 2019 winner of Boat of the Year and Best Boat awards – the Hylas H48 – and the Hylas H60, which was the 2021 Boat of the Year for Best Luxury Cruiser. This is the first time that the entire fleet of new Hylas Sailing Yachts will be on display together.For those who are unable to travel to the event, Hylas Yachts plans to arrange a virtual walk-through and live tour of each of the Hylas models.Credits: Hylas Yachts
January 18, 2021