The Roschier Baltic Sea Race continues to challenge participants with strong northerly winds, providing tough upwind conditions for the fleet still on the course. Notable finishes have been achieved, including Tschüss 2 (USA) claiming line honours on day three, and Niklas Zennström’s Carkeek 52 Rán (SWE) crossing the finish line on day four with an elapsed time of 2 days, 15 hours, 34 minutes, and 24 seconds, just outside the IRC corrected time of Tschüss 2.
Rán, despite finishing second, was greeted warmly by the RORC Race Team, including Race Officer Chris Jackson. The crew, visibly tired but in good spirits, enjoyed a welcome of cold beers. Zennström, a seasoned sailor who learned to sail in Stockholm, expressed his continued support for Baltic racing. Navigator Steve Hayles and tactician Bouwe Bekking highlighted the race's challenging nature, affirming it as a significant addition to the offshore racing calendar.
Following closely, Arto Linnervuo’s Infiniti 52 Tulikettu Redkik (FIN) finished with an elapsed time of 2 days, 22 hours, 25 minutes, and 2 seconds, becoming the first Finnish boat to complete the 2024 race. Linnervuo, who also led the first Finnish boat in 2022, noted significant changes from the inaugural race, emphasizing the presence of faster boats, professional crews, and a diverse mix of cruiser-racers.
Linnervuo remarked on the Baltic Sea's varying conditions, from light winds to rough weather, and highlighted the importance of staying alert due to frequent wind shifts. He conveyed his excitement for the future of the race, hoping it will soon attract as many competitors as the RORC Caribbean 600.
With 32 boats still racing, all have rounded the southern tip of Gotland and are heading towards the Helsinki finish line. Weather forecasts suggest the strong northerly winds will shift to the west, offering more favorable reaching conditions.
IRC ONE:
Taavet Hinrikus’ MAT 1220 Nola (EST), skippered by Margus Uudam, leads on the water but is second after IRC time correction. Per Roman’s JPK 1180 Garm (SWE) leads after time correction with 95 miles to go. Dirk Clasen’s Humphreys 39 Ginkgo (GER) is third, just two hours behind Nola on corrected time.
Navigator Nacho Postigo on Nola commented on the close competition with Garm, praising the crew's performance and Garm's impressive speed-to-rating ratio.
IRC TWO:
The Royal Swedish Youth Team, racing First 36.7 Team Pro4U (SWE) and skippered by Linnea Floser, leads with 135 miles to go. Pro4U has a nine-hour lead over J/109 Irie (FIN), raced doublehanded by Julius Haartti and Sanna Moliis, who are 191 miles from the finish. Philip Schroderheim and Madeleine Lithvall’s J/99 Vitesse (SWE) is 180 miles out, less than an hour behind Irie on corrected time.
IRC TWO-HANDED:
J/121 Jolene (SWE), raced by Fredrik Rydin and Johan Tuvstedt, still leads the six doublehanded teams, but their lead has been cut to just over two hours after IRC time correction. Figaro II The Spirit (DEN), raced by Swedish couple Ander Lundmark and Louise Edgren, is in second place.
MOCRA:
The TS42 Catamaran Squid (FIN), skippered by Janne Kjellman and Marko Maki, is just 50 miles from the finish and is expected to beat its 2022 multihull record by over 24 hours.
Arto Linnervuo extended a warm message to the boats still racing, encouraging them with the promise of a warm reception at Marina Bay Helsinki, where the last boat to finish will receive the warmest welcome.
Credits: Pepe Korteniemi/RORC
Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts has introduced its first superyacht, the 62-meter ketch-rigged Simena. The steel-carbon composite vessel will debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show (September 24-27) after completing sea trials.Designed to RINA Charter Class C standards, Simena ranks among the world's top 25 largest sailing yachts. Taka Yacht Design developed the exterior, while Design Unlimited created the interior blending classic and contemporary elements. The yacht features teak decks, mahogany joinery, and a hybrid propulsion system enabling silent electric operation up to 6 knots or 14.5-knot top speed with diesel assistance."Simena blends classic ketch elegance with cutting-edge technology," said Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Ares Yachts Projects Director. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew, with a main-deck owner's suite and transatlantic range of 4,000 nm at 11 knots.Interior materials include walnut cabinetry, textured leathers, and marble-clad bathrooms. Northrop & Johnson holds the exclusive listing. Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
July 5, 2025
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025