1. Winners of the Monaco Yacht Show Awards announced



Two days ago winners of the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show Awards were announced at a gala reception held at Monaco's Hotel Hermitage. 3 superyachts, selected from 13 nominees, split 4 awards amongst themselves. Galactica Super Nova, the 70-meter Heesen flagship delivered earlier in 2016, won the finest new superyacht award and the best interior design award70-meter sailing yacht, Sybaris also picked up an award at the ceremony for its exterior design. Genesi, the first yacht ever built by Italian shipyard, Wider picked up the MYS/RINA award given for its eco-friendliness by the Italian classification company, RINA.




Last week Oceanco's 106m superyacht hit the water for the first time at the Keppel Verolme shipyard in Rotterdam. Dutch Yachting has captured these photos of Project Y712 while en route from Keppel Verolme to the Dutch shipyard's facility in Alblasserdam. Nuvolari Lenard Design is responsible for both the exterior and interior design and Oceanco & Dykstra Naval Architects for the naval architecture.




We've been following up on the story of 35m yacht catching fire in the UAE. And now the new details of the incident have emerged. On September 22, a blaze engulfed 35m yacht Moon in the Al Hamra Marina located in Ras Al Khaimah, 90km from Dubai, UAE. According to 7days, the vessel was completely destroyed after attempts to extinguish the fire failed. The owner told the website it originated on the upper deck due to an electrical problem. The blaze then burned completely through the vessel before it sank to the bottom of the sea. Luckily, the yacht was insured. 




German shipyard Lürssen is proud to announce that it is acquiring the Blohm+Voss yard. Pending approval from the German Fair Trade Commission, Lürssen will incorporate six yards with approximately 2800 employees in Northern Germany. 




80m superyacht Zen is the result of a close cooperation of two longtime partners in the yachting world, Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards. The vessel's profile breaks from the typical ‘wedding-cake’ appearance, without sacrificing any useable space. The aft section of the superstructure features a 13 meter lounge, in which the sides and aft glass corners open fully to the exterior deck. The midsection has an inside-outside dining area with sliding doors to each side that can pocket fully and a skylight. Expandable balconies on both sides provide space for an aperitif. The forward section consists of a high-tech bridge with floating consoles and two guest settees. Outside, a vast and versatile exterior deck of almost 500 square meters is suitable for lounging, sunbathing, sports activities and parties. The area expands by an additional 100 square meters when the aft lounge is opened. An 8 meter swimming pool is located on the aft deck, with a large Jacuzzi on the foredeck.




Australian superyacht specialists Echo Yachts has teamed up with Sorgiovanni Design and One2three Naval Architects to create 120m trimaran concept. The vessel features striking, progressive contemporary design and attention to the details that Sam Sorgiovanni is famous for. The 120m trimaran's alluring amenities include rotating master stateroom section, private owners outdoor entertaining zone with a swimming pool, both indoor and outdoor dining settings for 26 guests, large indoor cinema, glass central passenger lift, fully appointed gym and spa, sundeck helipad, foredeck touch & go helipad, sundeck Jacuzzi, transformer sea stair and bathing platform and forward tender garage enclosed with gull wing style hull doors.




It seems that M/Y A is doing a European tour as since May she has been seen in Icelandthe South of France, the Netherlands ( Rotterdam and Amsterdam) and Germany. Now we have been informed that the superyacht has been spotted in Bordeaux, France. A, which can be yours for $300 million, was built by Blohm+Voss in 2008 and designed by Philipp Starck. The superyacht sleeps up to 14 guests in 7 cabins, as well as a crew of 42. 




As you may know, 70m Galactica Super Nova has been announced as one of the winners at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show AwardsHeesen flagship has won the finest new superyacht award and the best exterior design award. Designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the superyacht combines high speed with increased stability. The superyacht features an exterior design by Espen Oeino and an interior by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design. 




Dutch Yachting has shared the photos of Holland's largest yacht to date with her masts installed. Last week Oceanco's 106m superyacht hit the water for the first time at the Keppel Verolme shipyard in Rotterdam. Nuvolari Lenard Design is responsible for both the exterior and interior design and Oceanco & Dykstra Naval Architects for the naval architecture. 




Benetti has revealed a new line of superyachts, named Now, during the first day of the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show. Created by the shipyard in collaboration with architect Stefano Natucci and British Design Studio Redman Whiteley Dixon, Benetti Now will ensure Owners unique yachts, in line with modern standards of seafaring excellence, with reduced construction time.  The superyachts in the new Benetti Now range will all be over 50 meters in length and built from steel and aluminium at the Livorno shipyard. Four models will be available: B164 (50 meters), B192 (58.6 meters), B214 (65 meters) and B240 (73 meters). 

Latest News

Ocibar Acquires 25% Stake in Italy's Marina d'Arechi
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
New Appointment: Lynn Fischer as GB Marine Group Chief Marketing Officer
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
Itama Unveils New 16m Open Cruiser
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).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
Camper and Nicholsons Opens New Office in Viareggio
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
U-Boat Worx Submarines Unveil New Frontiers in Marine Exploration
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx