Yacht news

Earlier today, a large fire broke out at Lurssen's Bremen shipyard in a floating dock and building unit where a 100-meter+ yacht was under construction. Over 110 firefighters were dispatched to the site, no one was injured during the incident but the new build is expected to have taken serious damage.According to initial reports in the German media, the fire broke out around 02:00, the cause of which is still being investigated. Three of the yacht's deck are believed to have caught on fire. 35 to 40 vehicles were dispatched on site according to a spokesman for the local fire department.130-meters long and 30-meter wide according to German media, the floating dock caught fire early morning and was evacuated immediately, the new build inside also caught on fire as was confirmed by Lurssen to NWZ Online.For the moment it is unclear what new build was damaged by the fire. This morning, additional fire crews were requested to join the scene bringing the total to 170 people as the fire fighters are trying to get the situation under control. Throughout the night a large cloud of smoke was spreading out of the building hall.Seen on images outside the facility, it is know that the 135-meter Project Shu was not the new build in question to be damaged. The 135-meter Crescent was also already out of the shipyard and delivered by the time of the fire. The larger Project SASSI could have been candidate for the new build that burnt down.Operated by the Lurssen family for 4 generations, the shipyard has become a global leader in the megayacht space in recent decades. Initially founded in 1875 by Friedrich Lurssen, the company grew from building smaller motor yachts in a different era to building superyachts by 1962 when it delivered the 55-meter Pegasus. Now known as the company behind many of the world's largest yachts such as Azzam, Dilbar, Pelorus or Rising Sun amongst other, Lurssen is also active in the military space, having built patrol boats, frigates and even mine warfare vessels.The Lurssen fire becomes the second high profile one in yachting this month, shortly following the fire that destroyed the 40-meter CCN Kanga in Croatia.Lurssen released a statement, regarding this situtation : "In the early morning at approximately 02:00 a fire broke out in the floating dock of the Fr. Lürssen Shipyard in Bremen-Aumund and onboard the yacht within it. The emergency procedures commenced immediately, in the course of which the persons still working on board were evacuated and examined with respect to possible smoke intoxication and the fire fighting department and emergency response teams were alarmed. Additionally the whole premises were evacuated. Currently, no casualties are known. At the moment, 110 fire fighters and rescuers are onsite, also supported by a team of the Jos. L. Meyer shipyard. Further buildings or other ships were not affected. No statement can be made so far towards the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage".Photos via Twitter

The major fire that broke out at Lurssen's Bremen facility earlier this week, destroying a 100-meter plus new build, became a major story in the yachting field. The development is now set to hit the insurance sector with a group of marine insurers that could be facing a payment of up to €590 million over the fire at Lurssen.Various social media posts have been quick to point out the damaged new build, 3 decks of which at least have caught on fire, to be the 140-meter Project Sassi, which was reportedly due to be launched in coming months. The identity of the ship has so far not been confirmed.Industry reports say the insurance policy for the new build was started in October 2014, in a building risk slip led by QBE, a leading Australian insurer with a market capitalisation of over €9 billion. Yet, the 4.6% exposure QBE is understood to have in the slip, potentially equivalent to €27 million in losses, would amount to a loss of nearly 12% of its net profits for the first half of 2018.Dr Duu / Project Sassi before assemblyQBE would in fact not be the insurance company with the largest exposure in the new build, with Lancashire potentially on the hook for €70 million as a 9.4% slip stakeholder. RSA, Atrium and Beazly could also each have to payout between €40m - €45m.The policy, which could now have the largest maritime insurance payout since the sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship, is understood to be designed to cover the vessel as well as the related property and construction materials used to build it through to the final delivery.This large insurance payout threat comes at a difficult time for marine insurance providers, which has been prone to a large number of changes and consolidation in recent years. Less than 20% of the yachting premiums written by syndicates turned a profit between 2011 and 2017 according to Re-Insurance, leading to many insurers stepping away from the maritime market.Photos via Instagram and DrDuu

