Along with gaining popularity general concern of the owners regarding the art preservation on-board, some vessels end up becoming art themselves. At the the Venice Biennale, visitors will find Barca Nostra, the notorious shipping vessel that sank on April 18, 2015 with over 800 migrants on-board.
On April 18, 2015, the fishing boat left Tripoli, Libya, was carrying hundreds of migrants. The vessel crashed into a cargo ship coming to its rescue and sank in the Mediterranean Sea, killing over 800 people, according to a United Nations investigation. Only 27 people survived on a yacht that was originally designed for a crew of about 15.
More than a year after the tragedy, the Italian government brought the shipwreck to the surface and transported it to a NATO base in Augusta, Sicily. It spent there past three years, until a Swiss-Icelandic artist Christoph Büchel decided to exhibit it at the Biennale as an art installation. The boat has appeared in the Arsenale, a former dockyard now used as an exhibition space for the Biennale.
The vessel was measuring only 90 feet in length, in contrast to some of the largest fishing yachts in the world. According to the Deutsche Welle, the cost of salvaging the wreck in 2016, from a depth of 370 metres, made €9,500,000. That excluded the transportation and installation of the boat in Venice.
The name of the installation translates as Our Ship from Italian. The title refers to a policy launched by the Italian government in 2013, Operation Mare Nostrum (Our Sea), which is a Latin term for the Mediterranean. The policy aimed to combat the increasing number of migrant ships that were sinking in the Mediterranean Sea. It was scrapped a year later in favour of Operation Triton, in which ships that happened to be closest to sinking vessels would provide assistance. Gaping holes in the hull of the Libyan boat represent an evidence of its collision with a Portuguese freighter.
The release claims:
Barca Nostra is an inversion of a Trojan Horse in the ongoing battle of contemporary political strategies, wherein the vessel of those who were imprisoned inside it as human cargo becomes representative of the continuing migration crisis and the political and cultural shipwreck of which we are all part.
The vessel is being displayed in Venice to highlight the tragedy of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean. The intention is to use it as a ‘vehicle of significant socio-political, ethical, and historical importance’.
Pearl Yachts is set to participate in the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, taking place from March 19th to 23rd, as part of its ongoing global expansion efforts. The show serves as a premier platform for the British boutique yacht builder to showcase its celebrated range to the American market.Together with East Coast dealer Atlantic Yacht and Ship, Pearl Yachts will exhibit a selection of its award-winning models, including the Pearl 95, Pearl 72, and Pearl 62. These yachts epitomize the brand's hallmark blend of innovation, performance, and contemporary British luxury.Established as a leader in the luxury yacht market, Pearl Yachts distinguishes itself through its boutique approach, crafting a limited number of yachts annually to ensure superior quality and exclusivity. Collaborations with Dixon Yacht Design and Kelly Hoppen interiors have shaped a fleet recognized for its elegant styling, spacious layouts, and refined finishes.Over the past year, Pearl Yachts has garnered numerous industry accolades, affirming its status as a top-tier manufacturer of luxury yachts. Iain Smallridge, Managing Director, stated that the Palm Beach event is crucial for connecting with discerning clients who appreciate the brand's craftsmanship and personal touch.Credits: Pearl Yachts
March 6, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa’s refit division has experienced a significant surge in orders, with intense activity reported across over 30 boats currently in progress. The division has witnessed a fivefold increase in sales in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting heightened demand for refitting services.Among the notable projects underway are three superyachts built by esteemed manufacturers: a 50-metre Benetti, a 41-metre Feadship, and a 43-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht, all nearing completion. Additionally, Cantieri di Pisa has secured orders for three larger superyachts, each measuring 50, 41, and 43 meters, respectively, which are slated for imminent handover to their owners following extensive refit and renewal work.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, expressed satisfaction with the division’s achievements, emphasizing increased sales and expanded facilities. The refit division’s workspace now spans 24,000 square meters, employing approximately 20 internal staff members, with another 10 specialists soon joining the team. Projects typically involve a workforce ranging from 200 to 300 individuals along the supply chain.The division benefits from its proprietary equipment, including a 300-tonne trolley and travel lift, as well as expertise in materials such as carbon fiber, fibreglass, steel, and aluminium, utilizing advanced techniques like 45-degree welding prevalent in Northern Europe. Strong collaboration with the Research & Development department and close interaction with yachts’ captains underscore the division’s commitment to precision and customer satisfaction.Umberto Nannola, Refit Manager at Cantieri di Pisa, highlighted the division’s adherence to pricing agreements despite challenges posed by lengthy projects, attributed to the yard’s reputation for efficiency and organizational harmony. Notably, a Perini Navi sailing yacht traveled from Monaco to Pisa for refit work, illustrating the trust placed in Cantieri di Pisa by international clients.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
