Every year we sum up the results and this year is no exception. Let's take a look at the news that caught the attention of our readers in 2022.
Number 1
Cantiere delle Marche launched Darwin 106 in January. The 32m yacht was named Uptight. Her American client dreamed about going to Alaska and enjoying long vacations. The Uptight’s interior was penned by Francesco Guida and she can reach a top speed of 13 knots.
Number 2
The 27m yacht Neeveen with Britain's flag was left abandoned on the shore on the Carchuna beach, in Motril, near Granada.The family and crew were rescued and are safe.
Number 3
The recently delivered 45m ISA Aria SF caught fire off the coast of Formentera, Spain in August during her first season in the Mediterranean. ISA GT 45 was launched in April 2022 with steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Her interior style was made by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, while her naval architecture was developed by Palumbo Superyachts technical team, the exterior design was made by Team for Design – Enrico Gobbi.
Number 4
In June the 49m schooner Eleonora E sank in Port Tárraco, Tarragona, Spain. The sailing yacht was hit by a 60 meter offshore supply vessel. The port authorities have reported that the supply vessel has started her exit maneuver when its engines became blocked while reversing. Luckily no one got hurt.
Number 5
The 49.1m motor yacht Stay Salty was sold by Northrop & Johnson in March. Delivered in 2008 by Trinity Yachts, she is one of the seven Trinity 161 models. She had a major refit in 2015 with interior styling by Patrick Knowles and exterior designs by Geoff Van Aller. The yacht was sold and closed in eight days, her last asking price was USD17,950,000.
Number 6
The 109m yacht Y720 was launched in the Netherlands by Oceanco in March. One of the biggest yachts of the year, she features an elegant exterior and interior design by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and Molly Isaksen Interior Inc.
Number 7
Lazzarini Design newer stops surprise us and the 169m gigayacht Sovrano is not an exception. The vessel features a covered atrium with a garden and swimming pool. The gigayacht could be equipped with electric motors with a top speed of 18 knots or a hybrid propulsion system for an estimated top speed of 31 knots.
Number 8
Rob Doyle Design and Van Geest Design presented the 40m trimaran Domus in May. The yacht with a beam of 35m is a perfect example of a unique design combination of solar power, hydro regeneration and hydrogen fuel cells that give the concept unlimited range with zero emissions.
Number 9
After the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the superyacht needed to change ownership. The world's largest motor yacht Azzam, has outstanding characteristics, including her exceptionally short building time of less than three years from keel laying to delivery, in 2013.
Number 10
The 39.4 meter yacht My Saga sank in northern Italy at the end of August. The sinking happened after the crew reported taking on water via the stern in the early hours. The crew was evacuated, no injuries reported.
Credits: Alba Feixas; CdM; @nachocandel_/Twitter; Northrop & Johnson; Lazzarini Design; PortTarragona/Twitter; Rob Doyle Design Facebook; Yacht Harbour archive
Benetti has announced the appointment of Matthew Walford as their new Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, starting from February 1st, 2025. This strategic move reinforces Benetti’s presence in a dynamic and growing market.Walford brings over two decades of industry experience, specializing in new builds, brokerage, and refits. His extensive background includes serving as Business Development Manager at Austal | Oceanfast Australia, a prominent aluminum shipbuilding company. More recently, he led the Australian Azimut Yachts sales division as CEO of d'Albora Marine, making him a familiar face within the Azimut|Benetti Group.Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti's Sales Director, expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Walford as our Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand. His deep understanding of the local market and vast industry knowledge will be invaluable assets as we continue to enhance our services and strengthen client relationships."Walford himself shared his excitement, stating, "It is an honor to take on this role, and I look forward to playing my part in driving further growth in this promising region."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
February 3, 2025
The inaugural 2025 iQFOiL International Games concluded today in Lanzarote, with Johan Søe (DEN 37) and Emma Wilson (GBR 7) emerging as the champions in the men's and women's divisions respectively. Organized by Marina Rubicón, the event attracted 100 elite iQFOiL athletes from 26 countries, marking the beginning of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.The final day featured the Medal Series, which presented challenging conditions with gusty and shifty north winds ranging from 10 to 16 knots. This new format offered an engaging and dynamic conclusion to the games.Women's DivisionEmma Wilson, the bronze medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, maintained her dominant position throughout the week. Entering the Grand Final as the leader of the Opening Series, she won both races, securing her championship title. The Women's Quarter-Final included Islay Watson (GBR 20), Sara Wenneke (NED 33), Theresa Steinlein (GER 799), and Palma Čargo (CRO 9), with Watson and Čargo advancing to the Semi-Final. There, they joined Marta Maggetti (ITA 157) and Anastasia Valkevich (POL 6), with Watson and Valkevich progressing to the Grand Final alongside Wilson and Shahar Tibi (ISR 3). Wilson's consistent performance led her to victory, with Tibi finishing second, Watson third, Valkevich fourth, and Maggetti fifth.Men's DivisionIn the men's division, Johan Søe demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite leading the Opening Series, he faced stiff competition and recovered from an early crash to ultimately win the Grand Final. The Men's Quarter-Final saw Manolo Modena (ITA 27), Kiran Badloe (NED 