1. What you should know about event charters
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.
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.
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.
The Daily Mail has revealed the owner of 35.2m Sunseeker 116 superyacht, which is currently docked at Poole Harbour in Dorset ahead of her delivery. Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has reportedly spent £11 million on his latest toy. You may know Mr Srivaddhanaprabha as the founder and CEO of travel retail giant King Power International Group and the owner of Leicester City F.C. According to the magazine, the billionaire even gifted his 19 players BMWs in the team’s colours to mark their Premier League success.
Australian yacht designer Scott Blee has shared with us his latest creation, 85m highly efficient and modern superyacht, developed by Sabdes Design studio. The design of this vessel can be fully customized or it can be developed around yacht builders' 80-90 metre engineered platforms. Sabdes has held discussions with some of the best Northern European shipyards to further their version of the design on clients demand.
Despite her impressive size, Savannah is the first superyacht to be entirely metallic painted, including the ceilings and fixed deck furniture. The magnitude of the challenge faced by the Feadship crew was such that they were already making paint samples a full two years before the actual build of Savannah got underway. By the time the team got to work, it consisted of 46 specially trained personnel: 21 spray painters, 21 ‘helpers’, three overall managers and one paint maker. Together they worked as a single unit that took care of spraying a particular section of the hull and superstructure in a single day, always heading in the same direction. Starting at five in the morning and working for as long as it took, their goal during these long but ultimately hugely rewarding sessions was to ensure every part of the area in question was painted in exactly the same way without even using tape lines.
Aston Martin and Dutch boat builder Quintessence Yachts revealed the 37-foot Aston Martin AM37 powerboat in April 2016. Now the vessel made its world debut in Monaco, marking the luxury British brand’s entry into the nautical world. The 37-foot model is available in two versions – the AM37 with an estimated top speed of 45 knots and a choice of two 370 hp Mercury diesel or two 430 hp Mercury petrol engines. And the AM37S version with an estimated 50 knots derived from its twin 520 hp Mercury petrol engines.
Dutch studio Mulder Design has revealed a new superyacht concept in Monaco. This 72m yacht’s exterior can be characterized by modern yet harmonious and elegant lines, employing a design formula displaying Mulder Design’s signature over the years. But the vessel carries it a step further, using style features in a unique way. The concept features a touch & go helicopter platform, which allows one to board also in remote locations. Lay-out featuring the owner’s suite on the upper deck providing one an amazing panoramic view. On main deck the yacht has two spacious VIP suites each with private balcony. Lower deck hosts 6 guest cabins totaling 12 passengers and crew accommodation for 22 crew.
For the new product line, which will be in the market segment of vessels between 40 and 50 m, Baglietto asked two leading Italian design firms – Francesco Paszkowski Design and Hot Lab – to develop a new project concept. The new crafts will stand out for their contemporary profile and vertical bow, to respond to an increasingly widespread market demand. The project will include 3 different models, 41 m, 44 m, and 50 m long, each of them featuring very distinctive, unmistakable features. Initially, a semi-displacement, light aluminium alloy hull will be introduced, but a steel and light aluminium alloy displacement version is already being developed.
47m project NB60 hit the water at Turquoise Yachts one week ago. The vessel represents the first launch from the Turkish shipyard since the introduction of the new strategy in 2015. London based H2 Yacht Design is responsible for both the exterior and interior design. Named Razan, the superyacht is a nod to contemporary interior and exterior design, introducing key features such as a long swim platform on her exterior, and fresh, clean styling on both the main and upper decks. The sun deck also boasts a modern roof and mast design. These include a longer swim platform on the exterior, while the transom area has been restyled and the fashion plates on main and upper decks have been removed to provide a cleaner appearance.
