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.

Latest News

Azimut Introduces Magellano 27M as New Voyager Series Flagship
Azimut has launched the Magellano 27M, a 27-meter yacht representing the third generation of its Voyager series. The design features exterior work by Jarkko Jämsén and interior spaces by AMDL CIRCLE & Michele De Lucchi, marking the architecture firm's first marine project.The yacht incorporates a loggia-style main deck with full-height glazing designed to create visual connection with marine environments. The exterior design emphasizes clean lines and curved surfaces intended to reflect light and water movements. Jämsén's approach focused on reducing visual elements to create what the designer terms a "bare shape" that integrates with natural surroundings.Interior spaces utilize light wood finishes and architectural elements inspired by Mediterranean patio designs. The layout prioritizes natural illumination through extensive glazing, with wooden structural components serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The design team treated natural light as a structural material throughout the living spaces.Technical specifications include long-range cruising capabilities consistent with the Magellano series' explorer yacht positioning. The vessel maintains Azimut's dual-mode hull design, offering stability in various sea conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency during extended voyages.The Magellano 27M accommodates owners focused on extended cruising rather than seasonal Mediterranean use. Interior configurations emphasize connection with external environments while maintaining privacy requirements during long-term onboard living.The yacht represents Azimut's continued development of its Voyager series, which targets owners seeking transoceanic capabilities combined with contemporary design aesthetics. The collaboration with architectural firm AMDL CIRCLE introduces new design approaches to marine interiors, particularly in the treatment of natural light and spatial organization.Production will utilize Azimut's existing manufacturing facilities, with the Magellano 27M positioned as the new flagship of the Voyager line. The yacht is scheduled for public presentation during the 2025-2026 boat show season following initial client deliveries.The Magellano series now spans multiple size categories, with the 27M model representing the largest current offering in Azimut's explorer yacht range. The company continues to develop both motor yacht and explorer segments simultaneously across its product portfolio.Credits: Azimut
Amels Full Custom Project Tanzanite Launched
Project Tanzanite, a 120-meter Amels Full Custom superyacht, has reached the next stage of construction following her launch at the Damen Yachting facilities in Vlissingen. At 6,083 GT, she is the largest new build completed by Amels to date.The yacht first entered the Netherlands in June 2023, arriving from Damen Yachting’s hull building facility in Galati, Romania, where the hull had been constructed. Since then, she has been prepared for outfitting at the shipyard’s facilities in Vlissingen City. In the weeks leading up to the launch, Project Tanzanite was floated inside the dock before moving into open water.With the yacht now in Vlissingen for the final phase of work, more than 1,000 people, including Damen Yachting teams and members of the international superyacht supply chain, will contribute their expertise over the next year. Completion is scheduled for 2026.Project Tanzanite is a one-off Amels Full Custom design. The exterior is by Espen Øino, while details about the interior remain undisclosed. Damen Yachting provided the naval architecture for the project.Key figures for the yacht include a length of 120 meters (394 feet) and a gross tonnage of 6,083.Credits: Amels
Ferretti Group to Showcase Six World Premieres at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025
Ferretti Group will present six world premieres at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, held September 9–14, alongside a fleet of 25 yachts. The debuts include models from Ferretti Yachts, Itama, and Riva: the Ferretti Yachts 800, Itama 54, Riva Aquariva Special, Riva Cento, Riva 58’ Capri, and Riva 112’ Dolcevita Super. These will be joined by the Ferretti Yachts 940 and Pershing GTX70, introduced earlier this year in Venice. Wally will also be present with the wallywind110 in the sailing section at Port Canto.The Ferretti Yachts 800, designed with Filippo Salvetti and Ideaeitalia, measures 24.47 meters in length with a beam of 5.91 meters. It offers large windows, an optional salon sliding door, and a 40-square-meter flybridge. Powered by MAN V12 engines, it reaches up to 31 knots.The Itama 54, styled by Tommaso De Luca, features a double-cockpit layout with seating for 10, extended side glazing, and a lower deck with two cabins. Its LOA is 16.44 meters with MAN engine options up to 850 hp.The Riva Aquariva Special updates the long-standing Aquariva line with new navigation lights, redesigned windscreen, and expanded swim platform while maintaining analogue helm instrumentation. It measures 10.07 meters and reaches 41.5 knots.The Riva Cento, marking the 100th Rivamare, introduces new color options, integrated stern handrail, and a convertible interior dinette. With an LOA of 11.88 meters, it is powered by twin Volvo Penta engines.The Riva 58’ Capri is an evolution of the 56’ Rivale with three cabins, a fixed hardtop, and garage options for tenders and water toys. Its length is 17.27 meters with speeds up to 37 knots.The Riva 112’ Dolcevita Super, at 34.37 meters, features fold-out terraces in the stern, redesigned flybridge, and two interior layout options. Twin MTU engines deliver speeds of up to 25.5 knots.Also on display are the Ferretti Yachts 940, a 28.97-meter widebody yacht with five cabins and floor-to-ceiling glazing, and the Pershing GTX70, a 21.76-meter model with expanded exterior areas and a sundeck split into three zones.Ferretti Group’s presence at the show will be accompanied by a range of luxury partners including Range Rover, Flexjet, Dolce & Gabbana, Frette, Venini, and Lavazza, among others.Credits: Ferretti Group
