A leading US broker MarineMax has announced that it has entered into an agreement for acquisition of Fraser Yachts from the AzimutBenetti Group. The transaction is expected to be accretive in its first full year.
In addition, MarineMax strengthens its relationship with Azimut/Benetti through a multiyear exclusive dealership agreement for the Benetti Class of yachts in North America. Before that, MarineMax has represented the Azimut brand in the United States since 2006, growing that brand to rank first in market share among current yacht builders.
W. Brett McGill, Chief Executive Officer and President of MarineMax, Inc., stated:
The acquisition of Fraser is significant for MarineMax as it dramatically increases our presence and strength in the strategically important superyacht category. Second, it expands our international capabilities and footprint, unlocking other potential future opportunities.
Paolo Vitelli, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Azimut/Benetti Group, added:
MarineMax has been a valued partner of the Group. MarineMax’s unrivaled success through many years makes it the best possible owner of Fraser for the future. Strategically, becoming independent from the Group will favour the development of the commercial relationship of Fraser around the world.
Meanwhile, The Fraser team will remain intact and continue to manage operations, with the company’s current directors Paolo Vitelli and Roberto Giorgi remaining with Fraser in an advisory capacity.
Fraser is consistently ranked as one of the leading superyacht brokerage and largest luxury yacht services companies in the world. It was founded in 1947, based in Monaco and operating through 20 offices around the world with over 160 team members. A stake in the brand was sold a to the Azimut-Benetti Group fifteen years ago.
MarineMax with headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, is conceived of as the largest recreational boat and yacht retailer in the USA. The company currently has 67 retail locations, also offering yacht management and crew placement services in multiple countries around the world.
It is worth mentioning, that in 1998 the dealer went public at $13,75 per share, trading today at twice the valuation after a strong recovery since the 2008 financial crisis, which saw its stock fall to under $2 per share in 2009. Today MarineMax is valued at over $600 million.
The acquisition is subject to the customary completion of certain legal requirements in Europe and is currently expected to be completed in stages over the next few weeks.
The California-based designer Steve Kozloff has unveiled a 100 meter double-masted trimaran concept named The Trident. The vessel has six decks and two dedicated helipads, one on each of the vessel's crossbeams.The mast tilts 70 degrees forward to reduce the air draft from 238 feet to 138.5 feet making it possible for The Trident to traverse below most bridges. The Trident now can have direct access to the Panama Canal, San Francisco, San Diego and other harbours. Solid Sail system is the automated setting and dropping of the sails. The boat can be pointed in any direction when raising or lowering the sails. The Solid Sail System has a 360-degree rotating mast. The captain simply rotates the mast into the wind to perform the raising and lowering of the sails.The Trident features the full beam beach club in the main hull with retractable decks, which is a unique feature for any sailing yacht, two large bow pools, two spas in the main hull, forward and aft.The interior space has multi-levels, curved walls, and a multitude of large windows providing a near panoramic view. A 210 sq. m owner’s suite is located in the bow of the central hull, the two additional master suites are found towards the bow of both side hulls. Guest cabins that can host 26 guests and crew cabins that accommodate 20 crew. The piano bar and entertainment area on the upper deck include floor to ceiling windows providing views of the surrounding seascape. A full beam garage that can handle 2 tenders, one Nemo U-Boat Worx submarine with dedicated launching systems and other water toys.The Trident can cruise at 14 knots for 6700 nautical miles with diesel power only. Her range is greatly extended with careful management of her hybrid diesel-electric systems and sail power. Under sail power only, she can make 12 knots.This comes after a 170m gigayacht concept Glory, which was revealed by Steve Kozloff in April. Credits: Steve Kozloff
June 28, 2022