Dutch shipyard Van der Valk recently presented two new custom superyachts, the 35-meter Lalabe and 34-meter One, cruising together in the North Sea. Both vessels share design lineage with the award-winning 34-meter explorer Lady Lene, demonstrating the yard's custom-build capabilities.Lalabe, en route to the Mediterranean for her maiden season, was commissioned for multi-generational family use. The yacht's hull is optimized for fast displacement cruising up to 17 knots. Exterior and interior styling by Guido de Groot incorporates residential-inspired elements, including an aft beach club with sauna, steam room, and terrace-like seating. The interior features light-toned woods, curved furnishings, and a neutral color scheme. The yacht will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.LalabeOne, currently available for sale, offers immediate delivery. The yacht combines De Groot's exterior design with Carla Guilhem's contemporary interior, using a white and cream palette with dark wood accents. Large windows and open deck spaces emphasize indoor-outdoor connectivity. Powered by twin Volvo Penta engines, One reaches 14.4 knots and includes a fold-out swim platform and substantial toy storage.OneBoth yachts utilize Lady Lene's proven hull engineering while featuring distinct customizations above the waterline. Lalabe focuses on family-oriented spaces, while One prioritizes entertainment areas across four decks.The simultaneous appearance of these vessels highlights Van der Valk's capacity to deliver personalized superyachts within the 34-35 meter range. Prospective buyers can inspect One for potential summer delivery, while Lalabe prepares for its first charter season. The yachts will be displayed at Van der Valk's Cannes Yachting Festival.Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
July 21, 2025
Turkish yacht builder Numarine has launched the first unit of its new 40MXP model, a 40-meter superyacht that becomes the flagship of its XP explorer series. Two additional hulls are currently under construction, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.The 40MXP represents an evolution of the shipyard's popular 37XP model, maintaining the series' long-range capabilities while introducing new Mediterranean-inspired features. The yacht retains a 6,000-nautical-mile range at 8 knots, achieved through an optimized hull design by naval architect Umberto Tagliavini.Ömer Malaz, Chairman at Numarine, stated:"Preserving the same stylistic cues and DNA of all our models, the 40MXP retains our high-volume, low-maintenance, long-range ethos while offering a number of new design features that enhance the intimate connection with the sea that a yacht provides."Key design developments focus on outdoor living spaces, particularly an expanded aft deck area achieved through both increased hull length and strategic repositioning of the saloon doors. This space accommodates an alfresco dining area, bar, lounge, and a standout feature - an aft pool with glass transom. The area connects to a full-beam hydraulic swim platform and can be shaded for sun protection.Power comes from twin MAN 800hp engines as standard, with an optional 900hp Tier III-compliant configuration available. The yacht's 8-meter beam allows for generous interior volumes, with accommodation for up to 12 guests across six suites, including a full-beam master stateroom on the main deck. Two additional customizable cabin spaces offer layout flexibility.Designer Can Yalman handled both interior and exterior styling, maintaining Numarine's signature aesthetic. The model inherits successful features from the 37XP including an expansive flybridge and substantial tender storage capacity. The tender deck can accommodate a 9-meter tender, three jet skis, and additional water toys.Chris Gore, Sales & Marketing Director at Numarine, commented: "We are extremely excited to have delivered the first of the all new 40MXP. Our new flagship offers true luxury blended with versatility be that for family or charter use, whilst maintaining our core Numarine DNA."The 'MXP' designation reflects the yacht's Mediterranean explorer concept, emphasizing connection to the water while retaining transoceanic capabilities. The model enters a competitive segment of the explorer yacht market, positioned as a bridge between luxury cruising and serious long-range functionality.With this launch, Numarine continues its focus on the explorer yacht segment, building on the commercial success of its XP series. The 40MXP's combination of extended range and enhanced outdoor living spaces targets owners seeking both adventure capability and contemporary lifestyle features.Credits: Kerem Sanliman/Numarine
July 18, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has completed delivery of a new 78-meter Admiral megayacht from its Marina di Carrara facility. The vessel, now the flagship of the Admiral fleet, features exterior and interior design by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.The yacht's distinctive profile incorporates a two-tone metallic paint scheme in white and blue hues. Its unconventional three-deck layout provides streamlined aesthetics while maintaining interior volume. The propulsion system combines five variable-speed generators with two 2-mW azimuth pods, delivering 5 mW total power output. This diesel-electric configuration achieves a top speed of 17 knots with reduced vibration and noise levels.Technical features include a lithium polymer battery bank enabling zero-emission operation for limited durations and peak load management. The system incorporates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) technologies, with exhaust routed to the masthead for dispersion.Interior spaces feature panoramic windows in the bridge salon and designer lighting elements. Amenities include a 6-meter swimming pool, spa facility, gymnasium, diving area, and Touch & Go helipad. Material selections emphasize premium finishes with a neutral color palette throughout guest areas.Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "This delivery marks a new and important milestone for our Group. Every detail of this yacht reflects our vision of contemporary luxury – where top-tier craftsmanship, timeless design, and sustainable innovation come together in perfect harmony."The project represents the shipyard's continued focus on large custom superyacht construction, incorporating both advanced marine technologies and bespoke design elements. The delivery underscores the group's capability to execute complex megayacht projects for discerning clients.With this completion, The Italian Sea Group reinforces its position in the upper segment of the global superyacht market. The vessel now joins the operational fleet of Admiral-branded yachts, with the shipyard maintaining its production schedule for additional custom projects currently in build.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: Lorenzo Tampucci/The Italian Sea Group
