Though the superyacht business is a relatively small industry, it is packed with international professionals from all walks of life, and it can certainly be easy to get lost in the sea of faces we're presented with at boat shows, yachting events and beyond. In this series of articles, we take a step back from rushed business meetings and hurried networking and sit down with professionals from across the wide spectrum of the superyacht business to learn more about who they are and what they do for the industry. In this week’s episode, we get to know David Seal, a sales broker in the Antibes office of Northrop &amp; Johnson, who is best known for his YouTube channel ‘Yachts for Sale’, started in 2012, which has been watched by millions of people around the world.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21133/image/large-481381e1a2c7d82f0c0d7bca692251aa.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21133">Firstly, what was it that made you start making videos to sell superyachts?I was working for Camper &amp; Nicholsons as a broker and noticed that everybody was doing the same thing in the industry. Everybody gets a yacht for sale, puts it on their website, sends out emails to all of the other brokers and hopes for the best. It’s such a passive way to sell a boat. So, in 2012, I filmed the 82 foot Sunseeker Predator, and rather than just doing the normal helicopter shoot and music, which is pretty boring. I got a helicopter in and did a proper presentation and I got 3000 views, and at the time I thought, this is amazing! Then I googled Sunseeker Predator 82 for sale and I was the number one page.Gradually, I started to do more, and every time I did another video, the YouTube channel would get a little bit bigger, and more enquiries would come in, I filmed the USS Williamsburg, the presidential yacht of Harry Truman which was an old wreck washed up in Italy. I did a proper documentary video of it, and I had 4 billionaires call me!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21134/image/large-4aafd5afb8be1f0e627adcd05ced1b7b.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21134"> How has the channel progressed over time?&nbsp;At the beginning of 2017, I thought, of all the initiatives I’ve ever done to try to generate enquiries, this is the one that’s working the best, so I should just really go hell for leather at it. Moving to Northrop &amp; Johnson made a big difference, they really understood what I am trying to achieve and have been incredibly supportive. I've tried to do a video every week, and I’ve gone from just under 2,000 subscribers to almost 13,000, but more importantly, I've gone from getting a few hundred views a month to close to half a million views a month. The YouTube channel gets more views than just about any brokerage website in the world.&nbsp;<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMzaxR75KFo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Did you have prior experience in presenting or film before starting the channel? You’re a very confident presenter in the videos.&nbsp;When I was a kid, I wanted to be an actor and I did acting lessons. I let my parents talk me out of pursuing it as a career, and I always regretted not at least having given it a go. The YouTube channel is a bit of an outlet for the frustrated performer in me. So I knew, even before I did the first video, that I’d be able to talk to a camera like Charl at SYT does as well, he’s also really confident in front of a camera, and not many people are: it’s a hard thing to do.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21132/image/large-c93c4a796a45a1eb47816ad37802bb6d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21132"> Owners can be notoriously private with their boats. Is it ever difficult if you present this idea of filming their boat to an owner and they don’t want to show it off?Not so far. If I show owners the videos I make, they see that I am very enthusiastic on my delivery: they can see that I’m talking with conviction and that I’m really trying to get the boat sold. Besides, my videos get so much more engagement than even a nice photograph would, especially because of the presence of a voiceover. I was to put my yacht for sale with five of the major brokerage firms, if 5000 people looked at it, between all of those, that would be it. I do a video, some of them will get 100,000 views in a month, the worst ones get 20,000, so really from an owner’s point of view, it’s a no-brainer.<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uPEfT-4XrV8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> This idea is catching on and other brokerage firms are also starting to do these videos, what do you think about that?I think it’s brilliant. I think competition has got to be good, because at the moment, if people watch my videos, once they’ve watched them there aren’t many places for them to go, whereas if more brokerage firms are doing it to the same sort of level, or like I am, then people will spend more time thinking about YouTube and yachts, and as their views go up, mine do as well, and that pushes me. Ken Denison did a great video of Lady Sheridan and it was the first time I’ve seen a competitor’s video and thought, ‘that’s better than me, that’s better than what I’m doing,’ and it made me dig deeper in the next videos. David Seal can be contacted at Northrop &amp; Johnson via <a href="mailto:David.Seal@NorthropandJohnson.com">David.Seal@NorthropandJohnson.com</a>.&nbsp;<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryqFqtTSNag" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>David Seal’s videos are a clear example of successful, innovative digital marketing within the superyacht business. To find out more about forward-thinking initiatives within the superyacht industry, read the latest issue of SuperYacht Times: the Innovation Issue, and get your subscription&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/13976/image/large-0479ea0b23567c145bad5ee46c7a49e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/13976"></a>

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David Seal 

David Seal filming 

5 questions with... David Seal 

Netherlands-based marine electrical companies <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/317" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alewijnse (Company)">Alewijnse</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7180" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tijssen Elektro (Company)">Tijssen Elektro</a> have joined forces to provide further services to the maritime community. From 1 June 2023, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7180" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tijssen Elektro (Company)">Tijssen</a> will officially fall under the umbrella of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/317" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alewijnse (Company)">Alewijnse</a> Group. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272578/image/large-9ac400099a30d4992090ad355ee17e18.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272578">The merger will bring the two companies together for the delivery of advanced electrical system integration systems for all types of yachts above 30-metres. The shared vision between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/317" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alewijnse (Company)">Alewijnse</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7180" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tijssen Elektro (Company)">Tijssen Elektro</a> allows the companies to expand on their portfolios while meeting the needs of those within the industry.&nbsp;"Our two families are uniting to deliver the best solutions for the yachting industry,” explained Gert Bravenboer, CEO at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/317" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alewijnse (Company)">Alewijnse</a>. “Fully complementary to each other, we are uniquely positioned to create value for existing and new customers. Together, we will be the go-to technology partner on all aspects of automation, electrification and digitalisation. From consulting, engineering and installation to commissioning, service and maintenance, it's a perfect fit."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272577/image/large-150d4282ba9b14d3509de682379e56c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272577">The merger will represent a new chapter in history for both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/317" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alewijnse (Company)">Alewijnse</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7180" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tijssen Elektro (Company)">Tijssen Elektro</a>. This will benefit not only both companies, but also the employees, customers and shareholders. This will allow them to provide even more innovative solutions and expand the complexity of their projects.“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/317" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alewijnse (Company)">Alewijnse</a> is the best choice because the chemistry between the companies means we speak the same language and complement each other. The synergy is great because we stop where Alewijnse starts. Our combined portfolio will broaden all at once to cover yachts from 30 right up to 130 metres. Together, we form a one-stop-shop for every kind of yacht. That way we can completely unburden our customers," added Pedro Kappen, owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7180" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tijssen Elektro (Company)">Tijssen Elektro</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272579/image/large-1444065a001052c048600aeb12470fcf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272579">

Electrical services companies Alewijnse and Tijssen Elektro merge

Alewijnse and Tijssen Elektro have joined forces to provide further services to the maritime community.

