The second Heesen largest superyacht, 65-metre Galactica Star, was announced sold on July 25, with Fraser representing the seller and Burgess representing the buyer. The vessel was listed for sale earlier this year asking $ 42,000,000, as a result of a notorious corruption case in Nigeria.
Custom-built by Dutch yard Heesen in 2013, the vessel seconds only to the builder’s 70-metre Galactica Super Nova in terms of LOA. She features exterior styling by Omega Architects, engineering by Van Oossanen & Associates, finished by interiors from the boards of Bannenberg & Rowell.
In April 2019, the vessel was offered for sale in a sealed bid arrangement, proposed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and approved by U.S. federal court. The sale process roots back to corruption case against two Nigerian nationals.
Allegedly, the superyacht was originally owned by Nigerian oil magnate Kolawole Aluko, who is one of four defendants accused of cheating Nigeria out of almost $1.8 billion in siphoned crude oil sales, reports The Marine News. The U.S. government also accused Aluko and another oil executive, Olajide Omokore, of laundering money in the United States and using it to acquire the yacht, among other assets.
The sale followed a court-ordered seizure of the yacht's owner's assets due to possible connections to an ongoing Nigerian oil corruption scandal, triggered by the Panama Papers investigation. The latter refers to 11.5 million leaked encrypted confidential documents that were the property of Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, exposing the network of more than 214,000 tax havens.
Thus, the US and Nigerian governments received Federal Court approval to sell the arrested superyacht due to high maintenance and dockage fees, estimating the combined cost at around $170,000 per month. Managed by Fraser, the vessel was listed at $42,000,000.
Galactica Star accommodates up to 12 guests overnight in 6 cabins, comprising a master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, and 4 double cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 13 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
The most alluring feature about the vessel is what goes on below the waterline. Van Ossaanen Naval Architects successfully created a yacht that cruises 30% more efficiently than a conventional round-bilged motor yacht in this size range.
Powered by 2 MTU 5,592 HP diesel engines and propelled by twin screw propellers, Galactica Star is capable of a top speed of 27 knots, and comfortably cruises at 24 knots. With her 90,000 fuel tanks she has a maximum range of 4,200 nautical miles at 14 knots. Her water tanks store around 30,000 litres of fresh water.
The yacht used to be popular for charter among celebrities, for instance, once rented by American music industry power couple, Jay Z and Beyonce for a holiday cruise, according to WithinNigeria.
In the meantime, acting as the seller's representative Fraser, one of the world’s leading brokerage companies, has been recently announced acquired from the Italian AzimutBenetti Group by US broker MarineMax.
The Olympic Yacht Show 2025 will take place at Olympic Marine in Lavrio from October 9-12, with preparations currently underway. This year's edition will feature 140 yachts, 400 luxury brands, and host 5 world premieres alongside 14 European debuts, marking the largest iteration of the event to date.Exhibitor registration shows strong participation from major industry players, including shipyards, dealers, and marine specialists. The event continues to attract both returning and new international participants, reflecting its growing influence in the European yachting calendar.The show will present new yacht models ranging from hybrid propulsion systems to mega yachts, maintaining its position as a platform for industry innovation. Organizers anticipate record attendance from industry professionals and yachting enthusiasts.As Greece's primary yachting exhibition, the 2025 edition will focus on business networking opportunities while showcasing current design and technology trends in the marine sector. The event reinforces Greece's role in Mediterranean marine tourism and luxury yachting markets.Credits: Zisis Dalakouras/The Olympic Yacht Show
July 22, 2025
Damen Yachting has launched the newest 60-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht, with delivery scheduled for autumn 2025. The vessel represents the next generation of the Amels 60 series, maintaining the line's charter-ready features and eco-conscious design approach.The yacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and custom interiors by London-based Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's second Amels 60 project. The interior concept emphasizes contemporary styling with enhanced visual connections to the marine environment.Paul Deurloo, Damen Yachting's Project Manager, stated: "It is one of the highlights of the build process when we get to see the superyacht coming out of the shipyard. We are delighted to show her to the world."The Amels 60 series continues to offer accelerated delivery timelines as part of its Limited Editions concept, with this unit available for handover within approximately 15 months. The yacht joins an existing fleet of Amels 60 vessels, all built on Damen Yachting's established naval architecture platform while allowing for individual customization.The newly launched unit is currently available for purchase, with Damen Yachting continuing production of the Amels Limited Editions range at its facilities in the Netherlands. The autumn 2025 delivery schedule positions the yacht for potential Mediterranean or Caribbean cruising seasons.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
