2016 was the year that marked the first net profit for Ferretti Group since 2008, but 2017 saw it break into double figures with a PAT (Profit After Tax) of €24 million. This growth of 71% on the previous year represents a consolidated production value equal to €623 million, up 10.8% on 2016. The Group’s total assets stand at €971 million.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32029/image/large-5a6c44fcafb47e6cf3d852d5913b7a83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32029"> The news was announced by Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group CEO (read our recent interview <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/47957" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galassi: the man at the helm of The Ferretti Group (2017-12-21 09:57:00 +0100)">here</a>), in Milan at Garage Italia, the auto- and Riva-themed venue founded by Lapo Elkann, grandson of Gianni Agnelli. Also present at the event was Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo Ferrari, vice chairman of the Ferrari automotive company, and Galassi’s father-in-law.&nbsp;A member of the Ferretti Board of Directors, Piero Ferrari acquired a 13.2% stake in the Group in 2016 and presides over the Product Development Committee responsible for the research, development and implementation of new products throughout the Group’s brands. He is also the owner of the 50-metre Riva superyacht currently in build in Ancona.Galassi put the double-digit growth in a single-digit market down to the decision of the shareholders to reinvest heavily in Research &amp; Development of new models: 30 have been added to the Riva, Custom Line, Pershing and Ferretti Yachts ranges between 2015-2018 at an investment cost of €91 million. Next year alone will see the addition of 8 new models, including the 40-knot, all-aluminium Pershing X Generation 140.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32028/image/large-6efc61de5a838317534077deadc9e882.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32028">“The brilliant results we have presented today are largely generated by the success of the new series models, presented in the four-year period 2015-2018,” said Galassi. “These products have been very successful on the international markets and accounted for about 68% of the total sales value last year.”In terms of core markets, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) represents the lion’s share of the Group’s sales activity (57%), followed by the Americas (27%) and the Asia-Pacific region (16%).&nbsp;The outlook for 2018 foresees a further increase in production value to €704 million and more recruitment across the Group’s six shipyards. Total investments are also forecast to grow from €48 million in 2017 to €56 million next year, with almost equal investment in product development and industrial capacity.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32027/image/large-e975a08f06550d8658dd345275edf0c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32027">The growth in production has put the Group’s existing yards under increasing pressure and Galassi reiterated that they are looking for new premises, possibly in Liguria. Whether this will be an existing yard or a purpose-built facility is not yet known.&nbsp;

Alberto Galassi at the Ferretti Group Press Conference in Milan

original

small

medium

large

extra_large

Double-figure profit for Ferretti Group in 2017

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.

home-htbi#1

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

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. 

35m Lazzara motor yacht QTR on the market

The 38.5-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/2230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss Easy38.5m (126'4&quot;)Sanlorenzo2009">Bliss Easy</a> sold in a deal with Dimitris Kyriazakos of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EKKA Yachts (Company)">EKKA Yachts</a> introducing the buyer and Gregory Gheraïa of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4568" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Orange Yachts (Company)">Black Orange Yachts</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20113/image/large-e924b668420d455ff9b516be8d459414.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20113">Delivered in 2009 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Alloy 40 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss Easy38.5m (126'4&quot;)Sanlorenzo2009">Bliss Easy</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</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>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20123/image/large-8b0246f44636ddc7abd3a5b5e15432cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20123"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss Easy38.5m (126'4&quot;)Sanlorenzo2009">Bliss Easy</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests across five staterooms consisting of a master suite, VIP, double and two twins. She also boasts four breathtaking balconies which fold out from the main saloon and the owners’ stateroom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20114/image/large-3bb07a33b381a758ea4de1e43f41f1c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20114">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss Easy38.5m (126'4&quot;)Sanlorenzo2009">Bliss Easy</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 provide her with a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss Easy38.5m (126'4&quot;)Sanlorenzo2009">Bliss Easy</a> had a last known asking price of €6,900,000.

Sanlorenzo motor yacht Bliss Easy sold

The 39m Sanlorenzo motor yacht Bliss Easy sold with a last known asking price of €6,900,000.