Alewijnse and Tijssen Elektro merge to strengthen yacht electrical services

A new yacht brokerage firm, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Karma Yachting (Company)">Karma Yachting</a>, has been founded by Mario Cicognani and Karin Paggi, professionals with a cumulative experience of 32 years in the purchase, sale, and construction of yachts ranging from 30 to 60 meters. The two brokers have joined forces to offer clients 'expertise, reliability, and a well-established network of industry experts'. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272056/image/large-2b4ec4d37307b89e90bb6de5ad3616ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272056">As Cicognani says, "Whether it involves a new build, purchasing, or selling superyachts, we are committed to providing a fully customised service that ensures flawless, fast, easy, and transparent processes. We place great importance on discretion and attentively listening to individual needs in order to meet our customers' requirements, while also ensuring a pleasant and stimulating customer experience."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272057/image/large-dab6546dfb423f5d944a6565997e80c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272057"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Karma Yachting (Company)">Karma Yachting</a> will offer its clients a boutique brokerage approach. As Paggi emphasises, "We serve as a constant point of reference and have established long-standing relationships with our customers based on trust. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Karma Yachting (Company)">Karma Yachting</a>, clients are free to choose their degree of participation and involvement in the project at any time. We can offer our clients an extensive list of professionals to choose from, including lawyers, designers, surveyors, and management companies, based on their preferences, experience, and sensitivity. By listening to their wishes and expectations, we deliver a tailor-made service and always recommend the best possible solution."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272055/image/large-f90b86a842173a5db10923173040de7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272055">The name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Karma Yachting (Company)">Karma Yachting</a>, in addition to being an amalgamation of the founders' names, also represents their philosophy of life, both in private and professional realms: to act in a correct and ethical manner.

Karma Yachting brokerage firm founded

A new yacht brokerage firm Karma Yachting has been founded by two Italian brokers. 

New yacht brokerage firm Karma Yachting has been launched

The Australian refit and maintenance yard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Boat Works (Company)">The Boat Works</a> has expanded its capacity with a new 90-tonne travel lift. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Boat Works (Company)">The Boat Works</a> now has five machines operating over both yards, lifting every type of vessel up to 300-tonnes. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271396/image/large-262e69762e3293cdea5ebb23c818e1a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271396">“To keep pace with demand, we decided to invest in this variable width, all-wheel drive machine,” &nbsp;explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5437" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Boat Works (Company)">The Boat Works</a> owner, Tony Longhurst. “It has an adjustable beam width narrowing the vessels footprint from 8 metres down to 5.5 metres allowing &nbsp;the team to maximise the vessel set down footprint. This is brilliant for boat storage as we can go &nbsp;narrow for the narrower runways and use it for packing boats in tight spots.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271403/image/large-7b2678db6b2f3538e335970d91427a01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271403">Built in Italy, the machine boasts unique Dynamic Steering Control (DSC), which its manufacturer defines as “allowing seamless transfer between 4 modes with infinite adjustment between each to allow &nbsp;progressive adjustment of the radius of rotation”. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271400/image/large-ef3dbdd75e8fce9694a90fd655441dc6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271400">DSC is an innovative steering management system developed by Boat Lift. This system allows an operator to linearly move the axis of rotation in any position between the axis of the front wheels and the rear wheels. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the manoeuvring space required for the handling and storage of boats. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271399/image/large-b8c8cfd255ccd65151a343b3828635b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271399">The new 90-tonne Boat Lift is currently undergoing commissioning and will be ready to haul-out boats in June 2023. “The new Boat Lift gives us more flexibility, makes us more efficient and gives owners more &nbsp;options,” said Tony Longhurst. “We can lift wide multihulls and monohulls, and we can lift a lot more boats now. This new 90-tonne machine takes our service capability to a new level!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271397/image/large-12673dafa039aa1625d3ffaae6921e1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271397">

The Boat Works welcome 90-tonne travel lift

Australian refit yard The Boat Works has welcomed a new 90-tonne travel lift from Italy. 

Australia's The Boat Works expands capacity with new 90-tonne travel lift

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate Marina &amp; Shipyard</a>, based on the Brisbane River in Australia, is due to go onto the market in order to facilitate its next stage of development. The shipyard and marina, which is at this time a family owned business, was founded in 2006 and has gained an international reputation for its services and facilities. It has also been a pivotal destination for the growth of the Australian and Pacific superyacht industry. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263278/image/large-831c2f4566a287e7110c038ff50d0d6f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263278"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a> Director Tom Hill commented, “This has been a difficult decision for our family-owned business, but we believe the time is right for a new owner to continue our work and oversee the next exciting phase of the Rivergate story.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57255" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Investment, expansion and the rise in the Australian superyacht market: Director Tom Hill on Rivergate Marina (2023-03-29 16:00:00 +0200)">Investment, expansion and the rise in the Australian superyacht market: Director Tom Hill on Rivergate Marina</a> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224514/image/large-e191b1448da2cf7d76e308e1624c2fe5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224514"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a>’s facilities include 300-tonne and 75-tonne travel lifts, a 55-metre refit shed, hardstand, berthing for vessels up to 90 metres, 24-hour fuel wharf and more than 20 world-class marine trades on site. It features a 105-berth marina with all-tide deepwater access and 24-hour refuelling.Over recent years the shipyard has announced a number of major expansion plans, securing approval for $200 million AUD expansion in 2022. Plans include a state-of-the-art 3,000-tonne ship lift, SPMT transfer system, additional open hardstand space, refit sheds and support building, and in-water service berths suitable for a wide range of superyachts, commercial and Defence vessels.&nbsp;Hill added, “Australia is ideally placed to take more advantage of the buoyant global superyacht market, which &nbsp;has seen substantial pent-up demand to visit our region if there was more capability to service &nbsp;vessels over 50 metres,” Mr Hill said. &nbsp;“Any future expansion of Rivergate would also be excellent timing for the 2032 Olympic and &nbsp;Paralympic Games to be held in Brisbane, with industry expectations that the event will attract &nbsp;around 200 superyachts.” Mr Hill said Rivergate was known not only for the expertise and meticulousness of the tradespeople &nbsp;that refit and repair superyachts, but a level of customer service second to none. &nbsp;“With our strong global brand, highly experienced management team and staff in place and track &nbsp;record of successfully servicing hundreds of superyachts and commercial vessels over the past 17 &nbsp;years, Rivergate represents a rare market opportunity,” he said.

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard for sale

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard seeks new owner. 

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard seeks new owner

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a> partner and long-term friend of the company Mario Veloná has passed away. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/270213/image/large-8c17263f0adcfdb613f5767a259ba046.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/270213">Mario was a successful yacht Captain before joining forces with fellow Captain Marco Vandoni to create Veloná Yachting in 1997. Veloná Yachting operated for a number of years before it became part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a> in 2005.Mario continued as a Director and Broker before falling in love with the natural beauty and local culture of Costa Rica where he retired in 2018. An aggressive illness forced Mario to return to the South of France where, in the presence of Ayrton and Alex, he peacefully sailed away on Tuesday, 9th May.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/270214/image/large-c71ad4eb56cca87cc0cc66ffb8e0bdbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/270214">“Mario was an expert member of the yachting industry and gifted with a free spirit, genuine interest in people and immense charm. Mario will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by family and friends, his former colleagues at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a> and all who worked with him in the yachting industry,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>.A service will be held in Nice (Crematorium de la Metropole Nice) on Monday 15th May at 4pm. After that, friends are invited to get together in remembrance of Mario at “La Cambuse” in the Port of Cap D’Ail.