July 22, 2025
Arcadia Yachts has secured the sale of its fourth A96new unit, continuing the model's commercial success following previous sales in Turkey and Middle Eastern markets. The latest 29-meter yacht will operate in the Mediterranean following delivery.The buyer selected the existing interior design by Igor Lobanov, maintaining the Art Deco-inspired dark lacquered surfaces featured on the first hull, with only minor customizations requested. The A96new series emphasizes holistic wellbeing concepts in its layout and amenities.Ugo Pellegrino, CEO of Arcadia Yachts, stated: "The new direction charted by the A96new has tapped into a need felt by owners all over the world, which is why we're so proud to present the A80new at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival, a boat designed for owners seeking the same lifestyle on board but in a slightly smaller format. We expect this new model to have the same success as the series flagship."The Sorrento-based shipyard will debut the 24-meter A80new model at September's Cannes Yachting Festival, targeting owners seeking similar features in a more compact package. Current production continues on the A96new series while the yard prepares its new smaller model for market introduction.The consecutive sales demonstrate sustained demand for Arcadia's wellbeing-focused yacht designs, with the A96new establishing itself as the brand's current flagship offering. The upcoming A80new presentation will test market reception for the scaled-down version of the concept.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
July 22, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has launched M/Y Singolare, the second unit in its T450 series, at its Genoa shipyard. The 45-meter yacht, designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta, follows the successful delivery of the first T450 model, M/Y GO.The launch ceremony was attended by the South American owner and family members. The yacht features a fully enclosed veranda with climate control, an elevator connecting main to sun deck, and a flush foredeck concealing a watertight tender garage. The upper deck includes a sauna, gym, and private cinema.Brazilian architect Debora Aguiar designed the interiors, featuring floor-to-ceiling wine cellars and sliding glass panels connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The main deck contains a master suite with walk-in wardrobe and steam shower, while the lower deck accommodates four guest cabins and crew quarters.Guido Orsi, Tankoa Yachts Vice President, stated: "This launch marks another important milestone for Tankoa. It strengthens our position in the international markets, particularly in South America, where demand for high-end yachts is steadily increasing."The shipyard currently has another 45-meter hull and two 50-meter T500 models under construction, all presold. M/Y Singolare will be delivered this summer for Mediterranean cruising before relocating to the Caribbean for winter season.The launch reinforces Tankoa's position in the 45-50 meter custom yacht segment, with the T450 series demonstrating strong market demand.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa
July 22, 2025
The first hull of Riva's new 112' Dolcevita Super model has launched from the brand's La Spezia facility. Measuring 34.37 meters with a 7.27-meter beam, this flybridge yacht expands upon the successful 110' Dolcevita design with enhanced outdoor spaces and improved water access.Developed by Officina Italiana Design in collaboration with Ferretti Group engineers, the yacht features a 35-square-meter beach club with fold-out terraces and storage for water toys. The stern garage accommodates a tender and jet ski while the cockpit offers multiple lounge configurations. Owners can choose between additional bow seating or a Jacuzzi in the forward area.The flybridge presents redesigned living spaces with a central bar area and entertainment systems. Interior options include two main deck layouts - one with aft dining and another with traditional forward lounge placement. The master suite incorporates larger windows and redesigned storage solutions.Standard power comes from twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines delivering 2,638 hp each, providing a preliminary top speed of 25.5 knots. An alternative MTU M97L engine package includes SCR emissions reduction technology. Stabilization systems include zero-speed fins with Humphree interceptors, with optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers available.Bridge configurations range from standard quad 19-inch monitors to a premium option with dual 49-inch displays selected for this first unit. Soundproofing measures include reinforced bulkheads between crew and guest areas on the lower deck, which houses four VIP cabins. Interior finishes combine high-gloss rosewood with black hammered leather detailing.The yacht is scheduled for its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, representing Riva's latest development in the 30-40 meter flybridge segment. Production continues at Riva's La Spezia yard alongside other models in the 70-130 foot range.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 21, 2025