Ferretti Group wins the stage of the 41st edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival, scheduled from September 11th to 16th, with 5 absolute novelties for the Ferretti Yachts, Custom Line and Riva brands.The 5 world premières, welcomed successfully by public and professionals, inaugurate the new nautical season of the Group in great style.Together with a majestic fleet of 25 yachts between 8 and 42 meters, the debut was made by:- Ferretti Yachts 670- Custom Line 120’- Custom Line Navetta 42- Riva 110’ Dolcevita- Riva 66’ RibelleThe Cannes Yachting Festival, the largest international event in the sector, opened as usual with the Group's annual press conference. Mr Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, together with the Chief Commercial Officer, Stefano de Vivo, presented the main financial results achieved during the first 8 months of 2018, confirming the positive trend that strengthens the Group’s international leadership.As at August 31st, 2018, Ferretti Group recorded a consolidated order book for serial brands equal to 218 million Euros, in line with the budget estimates for the current financial year. The Group expects to close the year with a total purchase order for serial brands of 450 million Euros, confirming and consolidating the extraordinary result already achieved in 2017.The Group continued its strong commercial penetration on a global scale. From a geographic point of view, in percentage terms on consolidated order book, as at August 31st, 2018, Europe - Middle East - Africa contributed for 49% of new orders, Americas for 36% and Asia Pacific for 15%.After the first 8 months of 2018, the Group achieved consolidated revenues of 420 million Euros, +22% compared to the same period of 2017 (344 M€). The estimates for 2018 are confirmed, which foresee a production value of 704million euros.The Group continues the investment plan as the core asset of its strategic line. In the 2016-2018 three-year period, around 133,5 million euros were invested in product development and industrial capacity, which allowed a rapid pace in the renewal of the range. From 2015 to 2018, 30 new models were produced, including the magnificent Cannes world premières, ready to sail the waters of the world during the next 2018/19 nautical season: Riva 110' Dolcevita, Riva 66' Ribelle, Ferretti Yachts 670, Custom Line Navetta 42 and Custom Line120'.“Cannes is like a grand gala, one comes to shine and leave a mark. This year we participate with the fleet of wonders: 25 magnificent yachts, with 5 world premières representing 3 of our brands" - said Alberto Galassi. “As always, the show is also an opportunity to make an initial assessment of the brilliant results achieved this year. The figures for the first eight months of 2018, characterized in particular by a production value higher than last year of 22%, confirm that we are on the right course. No miracle, everyone has been working hard, and the awareness of our strength, keeping year after year the commitment to invest in product development, production capacity and technological innovation. As evidence of the effectiveness of a growth strategy based on the constant renewal of our product range, almost 70% of revenues is the result of the success of the serial models presented in the last four years. We continue to believe inbeauty, improvement of performance and attention to detail, because this is what our customers appreciate: an inimitable mix of Made in Italy quality and elegance that places us at the top of the nautical scene”.The Ferretti Group stand is set up in the Espace Riviera, #PALAIS102 JETEE 012 exhibition area, while Custom Line yachts are moored at the Super Yacht Extension, in front of the SYE193 lounge. At JETEE 008 pier visitors can admire Pershing, Itama, Ferretti Yachts and Riva fleets, moored in front of their respective lounges.Moreover, an iconic Rivamare will be displayed at the entrance of the exhibition for the whole duration of the show.During the Festival, Ferretti Group will always be flanked by prestigious luxury partners, protagonists of various entertainment initiatives during the days of the fair.7 Pines, the luxury resort in Ibiza hosting the first Pershing Terrace, is the Group's main sponsor for Soirée Nautique - the late opening night of the show scheduled for Friday, September 14th, during which Red Oyster will offer a tasting of its precious oysters - together to Seabob, which exhibits its magnificent limited edition products with custom livery, created ad hoc for the Group's brands.The partnership with Dolce & Gabbana, which signs the Ferretti Group uniforms, and with Samsonite, which provides business luggage, has been renewed. La Scolca delights visitors with an exclusive tasting of its fine wines. Culti Milano proposes the olfactory essences that will make visitors dream on board of the yachts and in the lounges,while the suggestive Arquati pergolas will protect guests from the sun, refreshing them pleasantly, while visiting the stand. The partnership with Sabrina Montecarlo continues, which has embellished the Group's yachts with its luxuriousfurnishing accessories.Taurus exhibits the models 'Taurus for Ferretti Yachts 50th anniversary', the bicycles made in limited edition (in the three versions man, woman and pedal assisted) on the occasion of the celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the brand. Finally, Emirates Airlines, which has reserved special treatments on flights to Ferretti Group guests.

