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’.
Ocean Independence has unveiled the Mishi 102, the new flagship of Mishi Yachts' sailing range, designed to deliver exceptional experiences for families and friends. The 31-meter sailing superyacht, presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, is available for sale at EUR10.7 million.The Mishi 102 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Mishi 88, offering expanded space and enhanced performance. Ocean Independence broker Lukas Stratmann emphasized the yacht's design as a "natural next step," blending reliability and sailing prowess with the luxury expected of a superyacht.In the competitive 30-33m sailing yacht market, the Mishi 102 distinguishes itself with advanced blue-water sailing capabilities, elegant design, and a competitive price point. “It’s a head-turner that combines comfort, elegance, and speed,” said Stratmann.The yacht offers a spacious deck house and thoughtful interiors designed by Taka Yacht Design and Atilla Eren. It features a large saloon, a versatile galley, and accommodations for up to eight guests, including a luxurious owner’s cabin.Built by the Istanbul-based family-run shipyard, Mishi Yachts, the Mishi 102 reflects decades of craftsmanship, advanced technology, and a commitment to client collaboration. It targets ocean enthusiasts seeking elegant and reliable vessels for exploration.Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Mishi Yachts
January 8, 2025
Bluegame has confirmed its participation in Boot Düsseldorf 2025, Europe’s premier indoor boat show, running from January 18 to 26. The shipyard will exhibit two yachts, the BGX63 and BG74, representing its innovative approach to yacht design and functionality. BGX63Bluegame’s achievements in 2024 included the completion of the BGH-HSV (Hydrogen Support Vessel) used as a chase boat in the America’s Cup. The vessel supported the American Magic and Orient Express Racing Teams, meeting stringent standards and performing in challenging conditions. This project laid the groundwork for Bluegame’s upcoming BGF (Foil) range, with the BGF45 scheduled for a summer 2025 launch.BGX63Additionally, the September boat shows saw the debut of an updated BGM75, featuring synchronized gyroscopes developed with Smart Gyro. This innovation enhanced stability and comfort, marking a first for multihulls.BG74At Boot Düsseldorf, the BGX63 will showcase Bluegame’s crossover concept, blending innovative interior-exterior layouts. The BG74, part of the versatile BG range, combines elements of open and flybridge yachts, offering a multi-purpose design.BG74These models highlight Bluegame’s focus on functionality and design as it builds on a year of technological and commercial milestones.Bluegame is part of Sanlorenzo. The Sanlorenzo shipyard has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958. It is a boutique firm in the yachting industry, building only a limited number of made-to-measure units per year. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner.Credits: Bluegame
January 8, 2025
Heesen Yachts has announced its outlook for 2025, embracing the symbolism of the Chinese Year of the Wood Snake as a reflection of transformation and renewal. With 11 yachts under construction and deliveries scheduled through 2027, the Dutch shipyard anticipates a year of significant milestones.Project SetteesettantaThe company expects five deliveries in 2025, including Serena, Orion, Venus, Agnetha, and Frida, representing yachts in the 50-57m range and fully custom projects up to 80m. This continues Heesen’s focus on tailored craftsmanship and innovative design to meet the growing demand for personalized luxury experiences in the superyacht industry.Reflecting on achievements in 2024, Heesen celebrated a record revenue year and the delivery of notable vessels such as Cinderella Noel IV and Santosha, the first in its 57m series. Construction milestones included the keel laying of Project Grace, the launch of Project Monte-Carlo, and progress on the custom 80m Project Setteesettanta.Heesen Santosha garden of eden by DKTWith a skilled workforce of 1,000 and a dedicated luxury interior workshop, Heesen remains well-positioned for growth. As geopolitical and economic factors shape the industry, the company is committed to delivering yachts that balance advanced technology, design innovation, and craftsmanship.Water cannon salute to celebrate Cinderella Noel IV departureThe Year of the Wood Snake symbolizes renewal, a theme Heesen embraces as it prepares for new opportunities and challenges ahead.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: Heesen Yachts
January 7, 2025
Spanish studio Daroca Design has introduced Real, an 80-metre yacht concept developed as part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection. This approach allows clients to begin with a proven platform by Lateral Naval Architects, then customise both the exterior and interior.According to designer Alejandro Crespo, Real is a “true reflection of a desire for sleek minimalism and perfect proportions,” with an exterior intended to “integrate into the natural landscape.” The design features flowing lines, curved superstructure details, and glass bulwarks. A beach club includes two pools and direct water access via a swim platform. The concept also shows generous lounging areas, a helipad at the bow, and white furnishings for a contemporary look.Crespo describes Real as “a symbol of sincerity and distinction,” designed for both calm coastlines and open waters, with the goal of reconnecting with nature, family, friends, and “the beauty of life.”The Simply Custom designs incorporate advanced technical elements such as optimised stabilisation, pod drives, electric propulsion, and onboard battery storage. Oceanco states that the platform supports renewable diesel fuels like HVO, which can reduce carbon emissions by 80 to 90 per cent compared to standard marine diesel.Real’s unveiling follows the introduction of other Simply Custom concepts, including North West Boatworks’ Aurora earlier in the month.Credit: Daroca Design
December 20, 2024
Aiata, a brand entering the boating market under the Turkish conglomerate Anadolu Group, will make its global debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The show, held from January 18 to January 26, 2025, attracts over 250,000 visitors and more than 1,900 exhibitors worldwide. Aiata will present the Wayfinder 38 in three variations: Cabin, Open, and a specialized Fishing configuration derived from the other two models.The Wayfinder 38 is a 25-foot outboard walkaround designed by Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén. Aiata states that this model “stands for flexibility, comfort and craftsmanship.” The Cabin version includes a wheelhouse layout with an L-shaped salon, integrated galley, Webasto sunroof, and air conditioning system. It offers teak furniture, a queen-size bed, an enclosed bathroom, and 2-meter ceilings. Its wheelhouse incorporates a lift-up mechanism connecting the interior and cockpit. The bow area features a U-shaped sofa with a hi-low table.The Open model is designed for a more outdoor experience, featuring a suntop and a continuous salon layout intended to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Oak furniture complements the open deck.A Fishing configuration is also available, applicable to both Cabin and Open models. It includes a spacious foredeck sunbed and is described as ergonomic and intuitive, making it suitable for day cruises, watersports, or fishing activities. The Wayfinder 38 offers outboard engine options ranging from 300 to 425 horsepower.Yutkun TokYutkun Tok, General Manager of Aiata, said: “We are honored to participate in Boot Düsseldorf, a prestigious platform that celebrates the pinnacle of the boating world. The Wayfinder 38 embodies Aiata’s mission to deliver versatile, high-performance boats backed by the Anadolu Group’s legacy of innovation and excellence. For Aiata, this is a defining moment – not only because we are showcasing the Wayfinder 38, but because it reflects the expertise and unwavering commitment to quality that define the Anadolu Group. Aiata benefits from the financial strength and engineering excellence of Anadolu Group, ensuring every vessel we produce is a symbol of reliability, innovation, and craftsmanship. We look forward to sharing our passion for boating with enthusiasts from around the globe.”Credits: Aiata
December 20, 2024