9), Rytis Jasiunas (LTU 7), and Adrien Mestre (FRA 4) compete for Semi-Final spots, with Modena and Badloe advancing. They later joined Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465) and Nacho Baltasar (ESP 4) in the Semi-Final, with Modena and Badloe making it to the Grand Final along with Søe and Nicolò Renna (ITA 150). Although Søe crashed during the first downwind, he regained his composure to take the lead in the second race, winning the Grand Final. Modena placed second in the final race, followed by Renna in third and Badloe in fourth.Final RankingsWomen's Top 5: Emma Wilson (GBR 7) Shahar Tibi (ISR 3) Islay Watson (GBR 20) Anastasia Valkevich (POL 6) Marta Maggetti (ITA 157)Men's Top 5: Johan Søe (DEN 37) Nicolò Renna (ITA 150) Manolo Modena (ITA 27) Kiran Badloe (NED 9) Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465) Nacho Baltasar (ESP 4)Next EventsFollowing this successful event, athletes will prepare for upcoming competitions, including the #2 iQFOiL International Games in Cádiz from March 8 to 14 and the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma from March 28 to April 5. The new sails used in these games were well-received, and the new Medal Series format proved effective in highlighting consistent performances.Marina Rubicón and the organizing team received praise for executing a flawless event, further establishing Lanzarote as a premier location for Olympic-class sailing.Credits: iQFOiL International Games
February 3, 2025
The insolvent shipyards owned by Lars Windhorst in Schleswig-Holstein are set to be taken over by new investors. The appointed administrators have presented two buyers, while Windhorst has made a last-minute offer in an attempt to regain control.According to preliminary insolvency administrator Christoph Morgen, the Heinrich Rönner Group from Bremerhaven will acquire the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG). Work at the shipyard is expected to resume shortly, focusing on completing a ferry for the Australian shipping company SeaRoad. The vessel has been docked for an extended period. The Nobiskrug shipyard in Rendsburg, meanwhile, will be taken over by the Lürssen Group from Bremen, as confirmed by preliminary insolvency administrator Hendrik Gittermann.Both shipyards are currently owned by Windhorst’s Tennor Group. Windhorst entered the Flensburg shipyard in 2019 and later acquired the Rendsburg facility. Over time, both shipyards reportedly struggled with financial difficulties, leading to complaints from employees about a lack of orders and materials. Insolvency proceedings were initiated after social security providers filed claims over unpaid contributions. The administrators also discovered over 150 official notices in the offices, including enforcement orders and court documents.Despite the planned takeovers, Windhorst has not abandoned efforts to retain the shipyards.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
January 31, 2025
The 26.7-meter power catamaran Laniakea, built by Latitude Yachts, is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson's yacht broker Ed Cavendish at a price of EUR7,500,000. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the vessel is constructed from a lightweight carbon-fiber composite and features a shallow draft of 0.62 meters, making it suitable for coastal cruising and accessing shallow waters.The interior, designed by Chulhun Park of Latitude Yachts, has an open-plan layout with a main salon that integrates dining, lounging, and galley areas. Large, angular windows provide natural light and panoramic views. The interior design features beige and cream tones, wood accents, and blue details. Geometric wood paneling and integrated LED lighting contribute to a contemporary aesthetic.The owner's cabin includes a custom window overlooking the water. Guest accommodations consist of two VIP cabins, a double cabin, and an option for two additional cabins, allowing Laniakea to accommodate up to 10 guests. Two crew cabins provide space for onboard staff.The aft deck includes a dining area and a tender platform with a 500kg lift. The foredeck is designed for relaxation, with sunpads, seating, and glass bulwarks.Powered by four BMW-engineered waterjet engines, Laniakea has a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. The yacht incorporates solar panels on the superstructure and smart onboard systems for navigation, climate control, and entertainment. It is also capable of silent operation for up to six hours.Established in 2007, Latitude Yachts quickly gained recognition when its Quality Management System was certified by Bureau Veritas in 2011. By 2016, the shipyard launched the ocean-class trimarans, including the renowned Galaxy of Happiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
January 31, 2025
The Italian Sea Group continues outfitting work on the 82-meter Admiral Galileo megayacht at its Marina di Carrara shipyard. Designed by the company's R&D department in collaboration with London-based Bannenberg & Rowell Design for the interiors, the yacht is constructed from steel and aluminium.The current phase includes the installation of technology systems, navigation instrumentation, and the completion of interior and exterior spaces. According to Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, "We are executing every phase of the project with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that Galileo stands as the ultimate expression of luxury and innovation."Galileo features four decks with large windows and extensive lounge areas exceeding 100 square metres on each level. The owner’s cabin, located on the upper deck, spans 130 square metres. Other notable features include a waterfall connecting two of the yacht’s four pools, an underwater cinema lounge, and a beach area with a gym, spa, and massage room. The yacht can accommodate 12 guests and 28 crew members.One of the design elements is a visible engine room, integrated into the yacht’s interior through a corridor linking the spa area to the upper deck foyer. The delivery of Admiral Galileo is scheduled for early 2026.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: TISG
January 31, 2025