The British company Winch Design has announced today that it is now fully employee owned. ‘Employee ownership sits beautifully with the Winch ethos as a company which has always placed the highest value on its people, whose loyalty, talent and commitment have played a vital part in the success of the business’, says the company statement.
It is a natural progression, rather than a change to the current and future modus operandi at Winch, which was set by Andrew and Jane Winch thirty-five years ago.
Over the last six years, leadership of Winch has been bolstered with Clive Beharrell as Chairman, Aino Grapin as CEO and long-standing studio heads, Simon Tomlinson and Jim Dixon, made Directors in 2019. Under this leadership, the business has flourished, growing in size, stability and capability, whilst organically transitioning from a ‘yacht designer’ to a global design studio across land, sea and air.
The Winch Employee Ownership Trust (WEOT) is now the sole shareholder of the company, thus ensuring that the company remains privately held and under ongoing stewardship of the dedicated Winch team. As Co-Directors of the Operating Board, Aino, Jim and Simon will continue to have responsibility for the leadership of Winch Design, together with the Senior Leadership team, who run the company.
Jim Dixon (Director Yachts and Aviation), Aino-Leena Grapin (CEO) and Simon Tomlinson (Director Architecture)
Andrew’s role has also evolved over recent years. The day-to-day running of the company has been in the hands of the Senior Leadership Team for several years now. He will focus more on his role as a creative sounding board, participating in regular design reviews with Jim and Simon. Andrew will sit on the Board of Trustees for at least five years and also wishes to broaden his role externally, wanting to inspire young people across the industry at the start of their careers, as well as continuing to expand his patronage of British craftsmanship.
“I am immensely proud of the team. Today’s announcement is another exciting milestone in our history and such a natural progression of all the great work that has been done to get us to this point. I believe every single person at Winch Design is exceptional and it is their collaborative spirit that is the true strength of the Winch studio. I thank them and also extend huge thanks to our many clients and friends in the industry who have helped us to reach this exciting moment. The Winch DNA is unique and will only get stronger as the adventure continues. 2021 is a special year for Winch, as we celebrate our 35 years in business, but I am so excited to look forward as the next chapter in our history unfolds,” says Andrew Winch.
Сredits: Winch Design
Apreamare presents the world premiere of the Maestro 88, a full-custom semi-planing yacht that stretches over 27 meters. This remarkable vessel is poised to redefine maritime experiences, combining impressive space, timeless elegance, and an unparalleled quality of life on board. Designed to ensure safety and reliability, the Maestro 88 showcases the exceptional navigational prowess that has long characterized the Maestro line, now expertly reimagined by the talented duo of Architect Marco Casali and Engineer Umberto Tagliavini.The inception of the Maestro line traces back to the 2005 Genoa Boat Show, where the visionary Cataldo Aprea sketched the initial ideas for a motor yacht designed for comfort, safety, and style. This legacy of innovation culminated in the birth of the Maestro 88, a response to the desires of a dedicated Apreamare owner for a larger vessel capable of accommodating extended journeys in varying weather conditions.Collaborating closely with the owner, Apreamare aimed to create a flagship that exceeds 27 meters while remaining below the 24-meter regulatory limit. The result is a fully customized navetta with a semi-planing hull that retains the family resemblance of the previous Maestro models while introducing cutting-edge solutions for comfort and livability, akin to the iconic Gozzo line.The Maestro 88 features a thoughtfully designed cockpit and harmoniously coordinated exteriors and interiors. The innovative hull geometry developed by Umberto Tagliavini is tailored to provide stability and comfort, even in challenging sea conditions, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all on board. Unlike its predecessors, this new model adopts a semi-planing hull optimized for cruising at 18 knots while maintaining comfort and tranquility. With the potential to reach speeds exceeding 22 knots, the yacht is powered by two efficient 1,600hp MAN engines, with options for a more powerful 2,000hp configuration for enhanced long-range performance.The yacht’s exterior, crafted by Marco Casali, boasts elegance and visual appeal, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor environments. This design philosophy ensures uninterrupted views of the sea, with extensive glazing that floods the interior with natural light, enhancing the onboard ambiance. The spacious aft deck, bow lounge, and expansive beach club create a luxurious outdoor experience, while the elevated bow design includes an 80 cm rail for added safety.The flybridge, designed for relaxation both at anchor and underway, features a sleek T-Top and solar panels to power onboard systems. The transom garage accommodates a 4-meter tender and water toys, enhancing the recreational offerings for guests.Inside, the Maestro 88 can be fully personalized, with options for varying cabin layouts and furnishings. The first hull includes four cabins and four bathrooms, with the potential for up to five guest cabins and two crew cabins. This flexibility