The second Damen YS 53 support vessel is in-build at Damen Yachting facility in Antalya and scheduled for delivery in 2024. The first vessel from the all-new YS 53 series was sold to Anthony Hsieh and will be delivered in 2023.The 53m yacht was made by an in-house design team. Her naval architecture also was made by the shipyard specialist with the help of Damen Research Laboratory in the Netherlands. The YS 53 is strongly focussed on highly demanding performance, efficiency and comfort with a wide range of upgraded features for the yachting lifestyle. “The YS 53 exterior design starts with a familiar functionality, but there is more than meets the eye,” says Wouter Kleijpoel, the Design Manager who led the team of Damen Yachting designers who created the concept. “It’s playful, muscular and emboldening, you believe anything is possible. I think it’s an exciting design.” The vessel is equipped with a deck crane that can lift up to 15 tonnes. The huge 250 sq. m deck space is designed for storage of boats, toys, vehicles and tenders up to 16-meters.She can accommodate a number of guests, between six and 16 and a crew member with a captain. There are different layout configurations to satisfy the owner's needs. In terms of power the yacht is equipped with twin Rolls Royce MTU main engines that allows her to reach a top speed of 19 knots. Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 28, 2022
Sunreef Yachts has announced the launch of a new range of 40m and 50m Explorers with internationally renowned adventurer and professional explorer, one of the most experienced hikers and adventurers in the world, Mike Horn as its ambassador. The Sunreef Explorer line is a versatile luxury vessel designed to explore new routes. Their innovative design provides a unique combination of seaworthiness, reliability and long cruising range on long voyages. With shallow draft, unrivaled capacity and huge entertainment areas, the Sunreef Explorer Line is the next generation of expedition superyachts. Fully customizable, the Sunreef Explorer Line will offer the safest circumnavigation platform with custom-designed interiors and a fleet of watersports and entertainment on board.“The definition of luxury has changed over the years. Today, real luxury is a feeling, a feeling, an experience. Our activities as a shipyard go far beyond the construction of ships. We create emotions, we create magical moments at sea and make dreams come true. Our new Explorer Line is about living in the moment,” says Francis Lapp, founder and president Sunreef Yachts.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland, and the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls ever since. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
June 28, 2022
Waterfront Costa Smeralda reopens its doors to the international yacht owners: from 29 June to 4 September, the Molo Porto Vecchio in the village of Porto Cervo will come alive with exclusive events and luxury ateliers hosting the world's most exclusive brands.Sanlorenzo returns for the fifth consecutive year to the renowned luxury temporary store, the exclusive seafront lounge immersed in the verdant Costa Smeralda, with its own pop-up space. A minimal and elegant lounge with clean lines was designed by Art Director Piero Lissoni. Inside the boutique the chrome reproductions of the fleet’s distinctive yachts can be found. The Sanlorenzo atelier is dedicated to nautical enthusiasts and admirers of the shipyard, a place that encapsulates the brand's core values and allows those who wish to create their own custom-made yacht to draw closer to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that have always distinguished the company's philosophy.The Waterfront Costa Smeralda is one of the most exclusive summer venues, a destination for art, automobiles and luxury yachts, a summer ‘passeggiata’ among pop-up stores, exhibition spaces, lounge areas and the most prestigious yachts in the Mediterranean. An exceptional showcase in which to spend a few moments of relaxation, enjoying a unique view of the sunset well into the night.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1985 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 62 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
June 27, 2022
The newest 83m concept Dust was revealed by Spainished-based designer Jay Aberdoni. To create the vessel with the smooth and sleek silhouette Aberdoni was inspired by the stardust left behind by a comet. He also applied sports car aesthetics to create that notable exterior. For example, the wheelhouse features an inclined windscreen. Dust low bulwarks and large glass windows provide uninterrupted sea views. The outstanding 310 sq.m beach club with direct access to the sea, also has a fire pit, a bar, social area and place for relaxation under the sun. For active guests Dust is equipped with a garage suitable for one limousine tender, jet skis and an 8-meter tender. A glass-bottomed swimming pool aft located below the beach club. Dust can accommodate up to 16 guests across seven cabins on the main deck and owner suite on the upper deck. The interior features a neutral palette and minimalist furnishings. A spiral staircase with a curved LED screen, that connects the main deck, saloon, beach club and terrace, is located at the center of the living area. The forward-looking saloon is surrounded by sliding glass doors and provides guests direct access to the outdoor space.Credits: Jay Aberdoni
June 27, 2022