Yacht news

Columbus Yachts proudly announces the launch of the first unit of its Atlantique model, the magnificent Night Fury II, marking the beginning of a new era in luxury seafaring. Amidst a jubilant ceremony attended by the Owner and their family, Night Fury II emerged from the shipyard as a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and design.Crafted with precision and passion, Night Fury II, a Columbus Atlantique 43-meter vessel, features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, embodying elegance and performance in every detail. Designed by the renowned Hot Lab studio, the exterior and interior reflect the "Architecture for Voyagers" philosophy, offering a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and comfort tailored for extraordinary sea journeys.The exterior design evokes the fluidity of a sailing yacht, with soft, organic lines and a sleek profile reminiscent of a smoothly sculpted shell. The innovative "sailing-type" stern features a central swimming pool surrounded by a captivating C-shaped seating area, creating an immersive experience close to the water's edge.Inside, Night Fury II welcomes guests with expansive living spaces, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding seascape. The main and upper decks provide panoramic views and ample relaxation areas, ensuring unparalleled comfort for the Owner and their guests.Accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 luxurious cabins, including 2 VIP cabins and 4 double cabins, Night Fury II offers unrivaled comfort and privacy. Additionally, the crew quarters provide accommodation for up to 8 crew members, ensuring impeccable service throughout the voyage.Equipped with twin Cat C32 Acert engines delivering exceptional power and performance, Night Fury II achieves a maximum speed of 15.5 knots, allowing for swift and smooth cruising across the seas.As Night Fury II sets sail into the horizon, guided by Ocean Drive, it epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury exploration, promising unforgettable adventures on the high seas for its fortunate Owner and guests.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts

Under new ownership, Silent-Yachts has emerged from financial challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Led by new majority owner Michael Said, the company has embarked on a path of growth and innovation, buoyed by fresh funding and a solid management team.SY60 (credits: Alberto Cocchi)Michael Said, an American-German investor and a Silent-Yachts client himself, has acquired the assets of Silent-Yachts, including the intellectual property and the shipyard Silent Italia in Fano, through his acquisition vehicle Helios Yacht Investments GmbH. His timely intervention ensured that funding remained available, preserving 140 jobs and allowing progress on existing orders for the Silent 62.Michael SaidThe first of these newly launched Silent 62 3-Deck yachts marks a milestone in the company's journey under new ownership. With seven more scheduled for completion this year and plans for an 80-footer in 2025, Silent-Yachts is poised for significant expansion and development.Fabrizio IarreraLeading the charge is new CEO Fabrizio Iarrera, a seasoned figure in the Italian yachting sector. Under his leadership, the company has undergone restructuring and is now positioned for a bright future. "Silent-Yachts is known for its innovative technology in electric catamarans," says Iarrera, emphasizing the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry.Supported by a board of shareholders and vice chairman Steve Bell, Silent-Yachts aims to fulfill its current orders while also planning for future production slots. The focus remains on delivering exceptional yachts and providing top-notch service and support to clients worldwide.Steve BellLooking ahead, Iarrera expresses confidence in the team's ability to excel in the market and maintain Silent-Yachts' reputation as a pioneer in electric catamarans. With a streamlined operation and a dedicated workforce, the company is poised to navigate towards a bright and prosperous future.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts

Ancasta is set to make waves this spring with its diverse fleet showcased at key boat shows across the UK and Europe. With an array of vessels ranging from Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) to high-performance cruisers, both motor and sail, as well as fully customized luxury boats, Ancasta promises an exciting lineup for boating enthusiasts.Prestige F4"Stepping aboard and exploring a boat firsthand is the best way to truly experience it," remarks Will Blair, Ancasta’s Group Marketing Director, highlighting the importance of providing a wide selection of vessels for prospective buyers to discover their perfect match. Scorpion StingThe spring show season commences with the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show in Southampton from April 19-21. Ancasta will present a variety of global brands, including Beneteau sail and power, Lagoon catamarans, Protector, and Scorpion RIBs, offering attendees a firsthand look at their impressive offerings.Among the showcased models is the Gran Turismo 45 from Beneteau, a sleek and sporty express cruiser boasting functionality, performance, and comfort. With its Air Step hull design and retractable hardtop, the Gran Turismo 45 promises an exhilarating cruising experience.Beneteau First 44Replacing the outgoing 47 model, the Swift Trawler 48 is another highlight. This mid-range semi-displacement flybridge cruiser features stylish profiles and contemporary interiors, offering panoramic views and ample space for leisure and entertainment.The Oceanis 37.1 and the First 44 from Beneteau, along with the Lagoon 42, Protector 310 Targa, and Protector 310 Chase, are among the other noteworthy models on display, showcasing innovation and versatility.Gran Turismo 45Following the Southampton show, Ancasta will host the Beneteau Customer Sea Trials in Port Ginesta, near Barcelona, from April 17-21. This five-day event allows prospective buyers to test a wide range of Beneteau models in actual navigable conditions before making a purchase decision.Next on the agenda is the Palma International Boat Show in Mallorca from April 25-28, where Ancasta will exhibit a premier selection of luxury power brand models, including the Prestige M48, Prestige F4, Prestige X60, and the magnificent Prestige M8.Prestige X60Finally, the British Motor Yacht Show in Swanwick, Southampton, from May 16-19, will see Ancasta showcasing top models from Bluegame, Prestige, Beneteau motor yachts, Protector, and Scorpion RIBs, offering attendees a glimpse into the latest innovations and designs in the boating world.Credits: Ancasta International Boat Sales

Maserati electrified the automotive world with the highly anticipated Folgore Day, held in Rimini, the heart of the Motor Valley. Marking the brand's 110th anniversary, this event signifies a monumental shift towards the future as Maserati embraces electric mobility with its new Folgore range.At the core of this transformation are Maserati's groundbreaking electric models: GranTurismo Folgore, the Trident’s first all-electric car; Grecale Folgore, the first SUV powered by a full-electric powertrain; and now, GranCabrio Folgore, the elegant and refined open-top version of its award-winning grand tourer sister, to be launched at the event. On top of these, the MC20 Folgore super sports car, set to debut in 2025.The partnership between Maserati and Vita Power has given rise to Tridente an exquisite all-electric luxury motorboat, marking Maserati's foray into electrifying the waters as well as the roads. Vita Power shares Maserati's vision for the future of mobility and the commitment to crafting luxurious creations that excel in performance and elegance.Vita Power, a pioneer in marine technology, is dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of marine travel by developing high-performance electric powertrains and full-electric yachts. Their integrated ecosystem is complemented by a marine fast charging infrastructure, ensuring seamless and sustainable navigation.Tridente, measuring 10.5 meters, is designed for leisurely cruises on lakes and coasts, offering accommodation for up to eight passengers. With a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 40 knots, Tridente combines performance with eco-friendliness. Crafted from carbon fiber to exacting standards, Tridente epitomizes luxury and sophistication. Maserati entrusted the finishing touches to Hodgdon Yachts, a renowned boatbuilder from Maine with a legacy spanning over 200 years. Credits: Maserati

Severe flooding has gripped Dubai, following an unprecedented deluge that unleashed the equivalent of a year and a half's worth of rainfall in just a few hours. The UAE and neighbouring Oman have already recorded 20 fatalities due to the flooding.Dubai, known for its arid climate, found itself inundated as flash floods wreaked havoc on its roads and highways. Videos circulating on social media captured the extent of the damage, particularly in Dubai Marina, where parts of the precinct were submerged under water, marked off with caution tape.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZicaODYV9A?si=XNJnye89sulGLIp9 title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share referrerpolicy=strict-origin-when-cross-origin allowfullscreen></iframe>Efforts to assess the impact on Dubai Marina are underway, with MIN reaching out to the marina's operator for details on any damage incurred and its potential effects on yachts docked there. The full extent of infrastructure damage and the timeline for repairs remain uncertain.Dubai Airport, the world's busiest, was not spared from the flooding, prompting flight diversions and disruptions. Emirates, the flag carrier, halted passenger check-ins until midnight Thursday as runways became partially submerged, affecting airport operations.Authorities are grappling with the aftermath of what meteorologists have termed an "exceptional event." AP news agency reported a staggering 254mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period in one area, dwarfing the city's average annual rainfall of 95mm. Overall, Dubai recorded 142mm of rainfall on Tuesday, further underscoring the unprecedented nature of the downpour.Credits: The Times and The Sunday Times/YouTube