Spotted

Under new ownership, Silent-Yachts has emerged from financial challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Led by new majority owner Michael Said, the company has embarked on a path of growth and innovation, buoyed by fresh funding and a solid management team.SY60 (credits: Alberto Cocchi)Michael Said, an American-German investor and a Silent-Yachts client himself, has acquired the assets of Silent-Yachts, including the intellectual property and the shipyard Silent Italia in Fano, through his acquisition vehicle Helios Yacht Investments GmbH. His timely intervention ensured that funding remained available, preserving 140 jobs and allowing progress on existing orders for the Silent 62.Michael SaidThe first of these newly launched Silent 62 3-Deck yachts marks a milestone in the company's journey under new ownership. With seven more scheduled for completion this year and plans for an 80-footer in 2025, Silent-Yachts is poised for significant expansion and development.Fabrizio IarreraLeading the charge is new CEO Fabrizio Iarrera, a seasoned figure in the Italian yachting sector. Under his leadership, the company has undergone restructuring and is now positioned for a bright future. "Silent-Yachts is known for its innovative technology in electric catamarans," says Iarrera, emphasizing the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry.Supported by a board of shareholders and vice chairman Steve Bell, Silent-Yachts aims to fulfill its current orders while also planning for future production slots. The focus remains on delivering exceptional yachts and providing top-notch service and support to clients worldwide.Steve BellLooking ahead, Iarrera expresses confidence in the team's ability to excel in the market and maintain Silent-Yachts' reputation as a pioneer in electric catamarans. With a streamlined operation and a dedicated workforce, the company is poised to navigate towards a bright and prosperous future.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts

Ancasta is set to make waves this spring with its diverse fleet showcased at key boat shows across the UK and Europe. With an array of vessels ranging from Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) to high-performance cruisers, both motor and sail, as well as fully customized luxury boats, Ancasta promises an exciting lineup for boating enthusiasts.Prestige F4"Stepping aboard and exploring a boat firsthand is the best way to truly experience it," remarks Will Blair, Ancasta’s Group Marketing Director, highlighting the importance of providing a wide selection of vessels for prospective buyers to discover their perfect match. Scorpion StingThe spring show season commences with the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show in Southampton from April 19-21. Ancasta will present a variety of global brands, including Beneteau sail and power, Lagoon catamarans, Protector, and Scorpion RIBs, offering attendees a firsthand look at their impressive offerings.Among the showcased models is the Gran Turismo 45 from Beneteau, a sleek and sporty express cruiser boasting functionality, performance, and comfort. With its Air Step hull design and retractable hardtop, the Gran Turismo 45 promises an exhilarating cruising experience.Beneteau First 44Replacing the outgoing 47 model, the Swift Trawler 48 is another highlight. This mid-range semi-displacement flybridge cruiser features stylish profiles and contemporary interiors, offering panoramic views and ample space for leisure and entertainment.The Oceanis 37.1 and the First 44 from Beneteau, along with the Lagoon 42, Protector 310 Targa, and Protector 310 Chase, are among the other noteworthy models on display, showcasing innovation and versatility.Gran Turismo 45Following the Southampton show, Ancasta will host the Beneteau Customer Sea Trials in Port Ginesta, near Barcelona, from April 17-21. This five-day event allows prospective buyers to test a wide range of Beneteau models in actual navigable conditions before making a purchase decision.Next on the agenda is the Palma International Boat Show in Mallorca from April 25-28, where Ancasta will exhibit a premier selection of luxury power brand models, including the Prestige M48, Prestige F4, Prestige X60, and the magnificent Prestige M8.Prestige X60Finally, the British Motor Yacht Show in Swanwick, Southampton, from May 16-19, will see Ancasta showcasing top models from Bluegame, Prestige, Beneteau motor yachts, Protector, and Scorpion RIBs, offering attendees a glimpse into the latest innovations and designs in the boating world.Credits: Ancasta International Boat Sales

