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.
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025
Feadship has confirmed the sale of Project 717 through its dedicated resale division. The 49.5-meter yacht was sold to an existing Feadship owner, with Feadship Resale representing the buyer and Edmiston acting as the seller's representative.The yacht features an angular exterior design by Studio De Voogt and contemporary interior spaces. Accommodation includes five staterooms for ten guests, with a full-beam owner's suite featuring panoramic views and a private study.Outdoor amenities include a glass-fronted hot tub, fold-down bulwarks that expand the beach club area, and a sundeck equipped with a bar and barbecue facilities.This transaction represents the third sale completed by Feadship Resale since its establishment, following previous sales of yachts named ONE and Savannah. Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
September 22, 2025
A comprehensive study profiling Italian recreational boat owners was presented on September 18 at the Genoa International Boat Show. Conducted by the Italian Marine Industry Association's National Nautical Observatory, the research analyzed demographic patterns, boat characteristics, and regional distribution trends among Italy's boating population. Roberto Neglia, Head of Institutional Relations at the association, presented the findings.The study revealed that 80% of Italian boat owners are over 50 years old, with the largest concentration (45%) in the 60-75 age bracket. Only 4% of owners are between 30-39 years old. Women represent 13% of boat owners, a minority but growing segment that tends to be younger than male owners, with approximately 15% of female owners in the 40-49 age range.Geographical distribution shows relatively balanced representation across regions: North-East (25%), Central Italy (24%), North-West (21%), South (20%), and Italian islands (10%). The analysis identified Rome, Milan, and Naples as the top three municipalities for boat ownership, accounting for approximately one-third of all owners. Southern Italy shows the highest proportion of young boat owners under 40, particularly in the 30-39 age bracket, representing over 25% of the national total for that demographic.The typical Italian boat owner possesses a 10-12 meter vessel with inboard propulsion, built between 2000 and 2009. Regarding propulsion types, 73% of boats use inboard engines, with motorboats being more popular in Southern Italy (73%) and the islands (61%), while sailing vessels gain more market share in Northern and Central regions (48-55%). The most common power category is 251-999 HP (35% of units), followed by 40-115 HP (22%).The study noted significant generational differences in boat preferences. Motor propulsion shows strongest concentration among 60-75-year-olds, while sailboats attract more diversified age groups. Owners of vessels over 24 meters have an average age exceeding 68 years, while owners of registered boats under 10 meters average approximately 58 years.The research also analyzed registration trends, noting that only 2% of registered boat owners are foreign residents. Since 2015, the industry has seen a sharp reduction in new registrations despite sector turnover growth. While the industry reached a record turnover of €8.6 billion in 2024, annual registrations remain significantly below peak levels of 2006, when over 800 new units were registered yearly.The study contrasted boat owner demographics with show visitor demographics, noting that Boat Show attendees average 50 years old, with the 55-64 age bracket representing 34% of visitors and 25-44 year-olds comprising 22%.The analysis of mooring patterns revealed pressure throughout Central and Northern Italy and the Naples province, while Southern regions show deficits in transit mooring availability. Approximately 35% of pleasure boats were built before 2000, with less than 10% constructed after 2020.The research provides data for public and private sector planning regarding infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and policy decisions affecting Italy's marine industry.Credits: Genoa International Boat Show
September 21, 2025
The Invictus TT550, a 16.87-meter yacht built by Cantieri Aschenez, made its first public appearance at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival followed by exhibition at the Genoa International Boat Show. With a beam of 5.04 meters, the model represents the flagship of the Invictus TT series.The yacht incorporates structural fiberglass tanks integrated into the hull construction, which the shipyard states enhances rigidity and weight distribution. The hull utilizes PET thermoplastic resin, a recyclable material that reduces overall weight. The exterior design includes folding side terraces, a semi-reverse bow, and an extended swim platform.Outdoor areas feature a carbon fiber hardtop covering the dinette and galley area, deep side bulwarks, and a forward lounge shaded by a carbon fiber canopy. The aft section contains a sunpad and sofa with foldable backrest that extends the sunbathing area. A garage provides storage without occupying primary lounge spaces.Rosario Alcaro, General Manager of Invictus Yacht, stated: "The enthusiastic response we have received in Cannes and now in Genoa, from both our dealer network and the public, confirms that we are on the right track. The TT550 is truly one-of-a-kind in terms of design, innovation and performance. Our goal is to keep evolving, to ensure our yachts are never static projects, but always forward-looking, always seeking solutions that enhance both product quality and onboard lifestyle."Below deck, interior layouts offer flexibility with two cabins (Master and VIP) that can be positioned either forward or amidships, accompanied by two bathrooms. Options include a third cabin, central galley, or crew cabin for extended voyages. The interior design was developed by Christian Grande.Customization options include an expanded color palette with new Stone White and Deep Groove exterior tones, paired with Cloudy, Sandy or Woody upholstery shades. The shipyard utilizes water-resistant upholstery textiles developed through cross-industry research. The Atelier Invictus program provides modular layout options and bespoke finishes.Propulsion comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS950 units, providing what the shipyard describes as a balance between sport performance and cruising comfort. The design emphasizes open-air living spaces and connection with the marine environment through multiple outdoor social areas.The Italian shipbuilder produced open type boats with multiple vocations. The debut production will include two ranges of leisure boats, corresponding with two types of propulsion: inboard-outboard for the “GT” series, more tending to leisure and sailing, and outboard for the “FX”, more technical and sporty. Credits: Invictus Yacht
September 19, 2025