Early on Saturday November 16th, properties at Fort Lauderdale went on fire, leading to destruction of two superyachts, the 49-metre Lohengrin and 32.6-metre Reflections. According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the estimated loss from the fire is over $20 million.
The city fire marshal reported, the fire broke out at around 4.43am, with loud explosions waking up residents. Allegedly, the blaze started on-board Lohengrin and spread to a neighbouring Reflections. It is understood that the two yachts were under maintenance and refit work at the time of the fire.
Reportedly, around 100 firefighters from several agencies were called out to the blaze. Many cellphone videos spread on social media witnessed flames going out, with huge plumes of smoke in the air. However, the fire brigade managed to bring it under control.
At the moment, no injuries have been reported. It is known , that the four crew members of Reflections were staying at an Airbnb for the weekend.
Fort Lauderdale Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan called the yachts destruction “the biggest fire loss in Fort Lauderdale history.” The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigation to be conducted.
Handout/Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue/TNS
If the fire does not appear intentional from the video materials though, it might be difficult to detect exact source of the fire due to the extent of damage, fire officials said.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency also arrived on site on Sunday with view on environmental damage, “to control and contain contaminants into the water,” Gollan said. One of the concerns now is to prevent fuel leakage into the river. However, no active leaks were reported on Sunday evening.
M/Y Lohengrin
Lohengrin was built by Trinity Yachts in 2007. She features exteriors by Geoff van Eller and interiors by Scott Carpenter. She offers accommodation to up to 11 guests across 5 cabins. In January 2019, she was sold asking $12 million.
Reflections was built by Christensen in 1997 with a GRP hull and superstructure. She can accommodate 8 guests across 4 cabins with an interior design by Merritt Knowles and an exteriors by Setzer. In 2016, she was sold asking $4,295,000.
M/Y Reflections
Sun Sentinel media reports, the owner of Reflections, Chip McElroy, was present at the fire scene with his family. He has owned the yacht for over three years and has made many family trips to the Caribbean aboard. Reflections had sailed two weeks ago and was in the Fort Lauderdale marina for annual repainting.
On March 30th, Sunreef Yachts made a significant stride in its global expansion by inaugurating the Sunreef Lounge in Shanghai. Strategically situated at the prestigious Sunch Yacht Club in Pudong, this new facility symbolizes the company's dedication to advancing luxury yachting in Asia.More than just an exhibition space, the Sunreef Lounge acts as a cultural center, facilitating meaningful interactions between clients, collaborators, and enthusiasts. Here, visitors can explore Sunreef's state-of-the-art technologies and environmentally conscious solutions in a refined and engaging atmosphere.Central to the lounge's offerings is the groundbreaking Sunreef Ultima line, which integrates speed, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to inspire responsible ownership, this cutting-edge collection highlights the shipyard's commitment to shaping the future of eco-conscious yachting.By merging global luxury standards with local customs and sustainability principles, Sunreef Yachts establishes itself as a trailblazer in the Asian market. This initiative marks a promising era for the brand and sets a new benchmark for the evolution of yachting in the region.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts; rleine/unsplash.com
April 3, 2025
Northrop & Johnson announces the successful sale of the 51-meter Sapphire, a Trinity-built motor yacht, through Boathouse Auctions. Represented by Yacht Brokers Sean Doyle and Wes Sanford, Sapphire attracted serious interest from qualified buyers leading up to the auction, reflecting her strong market appeal.Delivered in 2009 and constructed using lightweight aluminum to ABS classification standards, Sapphire embodies the finest traditions of American yacht construction. The vessel underwent a comprehensive refit in 2019, followed by substantial technical upgrades in 2020 and 2021, including engine rebuilds and generator replacements. Recently completing her five-year survey, Sapphire entered the market in prime condition, ready for immediate use.A standout feature of Sapphire is her versatile layout, which accommodates up to 20 guests across seven well-appointed staterooms. This configuration makes her ideal for large families or as a capable mothership support vessel. Guests can choose from two triple cabins with queen and twin beds, two twin cabins with Pullman berths, and additional cabins on the main and bridge decks. The bridge-deck master suite stands out with its luxurious ensuite bath, soothing bathtub, and direct access to a private exterior deck.Zero-speed stabilizers and a shallow draft ensure smooth cruising and easy navigation to popular destinations like Florida and The Bahamas. With a 4,000-nautical-mile range, Sapphire is equally adept at long-distance travel.Outdoor spaces are carefully designed for leisure and entertainment. The sundeck boasts a relaxing hot tub, a well-stocked bar, and multiple lounging and dining options. Other al fresco areas include the Portuguese bridge, bridge deck aft lounge, and a spacious main deck aft dining table. Thoughtful integration of tender and toy storage keeps the decks clear and functional.James McFarlane’s interior design combines timeless elegance with practicality. The main salon offers ample seating, a welcoming bar, and a formal dining area for 14 guests, enhanced by an abundance of natural light. Forward of the salon lies a multipurpose bonus room that can serve as a playroom or an extra VIP suite.Featuring a proven platform, recent technical improvements, and generous accommodations, Sapphire presents an attractive option for experienced yacht owners seeking a capable, family-focused superyacht.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 3, 2025