Ocean Independence partner Mario Veloná passes away

Ocean Independence partner and long-term friend of the company Mario Veloná has passed away.

From concept to completion, the new 4,300-tonne shiplift at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 La Ciotat</a> was four years in the making at a cost of at least €70 million. A truly international venture, the project brought together contractors from half a dozen countries to resolve the many logistical, engineering and environmental challenges. We take a closer look at how it was done.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261587/image/large-039002e970e80a7ca246214bed1d7e09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261587">It is difficult to appreciate the sheer scale of the new shiplift in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">La Ciotat</a> unless you’re standing on top of it. The platform itself is 100 metres long, 20 metres wide, 2.7 metres deep and weighs 1,100 tonnes. It is now open for business, but the total redeveloped area covers 40,000 square metres and construction work continues on the peripheral infrastructures.The design and construction of a shiplift is composed of four principal activities: civil works, lift and transfer systems, platform fabrication, and installation followed by commissioning. The most cost-effective approach is for the shipyard to act as the general contractor and issue separate contracts for each of the activities. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261585/image/large-76295cb817ddfe17c4cc27eb302e3055.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261585"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 Group</a> divided the cost of the shiplift with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">La Ciotat Shipyards</a>, the public company that manages the port area, but has spent an additional €13 million on adjacent facilities. The total stake represents a formidable asset for the refit shipyard, which can now host up to six more 100-metre plus superyacht on the hard, adding to an infrastructure that already includes a 2,000-tonne yacht lift, 600-tonne crane, 300-travel lift and 200-metre dry dock.&nbsp;Installing a shiplift in La Ciotat had been envisaged by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92</a> ever since it acquired a majority stake in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CompositeWorks (Company)">CompositeWorks</a> in 2017. Work got under way the following year with preliminary simulations in compliance with French regulations and safety codes to determine the optimal size of the shiplift based on the land area available.“Every increase in lifting capacity is accompanied by an exponential increase in cost, so the final 4,300-tonne capacity represents the best balance between cost, commercial opportunities and the space we had to work with,” says Joe Degabriele, Senior Business Development Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 La Ciotat</a> tasked with commercialising the shiplift.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261582/image/large-57990f9cf95d2e2aaa6476f37e7ec399.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261582">Bardex Corporation, a US-based specialist in heavy load handling and positioning equipment, was contracted to oversee the design of the shiplift and transfer systems. In order to better understand the local business culture and practices, Bardex chose to partner with Matière SAS, a French engineering and construction company.“The design process starts by understanding the client’s needs and objectives for the facility, says Robert Taylor, senior structural engineer at Bardex. “We also investigate the site setting, access to and from the facility, the yard arrangement and the geological conditions. All of these inform us about the types of foundation system, yacht transfer arrangement and implementation plan that is most appropriate for the project.”Weight-liftingShiplifts are all about are speed and efficiency. In La Ciotat the entire process of lifting and positioning a yacht on the hard takes less than three hours, whereas the same procedure in a traditional graving dock requires the best part of a day. A shiplift can serve multiple parking places, but a dry dock usually hosts just one vessel at a time.&nbsp;The shiplift relies on very different technology from classic winches and cables. The Chain Jack Lift system is widely used in military shipyards for lifting warships and nuclear submarines. Powered by hydraulic rams, a chain jack hoists by engaging and pulling in a short length of chain, engaging a stop pin, retracting and repeating the process. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261584/image/large-53a9dbfa280b0d59027c0314124af81d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261584">The system offers more precise movement of the platform than wire ropes or cables, which are prone to stretching (Lloyd’s requires 20 per cent of wire ropes to be removed and destructively tested each year and all wire ropes to be replaced every 5-10 years). La Ciotat has 20 chain jack units, 10 on each side of the pit, and each has two closed-loop chains for 100 percent redundancy.The lifting procedure is complex because it involves coordinating the motion of 20 devices connected to the same platform. The system moves one pitch, or two links of chain, each cycle for all 40 chains (factory tests show that the movement of the chain jacks can be coordinated to within one millimetre of each other). The entire lift system resets every cycle, which prevents the accumulation of differential elevation. To ensure all the units are working in perfect synchronisation, remote sensors relay the parameters in real-time to the central command system.“Hydraulic cylinders are ideally suited to shiplift operations because their movement is consistently precise,” says Taylor. “Bardex has further improved the synchronisation by equipping the lift stations and control system with hydraulic feedback motion control. This technology is widely used in heavy industrial robotic automation applications that require high precision motion control, such as special-purpose arc welding robots.”To guarantee an uninterrupted supply of electricity, the lifting system has its own dedicated substation with transformers supplied by the French division of the German company Schneider Electric. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92</a> invested in a further three substations for the supply of reliable shore power to the yachts and for refit work.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261583/image/large-4166e0e83d90ea707fb10360c701a083.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261583">Running on railsBuilt by Metallic Bridges Belgium (MBB), the actual platform had to be delivered by special transport. When a yacht enters the lifting pit and the chain jacks are activated, it comes to rest on a modular cradle that can be adjusted to suit the size of the vessel (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92</a> ordered four such cradles from Schwartz Hautmont in Spain). As in a graving dock, divers assess that the ‘mating’ between hull and cradle is a snug and secure fit.&nbsp;Once the platform has been locked at ground level, the next phase is to transfer the yacht sideways off the platform and then longitudinally to a hard-standing space. Four-wheel bogies or trolleys constructed by Bardex Industries in South Korea are aligned under the cradle. The bogies, which have a passive hydraulic suspension system to raise the yacht and its cradle over the top of the chain jack units, run along 6.5km of intersecting rails built by Bemo Rails in The Netherlands and can change direction by lifting themselves off the tracks and turning their wheels 90 degrees. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261597/image/large-cd3dfe47b75870da76a82b08717ad440.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261597">The two axes of motion meant the rails and intersections had to be installed to a tolerance of +/- 5mm to ensure smooth transfers. Maintaining stability is obviously essential throughout the operation, especially when moving the yacht off the platform.“Transferring yachts laterally off the platform required careful coordination of the civil works, structural system and lift station elevations to ensure adequate clearance for the yacht and static supports to pass over the lift stations,” says Taylor. “This type of transfer operation also imposes unbalanced loads on the structural systems. Detailed engineering analysis and the use of hydraulically actuated pin supports were required to ensure the structure remains stable under this loading condition.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261598/image/large-46859a2c27c1aaa4e641dcc7c146976b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261598">There are five hard-standing places to the side of the platform and one in front of it (a 6th is a common area that can be used for short-term projects such as pre-purchase inspections). Once in position, the cradle is lowered to the ground, the bogies removed and the yacht hooked up to the shore power, fresh water and waste management systems. Anchoring points in the concrete are used for bracing scaffolding and tenting when the yachts need to covered. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261599/image/large-5e0187dde33c13a6e4b502b4da2f46b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261599">At the time of writing, the shiplift and transfer systems were approaching completion before final testing and certification by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyds Ships (Company)">Lloyds Register</a> (shiplifts come under Lloyds’ Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, excluding the civil engineering works). Despite the many technical and logistical challenges, the shiplift was on schedule for its official inauguration in September.&nbsp;“The most difficult thing has been organising all the different companies around the world and up to 200 personnel working on site each day, especially during the Covid pandemic,” says Mathieu Bauden, the man responsible for coordinating the works as Facilities &amp; Storage Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 La Ciotat (Company)">MB92 La Ciotat</a>. “But it’s a great source of satisfaction that when we signed this project four years ago, we decided to open the platform on 15 September 2022. And that is still the opening date.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261591/image/large-603e1e48173db47dc861262e8eaf1093.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261591">SHIPLIFT TRIVIA• The Syncrolift System was invented by Raymond Pearlson, who was later awarded the Sperry Award for his invention. The first Synchrolift in 1957 had a lifting capacity of 100 tons.&nbsp;• In 1967 Hydranautics, now Bardex Corporation, designed, patented, manufactured and delivered the first shiplift using chains instead of wire rope.&nbsp;• The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze in Central China has a shiplift for transferring vessels up to 3,000 tonnes across a vertical distance of 113 metres. The ship chamber has a pool of water 120 metres long by 18 metres wide and 3.5 metres deep.&nbsp;• The world’s largest shiplift dedicated exclusively to yachts is the 4,800-tonne shiplift at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 Barcelona (Company)">MB92 Barcelona</a>. Commissioned in 2019, it was designed and supplied by Pearlson Shiplift Corporation.This article was originally published in September 2022 of Issue 1 of the How to Build It magazine. <a href="https://superyachttimes.com/api/download/how-to-build-it-issue-1" target="_blank">You can download the entire magazine for free here</a>.