March 6, 2025
Dutch design studio Mulder Design has revealed Project Sharp, a 50-meter superyacht concept focused on "quality family time." Described as a departure from conventional designs, the concept emphasizes a "fresh perspective" centered on meaningful experiences both on and off the yacht.Project Sharp distinguishes itself with a minimalist, elegant profile defined by sharp lines and expansive glazing, capturing natural light and blending indoor and outdoor environments. Spacious interiors, featuring 2.2-metre-high ceilings and panoramic views, reinforce the connection to the surrounding elements.Externally, the yacht offers various inviting spaces, including a walk-around deck and private sun deck, providing uninterrupted views from multiple angles. The aft deck is spacious and adaptable, serving as a hub for accessing water toys and tenders. The foredeck hosts a 6.5-metre-long pool with wrap-around sun pads, complementing the variety of alfresco seating options.Accommodating up to 10 guests, Project Sharp balances size with maneuverability, boasting a low draught suitable for exploring shallow waters, such as the Caribbean. The studio will present three engine configurations to cater to varying performance requirements.This concept follows Mulder Design's previous announcement earlier in 2024, highlighting the studio's ongoing commitment to innovation and family-oriented design.Credits: Mulder Design
March 6, 2025
Greenline Yachts has taken a significant step in the marine industry by conducting its first full cryptocurrency transaction for the sale of a Greenline 45 Coupe. The deal, finalized at boot Düsseldorf 2025, utilized Bitcoin as the sole payment method, marking a notable advancement for the company.Greenline owner Vladimir Zinchenko noted that while the company had permitted partial cryptocurrency payments since 2018, this transaction represents the first complete cryptocurrency purchase handled by the yard. The process went smoothly, influenced positively by BitPay, a company specialized in cryptocurrency payment processing, which converted the Bitcoin into euros seamlessly.The buyer, introduced by Yacht Partners International in Greece, opted for an expedited build slot, ensuring the yacht would be ready for delivery in June. This accelerated schedule allows the owner to begin enjoying the vessel during the Mediterranean summer.This transaction highlights the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in high-value markets, as the buyer likely profited from the significant appreciation of Bitcoin since its original purchase. The buyer chose the Coupe version of the yacht, known for its emphasis on solar energy, with a solar array capable of generating substantial power for autonomous operation.Additionally, the yacht incorporates an office space instead of a traditional third cabin, leveraging solar power to facilitate connectivity and productivity while offshore. This choice reflects the buyer's preference for a tech-enabled, eco-friendly yachting experience.Greenline's move to accept cryptocurrency payments underscores the company's ongoing effort to integrate innovative technologies into its products and processes, further enhancing the ownership experience.Credits: Greenline Yachts
March 6, 2025
Maxim Yachts returns to the U.S. market, announcing its participation in the Palm Beach Boat Show from March 19-23, where it will showcase its latest project, the Max 44 R. This day cruiser, designed by Alex Cherigny, is equipped with three Mercury Verado outboard engines, generating a total of 1,200 horsepower, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 50 knots.Developed collaboratively with Alex Cherigny for design and Isonaval studio for engineering, the Max 44 R will make its world debut at the Miami Boat Show prior to its appearance in Palm Beach. Boasting a 44-foot design, the model is poised to attract attention among the anticipated 55,000 visitors at the event.Additionally, Maxim Yachts has appointed David Frazer as its representative in Florida, capitalizing on his extensive experience in the yachting industry and his tenure at Blue Oceans Yachting. Frazer will play a critical role in fortifying the brand's presence in the region and delivering personalized service to clients.This marks yet another step in Maxim Yachts' strategic expansion into the U.S. market, building on its growing recognition for innovative designs and high-performance crafts.Credits: Maxim Yachts
March 6, 2025