Maserati electrified the automotive world with the highly anticipated Folgore Day, held in Rimini, the heart of the Motor Valley. Marking the brand's 110th anniversary, this event signifies a monumental shift towards the future as Maserati embraces electric mobility with its new Folgore range.At the core of this transformation are Maserati's groundbreaking electric models: GranTurismo Folgore, the Trident’s first all-electric car; Grecale Folgore, the first SUV powered by a full-electric powertrain; and now, GranCabrio Folgore, the elegant and refined open-top version of its award-winning grand tourer sister, to be launched at the event. On top of these, the MC20 Folgore super sports car, set to debut in 2025.The partnership between Maserati and Vita Power has given rise to Tridente an exquisite all-electric luxury motorboat, marking Maserati's foray into electrifying the waters as well as the roads. Vita Power shares Maserati's vision for the future of mobility and the commitment to crafting luxurious creations that excel in performance and elegance.Vita Power, a pioneer in marine technology, is dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of marine travel by developing high-performance electric powertrains and full-electric yachts. Their integrated ecosystem is complemented by a marine fast charging infrastructure, ensuring seamless and sustainable navigation.Tridente, measuring 10.5 meters, is designed for leisurely cruises on lakes and coasts, offering accommodation for up to eight passengers. With a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 40 knots, Tridente combines performance with eco-friendliness. Crafted from carbon fiber to exacting standards, Tridente epitomizes luxury and sophistication. Maserati entrusted the finishing touches to Hodgdon Yachts, a renowned boatbuilder from Maine with a legacy spanning over 200 years. Credits: Maserati

Severe flooding has gripped Dubai, following an unprecedented deluge that unleashed the equivalent of a year and a half's worth of rainfall in just a few hours. The UAE and neighbouring Oman have already recorded 20 fatalities due to the flooding.Dubai, known for its arid climate, found itself inundated as flash floods wreaked havoc on its roads and highways. Videos circulating on social media captured the extent of the damage, particularly in Dubai Marina, where parts of the precinct were submerged under water, marked off with caution tape.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZicaODYV9A?si=XNJnye89sulGLIp9 title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share referrerpolicy=strict-origin-when-cross-origin allowfullscreen></iframe>Efforts to assess the impact on Dubai Marina are underway, with MIN reaching out to the marina's operator for details on any damage incurred and its potential effects on yachts docked there. The full extent of infrastructure damage and the timeline for repairs remain uncertain.Dubai Airport, the world's busiest, was not spared from the flooding, prompting flight diversions and disruptions. Emirates, the flag carrier, halted passenger check-ins until midnight Thursday as runways became partially submerged, affecting airport operations.Authorities are grappling with the aftermath of what meteorologists have termed an "exceptional event." AP news agency reported a staggering 254mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period in one area, dwarfing the city's average annual rainfall of 95mm. Overall, Dubai recorded 142mm of rainfall on Tuesday, further underscoring the unprecedented nature of the downpour.Credits: The Times and The Sunday Times/YouTube

Benetti has announced the launch of the Cosmico, as part of its esteemed Oasis 40M series. This stunning 40.8-meter superyacht emerged from the shipyard's facilities in Livorno, Italy, marking another milestone in Benetti's illustrious history. Scheduled for delivery in May 2024, Cosmico is the sixteenth vessel in the esteemed Oasis 40M lineup.Crafted in collaboration with British design studio RWD, Cosmico embodies the epitome of luxury and innovation. At the heart of its design lies the revolutionary Oasis Deck, a signature feature of Benetti yachts. This deck boasts a spacious flat platform complemented by two unfolding gunwales, creating captivating overwater balconies.Cosmico offers sumptuous accommodation across five lavish cabins, with interiors meticulously curated by Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture. The interior layout has been thoughtfully customized to enhance comfort and elegance, including unique touches like relocating the master berth to the cabin's center and positioning the outdoor dining area on the upper deck aft, complete with a luxurious quartzite-topped table.While interior visuals remain undisclosed, expect a harmonious blend of opulent walnut wood and leather-clad paneling, replacing the traditional lacquering found in previous designs. Oak boards adorn the interior flooring, adding a touch of sophistication to the yacht's ambiance.With an impressive 38 yachts currently in production or awaiting delivery, Benetti continues to set the standard for yacht craftsmanship. Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. They design, build and sell composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. Their fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom, to meet all the needs of the market, and they belong to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti