Videoworks Spa has celebrated its 25th anniversary in Ancona. There were over one hundred people present, from Italy and from the operating units in France, the Netherlands, Turkey and the United States.
The company was officially born in 1998, but the story of Videoworks actually begins much earlier, in 1974, when, as a division of the Pellegrini Group, it created its first audio/video system for Moneikos, the 40-meter yacht of CRN, followed by the development of onboard systems for the F100 yacht designed by Gerhard Gingergast for Gianni Agnelli. In the 1980s, while the company’s commitment to the yachting sector continued to grow, Videoworks began to expand its business by designing and manufacturing innovative systems for meeting rooms and auditoriums, until Videoworks Spa was founded in 1998.
Riva 50M Race
Business transformation rapidly changed with the establishment of an independent company: the operational office was opened in Viareggio in 2005 and, three years later, another office was opened in Milan. The beginning of international expansion dates back to 2016, with the establishment of Videoworks Europe BV, formerly in Aalsmeer and currently in Schiphol-Rijk, in the Netherlands. 2019 was the year the Fort Lauderdale office opened in Florida (United States); the Cagnes-sur-Mer branch, on the Côte d'Azur in France, started its activity in 2020, whereas Videoworks Electronik Tic in Istanbul, Turkey, was founded in 2022.
New technological solutions are being concomitantly developed and are not limited to audio/video systems, but extend to the fields of home automation, lighting technology, but above all on-board connectivity. Owners want to have an Internet connection, at all latitudes, similar to what they enjoy on the mainland; the availability and stability of the yacht's Internet connection becomes essential for the use of multimedia contents, but also for being able to manage web meetings while on board as in the office. Videoworks has provided reliable solutions to all these needs; a good example is the recent SD-WAN technology (acronym for Software-Defined Wide Area Network). The new challenge is now the implementation of artificial intelligence to make life on board even more comfortable.
M/Y Panam
Some of the most significant installations in the nautical field include the recent M/Y SP110 Almax for Sanlorenzo, in which all Videoworks skills are concentrated, with its cutting-edge communication, entertainment and home automation systems: “Key-Core Solution” is a single, centralized, 30-unit rack for AV and IT systems, while “MyInfo 3.0” can be used to control the entire yacht from an iPad, smartphone or TV remote control; 5G internet connectivity is guaranteed and connection to the LEO satellite system is possible; there are also “Pop-Up Speakers”. But this is only one example. Recent solutions include the ones installed in the M/Y Rio for CRN this year, and the M/Y Panam (Baglietto) and M/Y Resilience (ISA Yachts) last year, plus M/Y EIV for Rossinavi and Columbus Yachts M/Y K2 in 2021, and also the 50m M/Y Riva Race, M/Y Cecilia for Wider, M/Y Spectre for Benetti, the M/Y Pershing 8X. Videoworks was involved in the construction of over 850 motor yachts.
K2
In 2022, Videoworks became a partner in the Miracle-MOHMI project, an I-Labs platform that provides research and development activities for the creation of innovative home automation solutions, aimed at making living environments comfortable and sustainable.
As part of the interventions on the “mainland”, it is probably enough to say that Videoworks was selected among the companies that contributed to the construction of the new PWC tower of “PricewaterhouseCooper”, which stands in the technological and innovative City Life area in Milan.
BV office
These abilities are also confirmed by the installations curated in the Rectorate of the University of Milan. They include the Council Room and the Representation Room with multimedia workstations for conferences and a common control room for the live management of medium-high complexity events, all based on a very low latency audio-video over IP distribution system which gives maximum scalability and flexibility to the system. Videoworks also dealt with setting up other meeting rooms and updating the multimedia systems in over 80 classrooms located in the Città Studi area, in the Central Area and in the Medicine, Nursing and Language Mediation Hubs. In addition to the classrooms, the intervention envisaged the creation of numerous self-recording studios within the university libraries.
Miracle-MOHMI project
"The future goal of Videoworks, while remaining a leader in the yachting business, is to consolidate itself in the B2B sector of universities and public bodies, promoting itself as a partner for the creation of systems in increasingly interactive environments for meeting rooms, public and private museum spaces and school and company classrooms,” says the CEO Maurizio Minossi.
Credits: Videoworks
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.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
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025
Apreamare has announced the results of the first eight months of activity for its newly launched division, Apreamare Refit. The unit was established to provide restoration and modernization services for the brand’s traditional Sorrentine Gozzo boats.Located in a 3,000-square-meter facility next to the shipyard in Torre Annunziata, the refit division is dedicated exclusively to Apreamare vessels. The yard offers a range of services including the complete replacement of teak decks and swim platforms, hull repainting, upgrades to onboard systems, and interior renovations.According to the company, several refit projects have already been completed since the division’s launch, with additional contracts in negotiation or scheduled for the near future.Apreamare, which reports having over 2,000 boats in operation globally, aims to extend the service life of its vessels through this initiative while maintaining their original characteristics. Cataldo Aprea, President of Apreamare, stated: “The beauty of every Apreamare refit lies in our ability to preserve the original soul of our boats while addressing the evolving desires of those who live them. It's a work of listening, memory, and expert hands: a return to the most authentic essence of our naval art.”Founded in 1849, Apreamare remains one of Italy’s longstanding yachting brands and continues to focus on the traditional design and craftsmanship associated with the Sorrentine gozzo.Credits: Apreamare
August 6, 2025