On October 31, Dutch builder Damen announced the launch of the first Damen SeaXplorer luxury expedition yacht. In early 2020, the 62-metre custom-designed yacht is set to become the first delivery from Damen SeaXplorer range.
The 62-metre SeaXplorer features customised design with naval architecture by Damen in-house team and exteriors by Azure Yacht Design. The owners selected Carlo Torre of Monaco Yacht Temptation to create the interior design and the Fraser technical team to supervise the build.
The Polar Class yacht boasts expedition facilities for 30 days of autonomy, a fully-certified helideck and helicopter hangar, as well as two large tender garages and a dive store. The power comes from a Siemens BlueDrive system with three variable speed generator sets and DC bus. In combination with electrical propulsion motors and a battery pack, the yacht has an economical and environmentally friendly configuration.
Outfitting of the vessel took place at the Vlissingen East yard, located close to Vlissingen City yard where Amels yachts are completed.
The DAMEN SeaXplorer range was first introduced in 2015 by SeaXplorer design team, the Damen Research Laboratory, Azure Yacht Design and EYOS Expeditions, who provided hundreds of operational design features based on their real-world expedition experience. The first explorer of the series was sold in August 2016.
Meanwhile, the current flagship of the series, the 77-metre SeaXplorer La Datcha ordered by Russian billionaire banker, Oleg Tinkov, is being outfitted at Damen and Amels' Vlissingen facility.
Arcon Yachts has confirmed the sale of two new-build Benetti Oasis 40M models, with both units scheduled for delivery in 2027. The 40.8-meter yachts will be constructed at Benetti’s facility in Livorno, Italy.The Oasis 40M series is one of Benetti’s most established lines, recognized for its Oasis Deck, which features a 90-square-meter open space with a flat platform, two unfolding gunwales that create overwater balconies, an infinity pool, and multiple seating areas. The design is intended to maximize outdoor living and provide an extended connection to the water.Accommodation is arranged across five cabins, including a main deck master suite. According to the broker, the interiors will emphasize contemporary design, though further details have yet to be disclosed. Exterior styling for the series is by British studio RWD, while the interiors are developed by Bonetti / Kozerski architecture.Powered by twin MAN engines, the standard performance specifications of the Oasis 40M include a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. The yacht has a beam of 8.5 meters and a draft of 2.1 meters.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
January 29, 2025
Italian yacht builder Pardo Yachts is charting a course for significant expansion into the Middle East, announcing an exclusive dealership agreement with Dubai-based Ocean 360 and a highly anticipated debut at the Dubai International Boat Show 2025. This strategic move underscores the brand's commitment to establishing a strong presence within one of the world's most discerning yachting markets.Pardo 43The partnership with Ocean 360, a leading provider of premium yacht services, will see Pardo Yachts showcase its renowned craftsmanship and innovative designs to the UAE and wider Gulf region. The Dubai International Boat Show, running from February 19th-23rd, 2025, will serve as the ideal platform to unveil the brand's flagship models, the Pardo 38 and Pardo 43.Pardo 38"The Middle East represents a strategically important market for Pardo Yachts' global growth," commented Marcello Veronesi, CEO of Cantiere del Pardo. "Partnering with the established and respected Ocean 360 provides us with the ideal platform to connect with discerning clients who appreciate the unparalleled quality and style synonymous with our yachts."Sebastian Dumitrescu, CEO of Ocean 360, added: "We are privileged to represent Pardo Yachts as their exclusive dealer in the UAE. Their commitment to innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with our dedication to providing world-class yachting experiences. We are thrilled to introduce these stunning yachts to clients throughout the region."Marcello Veronesi, Sebastian Dumitrescu, Bogdan Borascu and Rok Babarovic (photo by Luca D'Ambrosio)Visitors to the Dubai International Boat Show can experience the epitome of Italian yachting excellence firsthand. The Pardo 38 and Pardo 43, both representing the pinnacle of Pardo's walkaround range, will be on display, showcasing the brand's intelligent use of space and unwavering commitment to bespoke luxury. These models epitomize the perfect harmony of aesthetic appeal and superior functionality, offering unparalleled comfort and performance.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: Cantiere del Pardo
January 29, 2025
Riva participated in the 34th Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, an annual event dedicated to Ferrari enthusiasts, held from January 23 to 26 at The Breakers and Mar-a-Lago resorts in Palm Beach. This year’s Concours d’Elegance featured over 300 Ferrari collectors and their vehicles.The event began with a luncheon at the Ferretti Group Showroom in Fort Lauderdale, marking the start of the Tour d’Elegance, which concluded at The Breakers. A Riva Aquariva Super, the 33-foot runabout, was showcased at the venue, drawing significant attention. At Mar-a-Lago, attendees were presented with scale models of historic Riva yachts.During the prize-giving ceremony, Riva Classiche, a division dedicated to preserving the brand’s legacy in classic boats, was honored. The Elegance Award winner received an Aquarama Steering Wheel, a symbol of Riva’s iconic craftsmanship and Italian design heritage.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 29, 2025
Baglietto has launched L’Instant, a 40-meter superyacht from its shipyard in La Spezia. The vessel is the first in the DOM 133 series to feature an "interposed" hybrid propulsion system, distinguishing it from earlier models like Bee, Astera, and Jules. The hybrid system, which combines a diesel engine with an ultracompact electrical motor installed between the engine and gearbox, is designed to operate with HVO biofuels, reportedly reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent.The new system occupies additional technical space, leading to modifications in the yacht's layout. The 5.8-meter tender and two Jet Skis are now stored on the upper deck, equipped with a 1600kg davit for handling.Designed by Stefano Vafiadis, L’Instant features an angular profile and customized interiors by Leonardo Santi. Changes include relocating the galley from the main deck to the lower deck, making space for an additional VIP cabin. Both the VIP cabin and the forward master suite include automated windows for natural ventilation, while lower deck guest cabins feature custom portholes with the same functionality.Interior staircases have been redesigned to connect all decks up to the sundeck, where a multi-purpose bar is equipped with a dumbwaiter. The pool area has been replaced with an outdoor gym. Interiors incorporate eco-friendly materials, including carpets and fabrics made from recycled ocean plastic and regenerated industrial waste.Powered by its diesel engines, L’Instant can achieve a maximum speed of 17 knots. In full-electric mode, the yacht reaches speeds of nearly 10 knots.Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
January 28, 2025
Dearsan Shipyard has unveiled Queen Yaz, a 50-meter superyacht currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026. The steel hull and aluminium superstructure have already been completed at the Turkish shipyard.The yacht's design is the work of Red Yacht Design, an Istanbul and London-based studio, responsible for both the exterior and interiors. Described as "modern and cozy," Queen Yaz is designed with a focus on outdoor living. The sundeck serves as the main social area, featuring a hot tub, sunbeds, lounge sofas, a bar, and a dining space. Additional lounge areas are located on the bow and main deck aft.The swim platform is another focal point, equipped with a long U-shaped sofa, sun loungers, and folding bulwarks to create extra seating.CEO Murat Gordi commented, “At Dearsan Shipyard, we take immense pride in building yachts that embody innovation and artistry. Queen Yaz is a testament to our team’s passion and expertise, and we are delighted to collaborate with Red Yacht Design & Milimetriq to bring this exceptional yacht to life."Fatih Sürekli, managing director of Red Yacht Design, added, “Designing Queen Yaz has been an incredible journey. We aimed to create a yacht that embodies sophistication while providing ultimate comfort for her guests. The collaboration with Dearsan Shipyard and Milimetriq has been seamless, ensuring every detail aligns with our vision.”Credits: Dearsan Shipyard
January 28, 2025