At the shipyard with MB92 La Ciotat

Justin Ratcliffe went behind the scenes for the unveiling of the new shiplift at MB92 La Ciotat.

How to build a shiplift with MB92 La Ciotat

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and Blue World Technologies have joined forces to drive innovation in the field of energy technology, marking a significant milestone for both companies. The strategic collaboration, which was officially announced in April 2023, underlines <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting's</a> commitment to advancing sustainable and future fuel technologies.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/270072/image/large-d78446a983817cb1eb4e1056f609e055.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/270072">Headquartered in Aalborg, Denmark, Blue World Technologies is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-temperature PEM fuel cells that run on methanol. The company's mission is to introduce energy-efficient and cost-effective methanol fuel cell technology to industries worldwide. It has been working closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> as part of the Dutch superyacht builder's energy programme.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting's</a> decision to partner with Blue World Technologies was influenced by the company's next-generation fuel cell technology, which offers higher efficiency and the potential for more energy-efficient vessel operation thanks to the quality of recoverable heat. Additionally, Blue World Technologies' focus on methanol aligns with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting's</a> sustainability vision, which aims to reduce its carbon footprint and explore new ways to safeguard the environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/270071/image/large-f6b24d4406d4eecaec079447b99a4dd7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/270071">According to Torben Mørch Sørensen, Marine Sales Director at Blue World Technologies, the collaboration presents a tremendous opportunity for both parties to share knowledge and drive innovation in pursuing a greener maritime industry. The partnership will involve close collaboration between builders and suppliers, with the Blue World Technologies team working closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting's</a> Product Design Managers and Engineers toward implementing sustainable solutions in the company's products and projects."We are thrilled to be working with the team at Blue World Technologies," said Haico van Roeden, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting Design</a> and Proposal Engineer. "Our shared ambition and goals align very well, and we look forward to exploring the opportunities this collaboration presents in the coming months." With a focus on sustainability and innovation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and Blue World Technologies are poised to impact the yachting industry's future significantly.

Damen Yachting and Blue World Technologies partnership

Damen Yachting and Blue World Technologies have joined forces to drive innovation in the field of energy technology.

Damen Yachting and Blue World Technologies join forces to advance sustainable and fuel technologies

Italy-based yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has reported a significant improvement in Q1 2023 margins in their latest financial report. The Board of Directors at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a> reviewed and approved the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Group</a>’s consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2023 and reported an order backlog of €1.5 billion.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269914/image/large-f008f2595c26a0e0ddc9ff1c03717d36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269914">Headquartered in Forlì, Italy, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> reported an order intake of €307.5 million in the first three months of 2023. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Group</a> also saw a 15.4 percent increase in the order backlog compared to 31 December 2022 due to strong demand on international markets.The order backlog is broken down into segments, with made-to-measure yachts responsible for approximately 37.7 percent of the order backlog and equivalent to €549.1 million as of 31 March 2023. Composite yachts reached €489.9 million, or 32.7 percent of the total backlog, superyachts made up 25.7 percent or €384.6 million of the backlog, and other businesses such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> Sail and the (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a> Security Division) FSD made up €72.7 million, or 4.9 percent of the total backlog.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262170/image/large-58ac563f0eedce204ff480d094b86af1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262170">“The luxury yacht market continues to see strong expansion and, once again, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> shows vision and foresight, as witnessed by the important acquisition of Cantiere San Vitale, in Ravenna, the cornerstone of a future-looking growth strategy,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> CEO, Alberto Galassi.The total revenue for Q1 2023 surpassed €280 million, representing an increase of 9.3 percent compared to Q1 2022. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> attributes this figure to the strong order backlog built in 2022.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260867/image/large-5e5d5c3dcbe40ce54198eb723f80f847.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260867">When this revenue is broken down into geographical locations, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> found that approximately 48.2 percent of the total revenue for Q1 2023 came from Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions (EMEA.) The North America, Central America, and South America regions (AMAS) were responsible for 28.6 percent, while the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) accounted for 11.4 percent of the total revenue.&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> also revealed an increase of 26.6 percent for adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022. This improvement has been attributed to a longer waiting and high order backlog which reflects pricing power, a larger presence in segments such as made-to-measure, and the economy of scale in purchasing with a more efficient fixed costs absorption.The overall net profit of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> was reported as €18.6 million in Q1 2023, representing an increase of 42 percent from Q1 2022, with a margin equivalent to 6.6 percent in Q1 2023, representing an increase of 120 basis points when compared to Q1 2022.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243240/image/large-c8d44c405138c49644ebabd8896f5e94.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243240">The huge interest shown by the financial community after the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Group</a>’s first Capital Markets Day and the very positive financial results reported in Q1 2023, are another demonstration of our solidity and confirm once again that our shareholders and our customers were right to place their confidence in us,” concluded Alberto Galassi.

Ferretti Group reports €1.5 billion order backlog for Q1 2023 

The Ferretti Group has reported a significant improvement in Q1 2023 margins in their latest financial report compared to Q1 2022.

Ferretti Group announces €1.5 billion order backlog for Q1 2023 financial report

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting has approved the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. The meeting proposed the allocation of the more than €22 million profit, including the distribution of a dividend of €0.66 per share, gross of withholding tax. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251953/image/large-55cc082ff4a9a8179c905e3cd857a19c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251953">The number of shares entitled to payment will be determined 3 May 2023, with the ex-dividend date on 2 May 2023 and payment on 4 May 2023. The dividend amount for the 2022 financial year is up by 10 percent from 2021 and corresponds to a pay-out of approximately 31 percent of the Group's net profit.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/268405/image/large-0fe4b56c7fa5bf4533eb5955ddd1c1c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/268405">During the Shareholders’ Meeting, chaired by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> CEO Massimo Perotti, the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 were also presented. These showed Net revenues from the sale of new yachts equal to €740.7 million. This figure is up 26.4 percent compared to 2021’s figure of €585.9 million.&nbsp;The statement also showed that EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) were equal to €129.6 million, up by 37 percent compared to €94.6 million in 2021. The Group Net profit was up by 45.4 percent from 2021 and was equal to €74.2 million, while the net cash position was equal to €100.3 million, up by €61.3 million compared to €39 million as of 31 December 2021.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250520/image/large-0a3fbeca280e8c3933c53ff570e0aa4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250520">For the third year, the 2022 Consolidated Non-Financial Statement was prepared as a separate report from the financial statements and presented during the Shareholders’ meeting. This is in accordance with the requirements of Italian Legislative Decree 254/2016 and drawn up according to the GRI Universal Standards.The 2022 Consolidated Non-Financial Statement describes all the main activities performed by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Group in relation to environmental, social, personnel, human rights, and anti-corruption issues through a 360-degree responsible approach that looks at product and process sustainability, human resources, supply chain, and the entire territory.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/7146/image/large-1ccb974245f810b85b1716f241cce43b.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7146">The Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting examined the report prepared by the Company’s Board of Directors on the policy regarding remuneration and fees paid. The “First section” of the Report on Remuneration, relating to the remuneration policy for members of administrative bodies, general managers, and managers with strategic responsibilities, was approved. The “Second section” of the report was resolved in a favorable sense.Following the resignation of Directors Marco Viti and Pietro Gussalli Beretta on 26 August 2022 and 14 March 2023, respectively, the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting reduced the Board of Directors to 10 members, compared to 12 as determined by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of 28 April 2022. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111105/image/large-e1d1a7477975847b6730979de19d203b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111105">The members of the Board of Directors, which will remain in office up to 31 December 2024, are, therefore, the following: Massimo Perotti, Paolo Olivieri, Ferruccio Rossi, Carla Demaria, Cecilia Maria Perotti, Licia Mattioli, Silvia Merlo, Leonardo Luca Etro, Francesca Culasso and Marco Francesco Mazzù.

Sanlorenzo Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting approves 2022 financial statements

The Sanlorenzo Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting has approved the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Sanlorenzo reports €740m net revenue from sale of new yachts for 2022

In recent years, the consensus within the superyacht industry has been that ‘biggest is best’, yachts are getting larger every year and superyacht news is dominated by the biggest names on the water. The tiny (by comparison) stars of the yacht construction industry, however, are the yacht’s model counterparts that take pride of place among their paramours and whose builders can hold their own against any of the yachting giants. Take a short walk along the dock at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, step into the studio of any designer or yacht club, and it is not only the on-water vessels that steal the limelight, it is also the models that represent them. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267544/image/large-04b01483d98697bc4faddb35c1eb3895.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267544">Historically, yacht hull models were used to help owners select their next vessel, and then they were used to commemorate the yacht on the water, displayed in pride of place within the homes of the owner or the club they raced with. While these uses still abound, today shipyards and designers use superyacht models to display their work, unveil new superyacht designs and to record previous models in perpetuity. We spoke with a few of the companies that pioneer within the yacht model industry, and experts shared their thoughts on the value and importance that the models represent.One company whose models become talking points of their own and which never fail to attract the crowds at any yacht show are <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s. The shipyard is known worldwide for its work on future yacht concepts, designed in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lateral Naval Architects (Company)">Lateral Naval Architects</a> and the craftsmen behind these extraordinary models are <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7126" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scale Models Weston (Company)">Scale Models Weston</a>. Based in Colchester, England, the model makers have been collaborating with the shipyard that is at the forefront of cutting-edge yacht design for years. Jason Shearman, Director of the company explained “The details and technology that we incorporate into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> models always make for an interesting project and the models produced are a stunning replica of their design flair and showcase our skilled craftsmanship to its full extent.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267556/image/large-25ce98ba119ff6169fdeac1b30f6c52f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267556"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7126" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scale Models Weston (Company)">Weston</a> are a boutique organisation, with a permanent four man team, the craftsmen's ranks are bolstered during busy show seasons with freelance model craftsmen. One of the larger fish in the model-making industry is the Italian company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4884" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Model Maker Group (Company)">ModelMakerGroup</a>, and with over 30 craftsmen, the company builds nearly 400 models a year for top industry names across the globe. The sentiment shared by all of the experts that we spoke to is that yacht models have a vital role to play within the wider industry, bringing drawings to life and giving designers, owners and shipyards the opportunity to touch, feel and investigate a design before metal is cut. Giuseppe Capobianco of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4884" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Model Maker Group (Company)">ModelMakerGroup</a> explains, “Most of the yacht’s we model are yet to be presented to the market, meaning that confidentiality is a must. It also means that our workshops are filled with the vessels of the future, and a tour of our studios would give you a real sense of how the industry develops every year.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267545/image/large-12594031a04e3e845fa0752cd34d87d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267545">While an onlooker may see yacht models as a toy, like a model car, yacht model construction is a painstaking process that takes months to complete and, as Jason touched on, can feature complex technology. Many of the models we see at yacht shows today are malleable, with parts that can be moved, removed, added to, some even including hydraulic features.Jason Shearman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7126" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scale Models Weston (Company)">Weston</a> added, “Our models provide a focal point for a marketing stand at an exhibition, board room, or as pride of place on the actual vessel. I believe a model superyacht helps to ignite the imagination of the viewer and creates a visual representation of the lifestyle a real yacht could offer. The features included on some recent superyachts that we have produced have really helped to bring the space to life, from a spa with scent diffuser triggered when the door is opened, to a tiny HDTV installed in the seating area for movie nights under the stars, there is a huge scope in utilising technology to showcase what life aboard could really be like.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267546/image/large-3b111e9247cecc105e79f435223c370f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267546">Brian Klassen, who builds yacht models at his studio in Canada for the yachting and commercial ship building industries believes that models have a vital role to play in the wider industry, despite the improvement in rendering technology. “Models are extremely valuable because not everyone can understand drawings or visualize a new concept. Renderings and videos provide good presentations, but a scale model can be viewed from all angles by a single viewer or multiple viewers gathered around a real, tangible representation, not a screen.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267559/image/large-324a04fe016e2e09313dc7dc9ad5cba4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267559">It's not only within the models themselves that technology comes into play. Like the shipyards themselves, automation and advancing tech is shaping the way models are produced. Guiseppe Capobianco explains, “In almost 20 years of model making we have tested different techniques, invested in technology and researched new production practices. We introduced 3D printing 18 years ago and recently we introduced a new innovative 3D printer to reproduce more realistic details. This machine completely changes the way of designing intricate details within the models and enables us to go deeper into the superyacht design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267558/image/large-9d1fbce5de10595a6b9481420b9f9723.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267558">The technology within the sector is increasing every year, and AR is becoming more commonplace both on superyachts, and their models. With the demographic of superyacht owners shifting to the next generation, the tech industry is melding with yachting and owner’s expectations for interactivity are changing. “The idea that we can seamlessly connect the real world with the virtual is intriguing and an area that I believe will enhance the model making industry,” explained Jason, “with the overall look and feel of the yacht to be found on the model and the finer details such as the cabins and décor to be overlayed in the virtual world, offering a fully immersive experience.”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-44" target="_blank">Issue 44 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Scale superyacht models and their makers

Scale models may be small, but they have a hugely important role in the yachting industry. We found out more.

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Small yachts, big impact: A closer look at the scale model industry

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261456/image/large-2403862b9a42179c9b1808aba80b0c29.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261456">The 34.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard Yachts (Company)">Leopard</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx34.1m (111'11&quot;)Leopard Yachts2007">Lynx</a> has been sold in an in-house deal, with<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">&nbsp;Edmiston’s</a> brokers Alex Busher representing the buyer and Hans van Doornmalen and Charlie Carveles representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261461/image/large-304315a652d1e9ec7b092595dab16034.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261461"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261429/image/large-e14fa907ef3349816b291c828d7ec1f6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261429">The sport boat yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">Lynx</a> was delivered in 2007, it is the tenth largest yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard Yachts (Company)">Leopard</a>. It features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andrea Bacigalupo (Company)">Andrea Bacigalupo</a>, whilst her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton Design Ltd</a>., with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andrea Bacigalupo (Company)">Andrea Bacigalupo</a>. The 184 GT yacht can accommodate up to eight guests, and has accommodation for five crew members including the captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx34.1m (111'11&quot;)Leopard Yachts2007">Lynx</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261426/image/large-91155e61a78aa807996e4e33fb4acaea.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261426"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261435/image/large-a15c1341b0e97d5141abd13843f599ed.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261435"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261436/image/large-c8d07fa97a8589f5898d8820f52dbd13.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261436">The motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx34.1m (111'11&quot;)Leopard Yachts2007">Lynx</a> has a grp hull and grp superstructure. She is powered by triple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 35 knots and a top speed of 42 knots. The yacht carries 16,000 litres of fuel onboard, and 2,000 litres of water. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261437/image/large-ebcf491ea6e1a01e48e968bd2ae48cad.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261437">At the time of her sale, the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx34.1m (111'11&quot;)Leopard Yachts2007">Lynx</a> had a last known asking price of €3,400,000.

34m Leopard motor yacht Lynx sold

The 34-metre Leopard motor yacht Lynx has been sold in an in-house deal with Edmiston

Yachts attending the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 will be returning from 6 to 10 June for its 16th edition, held in the glorious waters surrounding Sardinia.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231181/image/large-5f441aa170e23ba01bd6b0a10cf4b8b3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231181">The 62.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">ICON</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Party Girl62.48m (204'12&quot;)ICON Yachts2012">Party Girl</a>, previously named Meridian and Maidelle has entered the market. Delivered in 2012, she is the third largest yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">ICON</a>.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231171/image/large-eb24c42124b47e1fec68f0f00e0d6c24.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231171">The high volume <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She features a timeless exterior design by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">&nbsp;RWD</a>, whilst her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cristiano Gatto Design (Company)">Cristiano Gatto Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jouke van der Baan (Company)">Jouke van der Baan</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231175/image/large-05e75b5178a60dff4b9459d84a0d0852.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231175"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Party Girl62.48m (204'12&quot;)ICON Yachts2012">Party Girl</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across her eight opulent staterooms as well as 18 crew members including the captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Party Girl62.48m (204'12&quot;)ICON Yachts2012">Party Girl</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231178/image/large-4a6368ddc7faf79d1525640f17b1b9f8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231178"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272737/image/large-2cd3512ec7a457202c6419e2bf02461a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272737">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/party-girl-62m/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Party Girl for sale</a> features an expansive upper deck master suite with an adjoining lounge, office area and a large ensuite. The owner's deck lounge is finished in an elegant palette of creams and golds, with a large bar to the aft and sliding doors which open out to the on deck Jacuzzi.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231183/image/large-81f1621ee0c66131d0d38b6f14a69d90.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231183"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231170/image/large-be89787fcf83604f53077c355b334e8f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231170"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231172/image/large-11850c8ac2c1154fc257ffac2821e061.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231172"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272734/image/large-d2848b3d0115233fa61d73c7ee33ee80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272734">Other highlights onboard include the curved Jacuzzi on her upper deck, expansive aft deck terrace with alfresco dining area, bar and lounge, and spacious beach club which opens up onto a large swim platform. Moreover, this area is home to a spa and gym. Guests can also enjoy lounging on one of the many sun beds to the aft and enjoy the panoramic views from the bow.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272751/image/large-40cb71a728a5af0889b3d0957dabb625.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272751">The main saloon dining area is prized with a wine room which contains glass plate panels crafted from a Venetian artist. In the same room, there is a custom ceiling lamp "Tappeto Volante" from Venini which is 7-metres in length.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272742/image/large-6b24ebf8b5ff02fd2967e871bbebdc3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272742"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272749/image/large-5aecb7fe740223815c2957d12e7d6a7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272749">Further inside, an immense portoro marble slab is installed on the main deck lobby. The stairs which span across &nbsp;the four decks have been completely covered with leather produced by craftsmen from Turin. All the marbles in the yacht for sale have been hand selected from caves, with a particular attention to the desert stone that is treated with a special natural finishing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272740/image/large-dff216a280360f3e11f00878a0a65aee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272740">The ICON motor yacht for sale is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 16 knots.

62m ICON motor yacht Party Girl for sale

The 62.48-metre third largest ICON motor yacht Party Girl enters the market.

62m third largest ICON motor yacht Party Girl enters the market

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> has announced the return of the Sustainability Hub for this year’s show. The exhibition area will once again showcase companies specialising in sustainable technologies, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of superyachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211526/image/large-31f4f951420e517e738318935befea92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211526">The Sustainability Hub hosts companies that provide “tried-and-true” eco-friendly solutions, as well as promising start-ups working on sustainable solutions. The 200 square-metre exhibition space is returning for the second consecutive year and will be located at the Darse Sud.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248436/image/large-71503c759d4657989d2e0d9445dd66da.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248436">The creation of the Sustainability Hub aligns with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>'s long-standing commitment to an eco-friendly approach, which was initiated in 2005. Over the years, the show has played an active role in raising environmental awareness within the Monegasque and international yachting community.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209770/image/large-4b321c8a54d9583f4425593c9a55aac4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209770">“This dedicated area for eco-friendly yachting alternatives is part of our extended sustainability program, which encompasses the entire show's logistics and layout here in the port of Monaco,” commented Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>. We aim to support exhibitors, service providers, and visitors alike in finding viable solutions to environmental challenges."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245019/image/large-e96eb21772c2a980464fcd9f78ad315c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245019"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1981" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siemens (Company)">Siemens</a> Energy has also been announced as the sponsor for this year’s Sustainability Hub and will offer a unique opportunity for all stakeholders in the yachting industry to discuss the integration of sustainable energy sources and clean fuels. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245017/image/large-84becc0745e83ad5276a9544cab17eab.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245017">By joining forces with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1981" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siemens (Company)">Siemens</a> Energy, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a> aims to further enhance its commitment to promoting a responsible and environmentally-friendly approach throughout the yachting industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272816/image/large-7da4f174b280d659ee8ea57348ecb177.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272816">"The Sustainability Hub's second year at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2023">Monaco Yacht Show</a> is a crucial confirmation that there is a growing momentum in yachting,” added Robert Van Tol, Executive Director of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a>. “This exhibition area is designed to showcase technologies that bring concrete improvements to the world of yachting, including the health of the oceans. We are committed to finding, verifying, promoting, and rewarding sustainable solutions and driving the necessary change."