July 18, 2025
Ferretti Group's Yard in Ancona has launched the third hull of the Custom Line Navetta 38 series on March 20. The 38.76-meter displacement yacht, with a beam of 8.00 meters and 299 GT volume, entered the water during a private ceremony attended by the European owner family and shipyard personnel.This marks Custom Line's fifth launch in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating the shipyard's active production schedule. The Navetta 38 model was developed by Ferretti Group's Product Strategy and Engineering Departments, with exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The Custom Line Atelier team facilitated owner customization throughout the build process.The owners, existing Ferretti Group clients with two previous yachts from the builder, prioritized personalized interior solutions to enhance spatial perception and natural light. Design features include mirrored ceiling panels in the main deck lounge and strategic placement of reflective surfaces along walls and architectural details. Full-height windows were incorporated to maintain visual connection with the marine environment.Notable customizations include a reconfigured galley space with optimized storage depth, designed to serve as a social hub while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Material selections emphasize durability, with Botticino Semi Classico marble specified for the master bathroom.The interior palette combines neutral beige tones with contrasting mocha and brown accents, complemented by natural teak, oak, and leather finishes. Luminous wallpaper treatments contribute to the yacht's refined atmosphere.The Navetta 38 is designed for extended cruising with large guest groups, balancing functional durability with the brand's signature aesthetic standards. The model represents Custom Line's continued focus on customized displacement yachts within its product range.With this launch, Ferretti Group reinforces its position in the mid-size superyacht segment, maintaining production momentum at its Ancona facility. The yacht will now undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owners.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
July 18, 2025
The 70-meter sailing superyacht SY Zero, the world’s first designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels, is approaching the final stages of construction, with an expected launch by the end of 2025. The project, a collaboration between Vripack Yacht Design, Vitters Shipyard, and Dykstra Naval Architects, represents a significant step in sustainable yacht development, backed by over 60,000 hours of research and innovation.SY Zero is engineered to rely solely on wind, solar, and thermal energy while maintaining the performance and luxury standards of a traditional superyacht. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating fossil fuel dependency in high-end yachting. All technical data, system designs, and research findings will be made publicly available through FoundationZero.org, providing open access to sustainable maritime innovations for designers, engineers, and researchers.The yacht’s energy system is entirely electric, powered by a five-megawatt-hour battery storage system—equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Renewable energy is harvested through multiple methods: hydro-generating thrusters capture energy from water flow while under sail, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar panel array converts both light and heat at 60% efficiency, and a wind turbine supplements power generation using offshore airflow.Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack, stated: “This project has always been about showing what’s possible. We wanted to demonstrate that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation. The project has been driven by data, testing, and a long-term commitment to sustainable naval design. Our goal wasn’t just to prove that a fossil-free superyacht is viable—it was to create a real-world model others can learn from.”Vitters Shipyard, known for high-performance sailing yachts, led the construction. Louis Hamming from Vitters commented: “From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognize is coming. It’s a privilege to help bring that future into reality.”The interior accommodates up to 12 guests, featuring sustainable materials such as pine-based leather and leathered marble, which retains natural imperfections. Each cabin draws inspiration from a global destination, with bespoke artworks crafted by local artisans.Following its technical launch, SY Zero will undergo extensive sea trials to test its advanced systems, including proprietary software managing onboard operations. Delivery is expected in 2026, seven years after the project’s inception.Eduard van Benthem, Executive Director at Foundation Zero, emphasized the broader mission: “The project isn’t about showing how good we are, nor even specifically about the yacht itself. We are really trying to showcase how we can do things better and inspire others to join us on the journey, to learn together and to share the knowledge, which is the fundamental aim of Foundation Zero in all its projects.”Beyond private use and limited charter opportunities, SY Zero will serve as a research platform for marine renewable energy and ocean sustainability studies, furthering its role in advancing eco-conscious yachting.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners.Credits: Vripack
July 17, 2025