The New York Times has named the owner of 134-meter Serene to be Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince. Serene was previously owned by Russian billionaire, Yuri Shefler who sold the megayacht to the crown prince in the summer of 2014. According to an associate of Mr. Shefler and a Saudi close to the royal family, Prince bin Salman had first spotted the 440-foot yacht whilst vacationing in the south of France. Interested in the megayacht, he dispatched an aide to buy the ship and the deal was supposedly done within hours at a price of near €500 million with Mr Shefler moving out of the yacht on the same day according to the New York Times.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received an emergency call from 37m yacht, Masteka 2 at 5am on October 1st. According to the Maritime Herald, the vessel started getting water ingress and lost steering gear near New South Wales, Australia. Six people were on board at the time of the incident. The cruise ship Carnival Spirit, which was en route to New Caledonia, responded after the alert came in. The passenger vessel evacuated two crew members from Masteka 2 using their fast rescue boat. Engineers from the cruise ship assisted the rest of the crew in the salvage operation and stopped the water intake. The yacht was stabilized and under control, waiting for local authorities to dispatch a tug to tow it to the nearest harbor.
The Daily Mail has shared the pictures of 142m S/Y A on her sea trials. The vessel, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, was built at Nobiskrug in Kiel. At the end of August Mr Melnichenko came to the German shipyard and the two A has finally met. With masts taller than Big Ben, she is worth an estimated $450million. During the sea trials, S/Y A has built up a speed of 20 knots despite of the fact that her three sails have not yet been revealed.
On 27th October 2016 Lurssen launched 123m Project Jupiter at its facility in Bremen, Germany. She features a very sporty and aggressive look similar to the owner's first yacht. With exterior design by H2 Yacht Design and interiors by March & White the yacht is scheduled for delivery in spring 2017. For both design teams this is their first Lürssen yacht, and the collaboration between all parties, including Winterbothams technical services and Y.CO Management team, has worked extremely well. March & White have designed a contemporary interior throughout the vessel defined by timeless styling, nautical details and highly innovative bespoke finishes.
With a beam of 20m her interior atrium opens up the center of the yacht to pull natural light deep into the yacht.
As you might know, The New York Times has recently named the owner of 134-meter Serene to be Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Russian billionaire, Yuri Shefler had commissioned Serene from Italy-based Fincantieri back in 2006 according to Italian media. In 2014, Fincantieri launched its second megayacht, the 140-meter Ocean Victory which was commissioned by another Russian oligarch, Viktor Rashnikov. Prior to its launch in December 2014 however, Fincantieri was ordered to pay €20.9 million to Serena Equity Limited (the company controlled by Shefler that owned Serene) by London courts. Shefler's main claim was that Fincantieri had used Serene, on which the billionaire says he holds intellectual property, to develop Ocean Victory which he says is a near sistership.
When reading about megayachts, it is easy to forget the actual scale of these vessels, often comparable with that of military and cruise ships. Here are a few images that show just how enormous these yachts are.
If you've ever been to the MIPIM real estate show or the Cannes Lions advertising festival, you've probably seen some of the most famous brands such as MailOnline or Yahoo chartering a superyacht to act as their local headquarters. Booked up to 9 months in advance, according to Bespoke Yacht Charter Broker, Alexander Coles, event charters offer a myriad of advantages for such companies during these trade shows. Synonymous with wealth and power, the yacht itself can act as a canvas for a company's brand, significantly increasing its standing during the show through the use of banners, flags, custom carpets and lots more.
The latest edition of the Monaco Yacht Show came to a close 6 days ago after 4 action-packed days for the Principality, writing the 26th chapter of a story full of ups and downs. The Monaco Yacht Show was initially created by Maurice Cohen, head of Media Plus and creator of several other shows. The French entrepreneur however later sold the rights to the show in 1994 to IIR, a show management company that, at the time, owned a competing event, the Superyacht de Nice which has since slipped into oblivion. By 2002, the show boasted 65 yachts, half of the number of yachts in Port Hercules this year, with the 62-meter Lady Lola as a headliner. 300 onshore exhibitors had already taken up booths by this 12th edition and spanned over an area of 4,500 square meters, attracting near 15,000 visitors.
Dutch Yachting has shared the new photos of the latest Oceanco sailing yacht Y712. 106m superyacht hit the water for the first time at the Keppel Verolme shipyard in Rotterdam on September 19. She is Holland's largest yacht to date as 110m Project Jubilee is currently under construction at Oceanco. Nuvolari Lenard Design is responsible for both the exterior and interior design and Oceanco & Dykstra Naval Architects for the naval architecture. The three DynaRig masts will power the 2,700 GT full-rigged sailing yacht to more than 20 knots.
Earlier this week Chinese conglomerate, Lai Sun Group acquired 49.9% of Camper and Nicholsons International for €13 million in what became the latest deal in a series of yacht-related acquisitions led by Chinese beneficiaries. The deal turned out to be a major financial success for Camper and Nicholsons' majority stakeholder, Colosseum Services, a Swiss luxury-goods company that had acquired the brokerage firm for a mere sum of €1 million following the liquidation of Rodriguez Group in 2014. It didn't however become the first time a struggling company in yachting was saved by Chinese behemoths.
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