Sustainability Hub returns to Monaco Yacht Show

The Sustainability Hub is returning to Monaco Yacht Show 2023 for the second consecutive year in a row.

The Sustainability Hub returns to Monaco Yacht Show 2023

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/96105/image/large-b4c947fd8fbc90b84f3a5fad33fdbd71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/96105">The 38-metre Amels motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/849" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chesella38.0m (124'8&quot;)Amels1983">Chesella&nbsp;</a>previously named &nbsp;Blue Attraction, Blue Attraction II,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lady Duvera, has been sold in an in-house deal, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6953" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YBH (Company)">YBH&nbsp;</a>Corfu's Yannis Stratis representing the seller and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6953" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YBH (Company)">YBH</a> Athens's Stamatis Konstantos representing the buyer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/66159/image/large-ad8371f438e6f19c469f8b6492f7cd4e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66159">The motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/849" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chesella38.0m (124'8&quot;)Amels1983">Chesella&nbsp;</a>was delivered in 1983 and has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design B.V</a>., with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design B.V</a>. The 225 GT yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests across her six staterooms as well as seven crew members, including the captain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/66153/image/large-0b3e19f293558834c41f0ed708e32258.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66153"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/66171/image/large-76abbff629c9d2c85d8425e83d274bcd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66171">She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 12 knots. The yacht carries 33,000 litres of fuel onboard, and 5,600 litres of water.&nbsp;At the time of her sale, the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/849" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chesella38.0m (124'8&quot;)Amels1983">Chesella</a> had a last known asking price of €5,200,000.

38m Amels motor yacht Chesella sold 

The 38-metre Amels motor yacht Chesella has been sold in an in-house deal with YBH

38m Amels motor yacht Chesella sold

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272804/image/large-37463e87be7b7181c9e360524917989c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272804">The 31.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taiji31.1m (102'0&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Taiji</a>&nbsp;has entered the market and was delivered in 2021, having been recently commissioned by an experienced yachtsman giving the motor yacht an incredibly high specification and enormous appeal.The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a> with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> SL102/SL106 Asymmetric yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taiji31.1m (102'0&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Taiji</a> has a grp hull and grp superstructure.&nbsp;Up to ten guests can be accommodated onboard and additional accommodation for three crew members, including the captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taiji31.1m (102'0&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Taiji</a>. The interior design is timelessly modern, with brushed oak panels, natural tones, and light pastel blue accents. Highlights of the high quality features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taiji31.1m (102'0&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Taiji&nbsp;</a>include, Santushi carpets running underfoot in the staterooms and &nbsp;Silk Georgette marble in the bathrooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272666/image/large-3db9857ebbdb43b656e3c77725ced2dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272666"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272810/image/large-5f674947f9afabe625a7f315ddd1bf63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272810">Key innovative features of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> include an extended main deck interior, a fold-down terrace to starboard off the main saloon, and an distinctive exterior profile. To the aft, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taiji31.1m (102'0&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">Taiji</a> has a hydraulic platform and an opening stern, enabling guests to have direct access to the tender garage and water toys storage.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272811/image/large-900d183b7e0a73f4b25c82e386af1692.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272811">An additional important feature of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/taiji-31m/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Taiji, yacht for sale</a> is the expansive sundeck which holds a bar and allows guests to dine alfresco and enjoy scenic views while sunbathing. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272665/image/large-7467e69031b282aea1afe5e261b936b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272665"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sanlorenzo/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The Sanlorenzo yacht for sale&nbsp;</a>is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 26 knots and a top speed of 28 knots.&nbsp;

31m Sanlorenzo yacht Taiji for sale 

The 31.1-metre Sanlorenzo motor yacht Taiji enters the market having been recently commissioned by an experienced yachtsman

31m Sanlorenzo yacht Taiji is for sale

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini Design &amp; Architecture</a> have released new interior renders of Project Venus, the 55-metre Steel Fast Displacement yacht with exterior lines by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> under construction on speculation at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> shipyard in Oss for delivery in Q2 2025. The presentation took place at the Tuscan seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi at the Forté In showroom, a company active in the world of luxury Italian furniture and a close collaborator of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini</a>’s.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250149/image/large-86c73a808db9f18b215a6d593fdd82a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250149">The choice of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini Design &amp; Architecture</a> for the interior styling brings additional pedigree and Italian flair to the project. Suave and sophisticated but also welcoming and family-friendly, the colour palette in the main saloon and dining room, which take advantage of the full 9.6-metre beam, is based on aquamarine and ivory soft furnishings combined with warm wood veneers, natural leathers and full-height windows for exceptional light and panoramic views. Punchy blue fabrics are used in the sky lounge on the upper deck. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272679/image/large-f426f340c4125f202b1dd0f4245d202c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272679">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini</a> studio brought along various material samples that appear onboard the yacht and project leader Silvia Margutti pointed out the contrasting veneers comprising almond-toned oak, darker oak, teak, eucalyptus and rosewood, with both satin and glossy finishes. These are paired with soft tan leather by Foglizzo, custom wardrobe handles engineered by the shipyard, Invisible Grey, Jolie Grey, Fiore di Pesco and Ombra di Caravaggio marbles. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272678/image/large-d615976b62249d4a4aabf4ba2e1fd388.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272678">“In the bathrooms we wanted to have glass partitions that offered transparency combined with a degree or privacy, so we’ve introduced a special textured and etched glass that lets plenty of light in but you don’t feel like you’re on display,” said Margutti, who describes the overall interior style as “audacious classic.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272681/image/large-135052bf95cb26d55059a0660051b1d2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272681">In the bathrooms the taps are by Gessi and recall the Charleston era of the 1920s with a modern twist, while the shower controls, also by Gessi, have an analogue feel with ratcheted knobs and push buttons like a high-fidelity audio set-up from the 70s or 80s. The large windows not only provide panoramic views, but also highlight the palette of interior materials, textures and colours.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272680/image/large-e5559e2e724a45abd5d65058870e6eca.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272680">The free-standing furniture and accessories are by a host of Italian designer labels such as Promemoria, Giorgetti, Henge, Catellani &amp; Smith, Palagi Exteta, Ceccotti Collezioni and Poltrona Frau.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272677/image/large-7a9a5d6339ce5f6f848df656445c9e89.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272677">With four guest suites on the lower deck and a VIP suite on the bridge deck, the yacht can sleep 12 guests, including the owners. The 82-square-metre master stateroom is spread across the entire beam on the main deck forward and sports a fixed balcony on the starboard side.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272676/image/large-77899b444dbfe56906a809f737eb4d9d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272676">“This is something new that wasn’t a feature of the previous platforms,” said Margutti. “It’s a very special and cosy area – perfect for enjoying a private breakfast or a cocktail at sunset away from the other guests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250148/image/large-a3d0c1bce2f72ec39936052cb5d9a4f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250148">The muscular exterior profile of the 55-metre Steel series has been restyled by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> to add a more contemporary touch. The changes mean that Project Venus shares only the same technical and engineering specifications with her predecessors in the series. A noteworthy addition is the “shark tooth” motif, a design feature halfway along the side of the bridge deck that lends the yacht a powerful personality. The clean and streamlined design is emphasised by having no fashion plates, so the superstructure is completely free of pillars. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272670/image/large-0dc03a623e23009456b3c49c5e9be6ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272670">The connection between the outdoor and indoor social spaces is designed to make the best of both. The sundeck is home to a Jacuzzi and a lounge area, while the beach club is a chill-out zone with a bar area and easy access to the water. Storing the yacht’s tenders on the foredeck means that this aft space is always available for use by guests without having to unload tenders and toys.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts lays keel of 55m Steel superyacht Project Venus (2022-11-23 17:00:00 +0100)">Heesen Yachts lays keel of 55m Steel superyacht Project Venus<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272671/image/large-a040d926695bb70a0503b94dd30b5257.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272671"></a>Of course, Project Venus is for sale and a future owner is still in time to adapt the interior styling to his or her personal tastes, but in the studio’s experience these changes are usually minor: “With the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> projects we’re involved in, not much at all is changed in terms of materials. Sometimes the client will ask for some small modifications in their own space in the master suite, but generally they choose to stick with the proposed concept,” said Margutti.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204033/image/large-9437a9294c7549f5b69682263c0de605.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204033">During the event, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini</a> also presented his designs for the Neom complex in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest real estate projects under way in the world. The Sindalah Island resort in the Red Sea will be the first of 10 regions completed as part of the mega-development and includes a superyacht marina, yacht club, nine-hole golf course and Michelin-starred restaurants, along with high-end hotels, villas and apartments. Set to open in 2024, the project has been described as the “future of luxury travel.”

