Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands has delivered the fourth yacht in its renowned Raised Pilothouse semi-custom range. The 26-metre Nicostasia was built for owners who had already enjoyed the experience of owning a Van der Valk motoryacht and now wanted to go larger and all-new. Featuring exterior and interior design from Guido de Groot and the highest standard of Dutch construction and engineering, Nicostasia is an impressive addition to the growing Van der Valk fleet.
The cooperation and coordination between the yard and the owners’ representatives during the design and construction of Nicostasia was seamless. As Van der Valk has ample experience with owners from their country, they were able to conduct all communications in their native language.
The overall design brief for Nicostasia was to create a cool-looking, smart-working family boat, thoroughly adapted to the clients’ wishes. The interior and exterior were both designed in partnership with Guido de Groot. Overall, the interior is typified by bright colours, with whitewashed oak as the principal material – the family had seen this colour scheme on several other Van der Valks and opted to reproduce the palette in an even lighter version. “The interior is quite elegant and minimalistic, yet clearly very functional and robust,” says Guido de Groot. “Nicostasia is a real family boat – the owners are delighted with her and spend lots of time on board.”
The lower deck hosts the main accommodations: the owner’s suite, which takes up the full 6.25-metre beam, two guest cabins, one to starboard and one to port, and a VIP cabin forward. All accommodations include ensuite bathrooms, with the owner’s suite being especially large and also featuring a walk-in wardrobe. The guest cabins are designed specifically for the children in the family, including in terms of décor choices, underlining the fact that Nicostasia is more a family boat than a typical yacht which is intended for charter.
The pièce de résistance of bespoke design on Nicostasia is the compact but state-of-the-art open galley integrated in the saloon. “Normally, of course, the saloon contains the dining space while the galley is located elsewhere in the boat,” says Guido de Groot. “But this family loves to socialise with guests while cooking, so they requested this one-of-a-kind feature.
“They also wanted to have as much natural light as possible in that area. The design allows as much sunlight as possible to reach this space from the oversized windows in the wheelhouse above by making the ceiling in the galley area spectacularly high. Another ingenious element is the extractor hood above the stove that doubles as a lighting fixture. Each of these components was quite complex to implement given that the passage between the sunbathing areas on the flybridge above is directly above the cooking island and the extractors. Only an expert yard like Van der Valk could have accomplished this so well.”
Nicostasia is Van der Valk’s fourth Raised Pilothouse, and while the boats in the series are characterised by tried-and-true exterior lines, there are a wide range of choices in terms of layout and interior architecture options.
“This has a lot to do with the optimised interior space of this particular "Raised Pilothouse" superstructure shape,” explains Yoeri Bijker, Marketing manager at Van der Valk Shipyard. “Some clients place the crew area on the main deck, while others prefer to have an on deck owners’ cabin there instead. The Raised Pilothouse concept offers a great deal of flexibility and its classic flare generates a very elegant appearance. It also gives the vessel a timeless look, ideal for owners who are less enthusiastic about today’s typical straight bows without a lot of flare.”
Nicostasia’s layout includes a graceful elevated wheelhouse position and a wide-open main deck area forward. The flybridge deck boasts an outdoor helm station as well as sun loungers, a wet bar with fridge, wine cabinet and ice maker to port, and a U-shaped lounge dinette settee to starboard. This is also where the 4.45-metre tender and the waverunner are located.
The yacht also has some unique exterior components: for instance, the main deck and the pilothouse are connected with chic floating steel stairs in polished stainless steel which combine with the split-level wheelhouse arrangement to provide a natural flow. She is also characterised by an unusual and lovely grey metallic hull colour, with stylish dark blackout areas and striping.
Nicostasia has a conventional shaft propulsion system, with twin MTU 10V 2000 M93 engines of 1502 hp each which provide a maximum speed of some 25 knots. She is equipped with a 30kW Electric 96V DC 3 phase bow- and stern thruster, and two 26kW Northern Lights PX332K2 auxiliary engines (generators). An electric Seakeeper 26 gyroscopic stabilising system optimises comfort for passengers and crew.
Currently berthed in Montenegro, Nicostasia will cruise the Adriatic Sea for the time being – possibly from a permanent base in Croatia. Eventually her owners will criss-cross the Mediterranean in a superyacht built entirely to their specifications.
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).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
April 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025