Yacht news

The fourth edition of the Venice Boat Show opens today and will be held till the 4th of June once more in the historic Arsenal, which for centuries functioned as the beating heart of the Serenissima’s naval power. This edition will last for five days, following the trends of the other most important national and international exhibitions. The sailing sector shows consistent growth, with an increase in attendance of over 50% from last year’s edition, much like that of electric propulsion vessels, which has itself grown 30% and reaffirms its green mission. The five-day event will also coincide with the start of the Biennale of Sustainability. The Show — which in 2022 received the BEA- Best Event Awards prize as best exhibition of the year — is organized by Vela spa, on behalf of the Municipality of Venice, and features the essential collaboration of the Italian Navy. The Arsenal is composed of 55,000 sqm of water basins, inside of which 1,100 linear meters of piers will be installed, alongside 30,000 meters of external exhibition spaces. The large warehouses, which in the past would have housed the construction facilities of Venetian galleys, will now host the best elements of Venetian nautical design and furnishing, as well as its artisanal shipbuilding, for a total of 5,000 sqm. More than 220 exhibitors will be present (180 being Italian, with the rest joining from the United Kingdom, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, Montecarlo, Sweden, Denmark and Finland) who will in turn bring 300 vessels to Venice, 250 of which will be in the water, creating a total ship length of 2.7 kilometers.The large groups have confirmed their presence – Ferretti Group, Azimut Benetti and Sanlorenzo are returning. Sanlorenzo has chosen the contemporary SL78, entry-level of the iconic line that made the brand successful. The company also displayed a new hydrogen-powered tender with foils that will accompany American Magic during the America’s Cup 2024. Ferretti Group brought a fleet of seven yachts, including wallywhy 150, which will have its world premiere. Ocean King decided to showcase its 36-meter Ducale 120. Azimut makes a European debut for its Verve 42. The motorized boat selection is completed by the exhibitors Sunseeker, Beneteau, Rizzardi, Absolute, FIM, Pardo, Loy Explorer, Green Line,Sirena and Arcadia. First time exhibitors in Venice include the shipyards Invictus, Fountaine Pajot, Nautor Swan, Solaris Power, Prestige, Rio Yacht, Sense Yach and Omikron.The sailing boat section consists of 30 boats ranging between 10 and 30 meters. Flagship of the contemporary production sailing line will be the Swan 65 constructed by the Nautor Swan shipyard, with the pier also displaying the 30 meter Whimsea built by the CNB shipyard and designed by Studio Brenta. Also attendees include the shipyards Beneteau, Lagoon, Dufour, More, Jeaneau e Pegasus e Italia Yacht, while first time attendees to the Arsenal consist of Elan, Bavaria, Solaris, Neo Yacht, Felci, Kufner e Hallberg-Rassy.The electrical sector has over 50 electrical vessels being exhibited, a 30% increase compared to the previous edition. Returning to the Arsenal are X Shore, Candela, Green Line 40, Alfastreet Marine, Fap (Falegnameria Artigianale Pesce) and Rand Boats. New attendees include Free Power, Propel, Laneva, Green Dream Boats, and Amperetta. Boats powered by the energy reaped from hydrogen fuel will also be present: the French catamaran Sea Bubble and the Hydrocell project dedicated to this transformation. Sustainable ocean going will also feature a competitive event in the third edition of the E-regatta, the scenic parade on the Grand Canal and the sporting events held inside the Arsenal’s basin.The five days of the exhibition will also provide for entertainment with regattas and trophies, along with an incredibly rich program which features, amongst other events, the arrival of the Pavia Venezia, the Palio delle Repubbliche Marinare (Maritime Republics Regatta) on Saturday the 3rd of June, and, the following day, the second edition of the Venice Boat Show Cup. Moreover, there will be many opportunities for families and children to relax with activities, catering services, laboratories and a rediscovery of the sites of the Arsenal.Credits: Venice Boat Show

The iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon has been revitalized through an extensive refit. This 88-meter superyacht, commissioned by Tom Perkins and built in 2006 by renowned Perini Navi, with naval architecture by Gerard Dijkstra and interior design by Ken Freivokh, has undergone an impressive transformation at Lusben Shipyard. The meticulous refit, involving over 80 dedicated professionals collaborating seamlessly with the yacht's crew, spanned more than six months.“It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock. We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings. It was an honor for all of us to be able to carry out this modernisation work on such an iconic boat, one that has made international yachting history,” said Gianni Paladino, Lusben Commercial Director.Lusben successfully transformed the owner's vision into reality by orchestrating a range of aesthetic and functional enhancements. One of the most challenging tasks was the meticulous repainting of the entire hull, restoring the distinctive 'Perini Blue' color to its former glory.Following the hull's transformation, Lusben's expert teams meticulously carried out maintenance work on the yacht's intricate onboard systems, including generators, main engines, and propellers. Notably, the mast handling system received careful attention and a delicate overhaul.Embracing the growing significance of sustainability in the boating industry, Lusben prioritized eco-conscious upgrades during the refit process. The generators were replaced with superior-class units that boast enhanced efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, the main engine mufflers were exchanged, resulting in considerable environmental benefits and reduced noise levels for the comfort of guests. The propellers were inspected, with the shafts, blades, and bearings disassembled and serviced to optimize fuel efficiency for years to come, reflecting the collaborative efforts between Lusben, the captain, and the crew.The most vital and delicate system of the Maltese Falcon, its sail rig, underwent extensive work to ensure optimal performance. Developed by UK-based Insensys, the pioneering Dynarig system features three rotating carbon fiber masts capable of deploying an impressive 2,396 sqm of sail. This remarkable rig allows the yacht to reach top speeds of 25 knots with a displacement of 1,240 tonnes. During the refit, the teak deck was replaced, and the interiors were refurbished, with a particular focus on the cabins and bathrooms to enhance comfort and provide a more welcoming night area. The galley was also fully appointed to meet the highest standards. Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, resulting in substantial energy savings. Routine maintenance, including hull cleaning and valve overhauls, was also diligently executed as part of the commission.The yacht now returns to its captain and crew as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability in the yachting industry. “It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone, because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team. The Maltese Falcon can now return to the sea in all her splendor, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences,” said Pierfrancesco Cafaro, captain of Maltese Falcon.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben

The Italian Sea Group attended with two Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 motor yachts the Formula 1 Grand Prix held in Monaco on May 28, 2023. The two yachts, recognizable by their ultra-sporty silhouette, arrived from the most important harbors in the Mediterranean Sea and moored in "pitch view" among the most luxurious yachts of the industry and on the world's most famous and glamorous urban circuit, displayed from practice races to Sunday's official race."The high-performing and innovative Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 motor yacht with its 63 knots of speed represents the avant-garde of luxury speed boats," states Giovanni Costantino, Founder and CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "Perfectly in line with the mood of the Monaco event, it allowed owners and guests to enjoy a unique experience”."Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is an incredible yacht; a true Lamborghini in all her design, speed and sporty performance. We had a great time on board for the entire period of the Monaco Grand Prix," says the owner L.E.The Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar brand produces and commercializes yachts in steel and aluminum up to 50 meters. Founded in 1987 and acquired by the Italian Sea Group in 2009, Tecnomar has launched 289 yachts through the years, also thanks to the Tecnomar Evo line, which has earned a great success in the Asian market. Credits: The Italian Sea Group; Unsplash

The GTX116#1 and her owner arrive in Monte Carlo for the Monaco GP, an exciting encounter between the racing spirit embodied by the Pershing GTX Series and adrenaline-pumping high speed.The shipyard has shared the first photographs of this first unit of the new Pershing model – Caffeine is the name chosen by the owner – featuring a sleek, streamlined profile that encapsulates the brand’s sporty character. The yacht is painted a new shade of gray, with a special shade of blue for the deckhouse, while the generous glazed surfaces flood the interiors with natural light.The hull over 35 meters in length and 7.70 meters in the beam, has a 150 sqm of outdoor areas seamlessly connected to the water, taking liveability to the next level. The first Pershing GTX116 is equipped with a triple water jet propulsion system, which can be paired with three MAN V12 2000 engines each rated 2,000 mhp (optional) for a top speed of 35.5 knots and a cruising speed of 29.5 knots. 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

Eni Sustainable Mobility, a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions, has joined forces with Azimut Benetti Group in an unprecedented partnership aimed at revolutionizing the yachting industry's environmental impact. The collaboration centers around the supply and use of HVOlution, an innovative biofuel made entirely from renewable raw materials.S7HVOlution, derived from 100% Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), is produced at Eni Sustainable Mobility's state-of-the-art biorefineries in Venice and Gela. This advanced biofuel is manufactured using waste raw materials, vegetable residues, and non-food crop oils, adhering to a circular economy model that promotes sustainability. HVOlution offers remarkable emissions reductions of up to 90% compared to traditional fossil blends, depending on the specific raw materials utilized.Azimut Benetti Group will introduce HVOlution as a substitute for conventional fossil fuels in various aspects of yacht production and operation. Beginning in summer 2023, HVOlution will power the technical testing, sea trials, and prototype handling of new Azimut and Benetti models. Moreover, owners will have the opportunity to receive their newly acquired Azimut yachts with HVOlution biofuel already in the tank.HVOlution EniThe collaboration will be inaugurated in early June with the inaugural voyage of Azimut's highly anticipated Magellano 60, which will journey from Savona to Taormina for its international debut at the prestigious "Yachting Gala" event, hosting over 600 esteemed yacht owners from around the world.Stefano Ballista, CEO of Eni Sustainable Mobility, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant milestone in the recreational boating sector's decarbonization journey. He highlighted the partnership with Azimut|Benetti Group as an initial stride towards broader integration of HVOlution in the maritime industry.“For Azimut|Benetti Group, this agreement is a tangible step forward on the course we have charted out to reduce CO2 emissions. It is a result that enables us to extend our area of action in emissions reduction by involving the supply chain, with a focus on energy decarbonisation. At the present time, over half of Azimut’s fleet is made up of Low Emission Yachts, while Benetti has built the world's largest hybrid yacht as well as winning the ‘Green yacht of the year 2022’ award with the 37-meter B.Yond,” said Azimut Benetti Group President Giovanna Vitelli.Magellano 60As the partnership progresses, Azimut Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility plan to expand the distribution network, providing yacht owners with enhanced access to HVOlution and the opportunity to refuel with this eco-friendly biofuel. Initially, Azimut|Benetti Group marinas across Italy will serve as primary supply points for private individuals, with future plans to extend the network globally.Azimut|Benetti Group was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, who is still the main shareholder today and Giovanna Vitelli is the President. The Group’s Azimut Yachts and Benetti brands produce over 45 models of yachts and megayachts. With value of production of €1 billion in 2021/2022 and 1.2 billion in 2022/2023, over 2,000 employees, six shipyards and a network of 138 points of sale and service worldwide, Azimut|Benetti Group operates in the European, American, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Credits: Azimut Benetti Group