Interior renderings of Heesen superyacht Project Venus unveiled

Heesen Yachts and Luca Dini Design & Architecture have released new interior renders of the 55m superyacht Project Venus.

Project Venus: new design details unveiled by Luca Dini and Heesen Yachts

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272646/image/large-3f5e53458913896fa7923b32c48db108.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272646">Currently anchored off Antibes on the French Riviera, is the 80-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/98" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aalto80.0m (262'6&quot;)Oceanco2007">Aalto</a>. Delivered as Amevi, by the Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> in 2007, she features sweeping lines and a cutting exterior from the boards of Italian design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/19" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Pinto (Company)">Alberto Pinto</a>. Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/98" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aalto80.0m (262'6&quot;)Oceanco2007">Aalto</a> has an interior volume of 2,310 GT and can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight staterooms, including a master suite, three double VIPs, two double guest staterooms and two twin guest staterooms. Performance-wise, she is powered by twin&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> diesel engines of 4,651 horsepower each, allowing her to reach a top speed of 18.5 knots, and cover a transatlantic range of 5,500 nautical miles.

Oceanco superyacht Aalto in Antibes

The 80m superyacht Aalto, built by Oceanco, is seen here anchored in Antibes.

The 26.81-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13021" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confidential26.81m (87'12&quot;)Sirena Yachts2022">Confidential</a> sold in a deal with Jeff Brown of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jeff Brown Yachts (Company)">Jeff Brown Yachts</a> introducing the buyer and Justin Goins of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6348" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts360 (Company)">Yachts360</a> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272573/image/large-bcaae853b5b91c04724998acffa05791.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272573">Delivered in 2022 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena</a> 88 RPH series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13021" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confidential26.81m (87'12&quot;)Sirena Yachts2022">Confidential</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/43" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cor D. Rover Design (Company)">Cor D. Rover Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>. The 125GT carbon yacht also boasts interior design by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272571/image/large-f8a1b3d1722f1d5ab20756c0875d5614.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272571"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272572/image/large-c2f5590e9dcbe9cd249fab6accf00936.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272572"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272574/image/large-53475077e035afc578376bb60a1662b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272574"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13021" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confidential26.81m (87'12&quot;)Sirena Yachts2022">Confidential</a> can comfortably sleep up to 10 guests across a five stateroom layout, as well as a crew of four across two cabins.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272569/image/large-68c11d4896cef2da3b602227db3af018.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272569"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272563/image/large-d1b2c5b63a5b7732fd0927e2d7fd5b6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272563"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272559/image/large-e8879c847854cc94127d98bee8870bd5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272559">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13021" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confidential26.81m (87'12&quot;)Sirena Yachts2022">Confidential</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines which provide her with a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13021" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confidential26.81m (87'12&quot;)Sirena Yachts2022">Confidential</a> had a last known asking price of $9,900,000.

27m Sirena yacht Confidential sold

The 27m Sirena motor yacht Confidential sold with a last known asking price of $9,900,000.

27m Sirena motor yacht Confidential sold

The 35.36-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/613" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lazzara Yachts (Company)">Lazzara Yachts</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2397" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QTR35.36m (116'0&quot;)Lazzara Yachts2009">QTR</a>, previously called Money For Nothing, has entered the market. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/qtr/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht QTR&nbsp;for sale</a> features exterior design, as well as naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/613" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lazzara Yachts (Company)">Lazzara Yachts.</a>&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272509/image/large-138554948860c7db6fec0a203534102c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272509">She has recently undergone a refit in 2022, with many upgrades including new soft goods, new carpets, exterior soft goods, a new Garmin Navionics suite and an additional stateroom. The 215 GT LMY 116 series yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2397" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QTR35.36m (116'0&quot;)Lazzara Yachts2009">QTR&nbsp;</a>has a grp hull and grp superstructure.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> can accommodate up to 10 guests between her five staterooms, as well as three crew members, including the captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2397" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QTR35.36m (116'0&quot;)Lazzara Yachts2009">QTR&nbsp;</a>in two cabins. Key features of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> include her full-beam owners' stateroom situated amidships with a large walk-in wardrobe. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272511/image/large-80359943dc1b768ada4785c85eb43f6d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272511"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272512/image/large-587198ffe07282888ce81e4193b87a8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272512"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272510/image/large-59e67a3b33ebba8c0b385dc7dcb99ba2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272510">Aft of the master stateroom are her his-and-hers" bathrooms, with a centreline shared shower and Jacuzzi tub. &nbsp;Entering from the aft deck, the saloon is open to a formal dining area.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272514/image/large-2c7b8ed69d4eb06e95f6bd8dc2bab186.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272514">Additional key features consist of the large bow which provides guests with ample sunbathing space and unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Moreover, the expansive aft of the yacht provides additional space for socialising and entertainment. Guests can gather, share stories, enjoy cocktails, or even dine alfresco while being surrounded by the water and scenic views.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272513/image/large-84a920f8016fbe0c6b1d4da4bb1727b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272513"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272515/image/large-92fb82dc90d6c05d4992b740c70c1ed7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272515">The<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/lazzara/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">&nbsp;Lazzara yacht for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU&nbsp;</a>engines, which give her a cruising speed of 20 knots and a top speed of 26 knots. The yacht carries 16,275 litres of fuel onboard, and 2,271 litres of water.

35m Lazzara motor yacht QTR for sale 

New to the market: motor yacht QTR for sale. She is a 35m Lazzara yacht built in 2009. 