exemplifies Apreamare’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship, allowing owners to select from a vast array of materials, fabrics, and colors.The interior décor reflects a modern marine aesthetic, characterized by elegant details like white slatted ceilings and abundant teak. Notable furniture pieces by Poltrona Frau enhance comfort and style, showcasing Italian craftsmanship through high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.With the launch of the Maestro 88, Apreamare solidifies its reputation as a "boutique" shipyard, blending artisanal tradition with innovative design. The history of the shipyard starts in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started to handbuild rowing and sailing boats used for fishing in Sorrento, basing his craft on the shape and form of the traditional “gozzo sorrentino”. Now the shipyard range includes the Apreamare and Maestro yachts.Credits: Apreamare
December 2, 2024
The seventh unit of the Flexplorer series has officially found a new owner. Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche (CdM), expressed pride in this latest sale, which marks the first of three contracts expected to be finalized in the upcoming weeks. "This commercial success, following an extraordinary season at the boat shows, is a clear indicator of the trust the market places in our shipyard," he stated. "The Flexplorer series showcases our dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the unique desires of our discerning clients. This sale marks the third Flexplorer 165 sold in 2024."The sale was facilitated by Chris Holtzheuser from Allied Marine and was commissioned by a seasoned North American yacht owner who viewed the Flexplorer 165 as the perfect fit for their adventurous lifestyle and family-oriented requirements. Notably, this marks the third sale to an American owner this year. The Flexplorer 165 caters to the owner's passion for fishing, featuring a Grady-White Freedom 285 - 28' Dual Console tender. To facilitate the launching and retrieval of this sturdy motorboat, the A-frame crane capacity has been enhanced to 4.5 tons. In addition, two other tenders are included, further emphasizing the yacht's adventurous nature.The yacht's interiors are crafted by Giorgio M. Cassetta, whose creative vision transcends conventional limits, ensuring a harmonious blend of style and functionality.With a focus on accommodating large families, the Flexplorer 165 boasts a flexible layout. The Sky Lounge can be effortlessly transformed into an additional cabin, while a cabin located on the lower deck's port side can serve as either a private lounge or an extra guest room. This versatility guarantees a comfortable and personalized experience for every journey.Stretching just shy of 50 meters, the Flexplorer 165 has a Gross Tonnage of nearly 500GT, a beam of 9.00 meters, and a draft of 2.30 meters.Equipped with twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines generating 970 kW at 1800 rpm, the yacht can reach a top speed of 15 knots (at full power) and boasts an impressive range of over 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
December 2, 2024
Denison Yachting is excited to unveil its new partnership with Mazu Yachts, allowing the company to represent the full range of Mazu's carbon/sandwich SuperYacht Tenders, ranging from 38 to 82 feet, as well as their Steel/Aluminum Displacement Series, including the 92DS, 112DS, and 132DS. This central agency representation will extend to the European and American markets.Mazu 92Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and outstanding performance, Mazu Yachts has established itself as a premier shipyard, crafting only ten bespoke vessels annually. Each yacht is meticulously tailored to meet the unique demands of its owner, ensuring unparalleled attention to detail. The collaboration between Denison Yachting and Mazu Yachts aims to elevate their market presence while delivering an extraordinary yachting experience to discerning clients.The 92DS, 112DS, and 132DS models exemplify Mazu Yachts' dedication to luxury, sophistication, and seaworthiness. Each vessel in this displacement series is custom-designed and handcrafted, seamlessly merging style and functionality. With their striking exteriors and lavish interiors, these yachts represent the pinnacle of elegance and refinement.Harold Del Rosario, a Denison yacht broker representing Mazu in Europe, expressed strong confidence in the international appeal and capabilities of the Mazu shipyard based in Yalova, Turkiye. "We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to showcasing Mazu’s innovative construction techniques while highlighting the excellence of Turkish craftsmanship."Mazu 52Brandon Barnes, a Denison yacht broker in the United States, added, "We're thrilled to introduce Mazu Yachts to the American market. With impressive delivery times, durable steel construction in the displacement series, and extensive customization options, Mazu presents American clients with a unique opportunity within this size range."Orhun Senturk, Global Sales Director for Mazu Yachts, remarked, "Mazu Yachts, known for its sleek, high-performance luxury motor yachts, is proud to partner with Denison Yachting, one of the largest yachting companies worldwide, specializing in yacht sales, brokerage, and charter services. This collaboration will enhance Mazu Yachts’ visibility in Europe and the Americas while enriching Denison Yachting’s portfolio with our renowned designs, functionality, and craftsmanship."Mazu 82He further stated, “With Denison Yachting’s extensive network and industry expertise, this partnership will provide clients with a seamless buying experience and improved access to Mazu’s unique yachts. For Mazu Yachts, this alliance signifies an expansion into new markets, aligning us with Denison’s reputable client base. Together, we are set to deliver unparalleled yachting experiences that blend luxury, style, and superior performance for clients across Europe and the Americas.”Turkish Mazu Yachts has been designing and producing Open and Hard-Top Motor Yachts and Superyacht Tenders since 2011. The state of the art facility of 3000 sq. m indoor and 1000 sq. m outdoor space also accommodates carpentry shops and paint booths for creating an anti-dust environment.Credits: Pozitif Studio; Alberto Cocchi/Mazu Yachts