Expanding upon its established presence in North America and Asia, CL Yachts is delighted to announce an exclusive dealer agreement with Revolution Marine Group Europe GmbH. Under this partnership, the Austria-based company will act as the official distributor for CL Yachts' renowned A and B Series throughout Europe and Turkey. These strategic regions, characterized by their rich yachting heritage and sophisticated clientele, represent a significant opportunity for CL Yachts to cater to increasing market demands for its cutting-edge luxury performance vessels.As part of this global expansion strategy, CL Yachts has ensured that each product line receives specialized representation. While the A and B Series will now be exclusively handled by Revolution Marine Group Europe, the distinguished X Series will continue to benefit from the expert oversight of Camper & Nicholsons, maintaining focus on the unique requirements of this segment.Known for prioritizing customization and craftsmanship, CL Yachts sees great synergy with the European and Turkish markets, where bespoke solutions tailored to individual preferences resonate strongly. This alignment positions CL Yachts favorably among discerning yacht enthusiasts seeking superior quality and personalized experiences.Martin Lo, Director of CL Yachts, expressed optimism regarding the partnership, saying, "Partnering with Revolution Marine Group Europe is a pivotal step forward as we deepen our engagement in Europe and Turkey. Their extensive knowledge and regional expertise will allow us to introduce the CL Yachts experience to a broader audience of passionate boaters."Echoing this sentiment, Sergey Kurylev, Managing Director of Revolution Marine Group Europe, noted, "It is an honor to collaborate with CL Yachts. Their ingenuity and craftsmanship are sure to appeal to yacht owners in this vibrant market. Together, driven by shared values and dedication to excellence, we look forward to delivering unmatched boating experiences."Through this alliance, CL Yachts aims to capitalize on emerging business prospects while solidifying its reputation in the competitive yachting landscape. Moreover, the partnership opens doors for localized innovations designed to meet the diverse needs and preferences of customers in these dynamic regions.Carmen Lau, Senior Advisor at Camper & Nicholsons, highlighted the continued collaboration with CL Yachts, particularly in promoting the revolutionary X Series. She remarked, "The CLX96 and CLX99 embody CL Yachts' pioneering spirit, blending advanced technology with impeccable comfort and performance. We anticipate considerable interest in these models across Europe and Asia, bolstered by our expertise in the global superyacht arena."CL Yachts’ goal is to offer unparalleled experiences to the modern explorer. The luxury performance brand stands apart from its competitors thanks to its unique approach to design – driven by CL Yacht’s core value of innovation. Fusing progressive design with engineering prowess and state-of-the-art technology, every element of CL Yachts’ vessels are meticulously geared to steer luxury into uncharted territories.Credits: CL Yachts
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The 115.1-meter Lürssen superyacht Ahpo has returned to the brokerage market with an asking price of €340 million, making it the most expensive luxury yacht currently listed for sale. Represented by Alex Busher of Edmiston and Moran Yacht & Ship, Ahpo was originally sold as a new build by Moran Yacht & Ship in 2017 to a repeat Lürssen client and began construction under the codename Project Enzo.Completed in 2021 and showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show the following year, Ahpo boasts a striking design by Nuvolari Lenard, featuring trademark half-moon windows and tapered decks. The yacht was last sold in-house by Moran Yacht & Ship in May 2023, believed to be the largest brokerage deal in history.Designed with both exterior and interior detailing on technical and aesthetic fronts, Ahpo offers accommodation for 16 guests in eight staterooms and four staff cabins. The owner's private duplex includes an exceptional gym, while side decks on the sky lounge deck span 100 meters, allowing guests to take strolls in the fresh air without disembarking.Health and wellness are priorities on board, with a nature-themed spa featuring a massage room, Himalayan salt sauna, and a Turkish-style Hammam finished in vibrant mosaics and ivory onyx. Throughout the vessel, nature is a recurring theme, seen in the artwork, the central staircase depicting an olive tree, and the grand dining room themed around water lilies.Technical highlights include twin MTU 20V 4,000hp engines, advanced systems such as a heat recovery mechanism for warming the swimming pool, dynamic positioning, four Quantum fin stabilizers, and controllable-pitch propellers for low-speed manoeuvrability. The 5,257GT superyacht is crewed by 36 and is equipped with two custom 12-meter IC Yacht guest tenders, rescue tenders, and a commercially certified helipad supporting a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Lürssen
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At its recent annual general meeting, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) announced the introduction of a brand-new Paris-based boat show, set to take place in November 2025.The highly anticipated Paris Nautic Show will run from Wednesday, November 26th, to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, hosted at the prestigious Parc des Expositions du Bourget in northeastern Paris. This announcement follows the cancellation of the initial Nautic-en-Seine boat show, which had been planned for April 2025 along the banks of the River Seine. Market conditions led to the decision to cancel the open-air event, originally intended as a fresh iteration of the longstanding Nautic Paris boat show.The newly organized indoor event will be managed by M2O, FIN's dedicated event subsidiary. FIN emphasized the critical role of a Paris-based boat show in supporting the nautical industry amid challenging economic and political environments, serving as a vital platform to showcase resilience and innovation within the sector.Approximately 350 exhibitors and between 300 to 400 boats are expected to participate, occupying two expansive halls totaling 40,000 square meters. Compared to earlier iterations of Paris-based boat shows, the duration of the event has been streamlined to align better with the global exhibition calendar.The show's leadership team comprises experienced professionals, including Jean-Paul Chapeleau as President, Christophe Vieux as Managing Director, Caroline Popovici as Deputy Commissioner General and Operations Director, and Guillaume Verbrugghe as Deputy Commissioner General and Commercial Director. At the general meeting, they unveiled the event's new branding, including its distinctive logo and marketing materials, marking the official start of commercial activities for the show.Credits: jerileecornelio/unsplash.com
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