Sanlorenzo Reports H1 2025 Financial Results with Revenue Growth and Strong Order Backlog
Sanlorenzo S.p.A. announced consolidated financial results for the first half of 2025, reporting €454.1 million in net revenues from new yacht sales, representing a 9.4% increase compared to H1 2024. EBITDA reached €80.5 million, an 8.5% year-over-year increase. The company maintained a robust order backlog of €1.44 billion, with 93% of orders already sold to final clients.Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti stated: "The first half of 2025 reflects the resilience of Sanlorenzo, the strength of our brand, and the timeless desirability of our yachts. Even in a global environment marked by trade tariff uncertainty and broader macroeconomic pressures, we have delivered stability and measured growth."Order intake increased 29.9% to €419.5 million, driven particularly by strong demand for yachts exceeding 30 meters. The net backlog stood at €985.2 million as of June 30, 2025, providing approximately one year of revenue visibility.Regional performance showed Europe accounting for 58.8% of revenues (€267.1 million, +15.4% YoY), Americas contributing 21% (€95.3 million, +38.6% YoY), APAC at 12% (€54.4 million, +5.8% YoY), and MEA representing 8.2% (€37.3 million, -41.3% YoY).Division performance varied: Superyacht Division revenues increased 10.2% to €137.1 million, while Yacht Division declined 6.6% to €225.8 million primarily due to market conditions below 30 meters. Bluegame Division decreased 10.9% to €43.6 million, and Nautor Swan Division contributed €47.5 million since its 2024 acquisition.The company reported net profit of €46.6 million, a 7.0% increase from H1 2024. Net working capital remained positive at €86.6 million, though inventories increased to €186.7 million due to production ramp-up and distribution hub expansion.Sanlorenzo confirmed its 2025 financial guidance, citing strong product pipeline including three new yacht debuts at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the upcoming delivery of the 74Steel model. The company continues to focus on yachts under 2,000 GT where it believes the risk-return profile remains most favorable.Sustainability initiatives progress includes development of bi-fuel green methanol propulsion technology, though the launch timeline for the 50 X-Space project has been adjusted to align with expected infrastructure availability toward the end of the decade.The company maintains its net financial position with €8.3 million net debt as of June 30, 2025, following dividend payments of €34.7 million and €11.1 million share buyback program execution during the period.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 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 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
Castoldi and Nauta Collaborate on New Jet Tender 34 Limo Model
Italian marine manufacturers Castoldi and Nauta have developed the Jet Tender 34 Limo, marking Castoldi's first entry into the limousine tender segment. The 10.4-meter vessel will serve as ship-to-shore transportation for a new boutique cruise ship fleet under construction in Italy, with four limousine tenders and two support vessels ordered per vessel.Giacomo Castoldi, CEO of Castoldi, stated: "This project represents a new chapter for Castoldi that expands our offerings to new markets, while maintaining the commitment to innovation, quality, and luxury we are known for." The collaboration utilizes Castoldi's waterjet propulsion technology and semi-serial production capabilities combined with Nauta's design approach.Nauta Director Guido Valtorta noted: "Typically, limousine tenders are custom-made for large yachts, but this project allowed us to merge bespoke luxury with the efficiency of semi-serial production." The design incorporates multiple boarding points, configurable seating arrangements, and ceiling lighting systems aimed at creating spacious interior environments.Technical features include Castoldi's ACES electronic control system and waterjet propulsion designed for commercial vessel applications. The tender achieves cabin cooling within 15 minutes and incorporates noise-reduction systems within rub rails. The platform allows for Open Limo and Support Vessel configurations through modular design principles.The first unit is scheduled for delivery in late 2025, with project presentation planned for the Monaco Yacht Show. The tender measures 10.4 meters in length with limousine-style enclosed cabin accommodation. Production follows semi-serial methods rather than custom one-off construction, representing a new operational approach for Castoldi in this vessel category.The partnership combines Castoldi's marine engineering capabilities with Nauta's yacht design experience, targeting the growing market for luxury tender operations in cruise ship and superyacht sectors. The design emphasizes functional elements including pantry facilities and toilet accommodations within the compact hull form.Credits: Nauta