Following sea trails and a quick delivery to OMV, Mazu’s exclusive European dealer based in France, the 52HT makes her debut at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival“The major construction work is complete and the interiors are well advanced,” says Halit Yukay, Mazu CEO and lead designer. “We are just awaiting delivery of the Opacmare Transformer aft platform, after which we will start the engine installation and the painting process.”The 52HT is built of carbon composite in a lightweight sandwich construction for rigidity and strength. Offering generous interior volume and deck space, plus an open-sided, carbon composite hardtop for protection from the summer sun, the new model continues the handcrafted, superyacht feel of the Mazu range with enhanced onboard comfort for extended overnight cruising.In addition to the large foredeck, protected cockpit, open aft deck and swim platform, the interior layout provides for two guest cabins with separate bathroom facilities and a spacious dinette/lounge area.Luxuriously soft Foglizzo leathers appear throughout the interior and the restrooms feature 5mmBianca marble veneers atop a lightweight aluminium substrate.Powered by twin Volvo IPS 800 engines (600hp each), the 52HT will have a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 32 knots.“The idea was to develop a 52-footer with the space, performance, and interior comfort and finish of a much bigger boat,” says Halit Yukay. “Combined with her carbon construction and low centre of gravity for optimal stability and seakeeping, we believe this new addition to the Mazu fleet represents excellent value in terms of quality and price. We have great hopes for the 52HT at the coming boat shows!”The base price of the 52HT starts at €890,000.

Invictus Yacht continues to expand its production and launches the new GT 320 at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018.With this new model, Invictus Yacht has raised its philosophy to a superior level. The new GT 320 has all the features we became acquainted with on the other models in the range (280 and 370 GT) and has combined them to optimise results. From 280 GT it has taken manoeuvrability and dynamic properties, which combine with the large liveable areas inspired with by the flagship, 370 GT.The reverse bow - one of the range’s distinguishing features - was further adjusted to deliver a greater sense of elegance. This feature is emphasised by the oval-section edge that runs the entire length of the boat, from the bow down to the stern swim platform.The deck’s layout includes access to the cockpit via the stern swim platform, moving left of the large sundeck, which can be further expanded by transforming the fore sofa. In the middle of the cockpit, the L-shaped dinette has a table and faces a real “outdoor kitchen” (with fridge, ice maker, grill and basin), all neatly tucked into a stand-up cabinet that - in perfect Invictus style - can elegantly conceal all the equipment behind doors.The cockpit can be sheltered by a standard hidden sun canopy. Among the Invictus GT 320 optionals, the carbon hardtop stands out - it can be extended to provide more shade with a transpiring, ventilated fabric held in place by carbon rods.The two armchairs for the pilot and co-pilot, with a bottle-holder between them, valorise the navigation bridge. At the bow, the large sundeck has headrests positioned on the deckhouse, creating relaxing areas that bring to mind a chaise longue. This complex composition adds considerably to the bow area and includes sound diffusers and cup-holders.“We realised Invictus owners and their guests appreciate convivial life on board,” said Christian Grande. “For this reason, I have given a new interpretation to the spaces in the deck area, expanding the cockpit by moving the steering gear slightly to the bow. This solution allowed me to obtain considerably more space, which impresses you as soon as you board the Invictus GT 320. In the bow, the presence of a backrest against the bow section of the console creates a true chaise longue. This results in a voluminous, balanced external layout that is great to be in.”Inside, the Invictus GT 320 has a transforming dinette along the port topside, with a container cabinet on the starboard side. At the stern, a second open-space cabin with double bed makes the best of the cockpit’s architecture, without adding weight to the boat’s profile, which appears slim and streamlined (an effect aided by the profile of the longitudinal windows).The bathroom is in the centre of the boat and has all the comforts needed to fully enjoy life on board. The owner will be able to choose among the various colour options of the Invictus collection, which will be further increased in the next season - on top of the fact that the GT 320 boat can be fully customised with the contribution of the Invictus Atelier.On the Invictus GT 320, attention to detail is combined with great performance. The shipyard has designed a broad range