December 2, 2024
Omikron Yachts has celebrated another remarkable achievement in 2024, as its OT-60 model clinched the esteemed Best of Boats Award in the ‘Big Boats’ category. Renowned for its “gentle by design” philosophy, the OT-60 seamlessly integrates innovative design with eco-friendly engineering, all executed with impeccable craftsmanship. This award further solidifies Omikron Yachts’ status as an emerging leader in the nautical sector.The award ceremony took place last night at the Boat & Fun boat show in Berlin, where the OT-60 was honored as a benchmark of excellence in boating. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the shipyard, especially for its debut production model.The jury, consisting of accomplished international editors from prominent nautical publications attuned to the practical needs of boaters, praised the OT-60 for its distinctive features. “This 20-meter vessel is crafted not for top speed, but for optimal fuel efficiency and quietness. It also provides an unparalleled level of comfort reminiscent of sailing yachts. With extensive experience in building vessels over 80 feet, the shipyard has rightfully achieved numerous international accolades, including the Best of Boats Award.”The OT-60's latest recognition is the third major industry accolade this year for Omikron Yachts. It has previously been awarded the European Powerboat of the Year in the Longrange category and the World Yachts Trophy as Revelation of the Year, further establishing the shipyard as a symbol of quality and innovation in yachting.These three honors reflect Omikron Yachts’ commitment to merging advanced technology, sustainability, and exceptional craftsmanship in every project – an ethos that continues with the upcoming OT-80 project, the larger counterpart to the OT-60, featuring an enclosed flybridge, transatlantic range, and enhanced efficiency.“We are immensely proud to receive the Best of Boats Award in the ‘Big Boats’ category, a landmark achievement that underscores the recognition of the OT-60 and our brand within the industry,” stated Nikolas Dendrinos, Chairman of Omikron Yachts. “Securing three major awards this year is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and a testament to our commitment to revolutionizing modern yacht design. With future projects like the Argo 54 in the pipeline, we remain dedicated to delivering yachts that marry cutting-edge technology with innovation and design, enhancing the joy of life at sea.”Between 1969 and the late 90s, the Olympic Yachts shipyard manufactured over 2,000 sailing boats. Starting in 2019, the shipyard underwent a comprehensive renovation, revitalizing its capabilities to design and manufacture contemporary, high-quality boats.Credits: StudioReskos/Omikron Yachts
November 29, 2024
The Italian Sea Group announces the launch of the Katana, the latest 60-meter ketch from Perini Navi's esteemed series. The launch, conducted at the Marina di Carrara shipyard, marks a significant achievement in this ambitious endeavor that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, high performance, and unparalleled luxury.Created in collaboration with renowned naval architect Ron Holland, the Katana is engineered to provide an exceptional sailing experience where safety, comfort, and performance take center stage. The yacht features an aluminum hull and superstructure, weighing in at approximately 570 tons, while utilizing carbon fiber for its masts, booms, and rigging to ensure optimal lightness and durability.A standout feature of the Katana is its innovative sail system design, which enhances ease of handling and boosts performance at sea. Additionally, equipped with a state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system, the yacht can maintain its position and heading autonomously without the need for an anchor, further enhancing safety and comfort during sailing.The interiors, curated by the acclaimed French designer Remi Tessier, showcase a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, tailored to meet the luxury and comfort requirements of discerning owners. The spacious accommodations include the owner's suite and five guest cabins, all defined by understated elegance where every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure the utmost comfort.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, expressed pride in this launch, stating, “The launch of this extraordinary 60-meter yacht is not only a milestone for us but also a testament to the strength and ongoing growth of our brands. Perini Navi will continue to shine through its distinctive style and innovative spirit, all while respecting tradition. The Katana embodies our commitment to excellence and perfection, demonstrating the strength and vision of a brand that not only gazes into the future but actively shapes it with passion and resolve.”The Katana is set to be delivered in early 2025.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
November 29, 2024