39m Sanlorenzo motor yacht Bliss Easy sold

The 59-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">&nbsp;Metalships&nbsp;</a>motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe&nbsp;</a>has joined the market. Delivered in 2017, the motor yacht at the time was the largest ever to have been designed and built in Spain. She poses a rare opportunity to purchase a yacht in impeccable condition, having never cruised with an owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272614/image/large-8db779277f91582a621825384f7d3e82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272614">The high-volume <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1874" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acubens (Company)">Acubens Naval Architects’</a> drawing boards and features a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcello Penna (Company)">Marcelo Pena Yacht Design</a> interior. The 1,043 GT <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale&nbsp;</a>was built for long passages complete with exceptional onboard storage solutions and a trans-Pacific which is also one of her defining characteristics.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272598/image/large-7e1bd9bd32b83931406d9f4614da104e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272598"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across six opulent guest suites. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a> features a full beam owner’s suite located on the main deck, with a private study, walk-in wardrobe, and his-and-hers bathrooms. Natural light pours through the windows, creating a haven for relaxation. The guest suites - an upper deck VIP, two double and two twin staterooms on the lower deck, are a luxurious oasis of comfort. The neutral panelling and soft furnishings paired with the dark wooden furniture and colourful accents create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272613/image/large-1742319036c5b435a9384e1a72167c13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272613"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/85543/image/large-c3da9d842ed292d372d3148280eadc1c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/85543"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a> offers impressive living spaces, with a full beam sky lounge on the upper deck and a spacious main saloon leading to the interior dining table. A highlight of the superyacht is herglass elevator which enables a seamless transition from the lower guest cabins all the way to the sun deck, allowing guests to arrive in style with sweeping vistas. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272619/image/large-4727695bf79e0f1eb03d73fae79e421c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272619">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/maybe/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Maybe for sale</a> has an exterior dining table on the upper deck that can extend to seat 16 guests. The stylish beach club has a bar, a relaxed seating zone as well as a Jacuzzi, perfect for reclining by the water with an unparalleled view.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272610/image/large-11bd1f7481559f8dc82064213870edee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272610"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272604/image/large-562b77674b4a608d7c1440baa15962d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272604">Other key features on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a> include a helideck and an aft beachclub adjacent to the swim area. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272616/image/large-4d02988bb40a3093e5f7d97d21b314f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272616">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships</a> yacht for sale has a 6,500 nautical mile cruising range, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a> presents a multitude of possibilities for global cruising. She has been maintained to the highest standard with each of her twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> engines which enable her to have a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 15 knots. Moreover, she counts fewer than 1,800 hours of running time.

59m Metalships motor yacht Maybe for sale

Metalships motor yacht Maybe has joined the market having never been cruised by her owner. 


59m Metalships motor yacht Maybe is for sale having never been cruised by her owner 

The 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> is set to sell at auction with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6884" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Boathouse Auctions (Company)">Boathouse Auctions</a>. The sale will take place on 22 June 2023, following a $700,000 price reduction. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230237/image/large-0ea4bbd40814510e54b96da1f99705d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230237"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> will sell without a reserve price to the highest bidder with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> acting as the listing agent. Launched in 1992 from the United States, she has been continuously updated since her delivery, including a reconfiguration in 2021.Her extensive $4 million refit included an aft deck stairway installed, as well as a new radar arch, mast and hardtop. Her reconfiguration also saw not one, but two Jacuzzis added to the exterior of the motor yacht for sale.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230236/image/large-fbed19940220a3b1c53bcb922b3ac37a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230236"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230238/image/large-e7c307ba3acc67ad596c4c6f2e1ea700.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230238"><a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/a-place-in-the-sun" target="_blank">A Place In The Sun</a> has a light and airy saloon with ample seating for guests and a new bar. She also has an open plan design that allows for a U-shaped dining area for guests to enjoy in the same room.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230224/image/large-7a05ba1118ee6302de95e9421375c452.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230224"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230232/image/large-2a7f523e44feabc151e9cd24014e9591.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230232"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230228/image/large-17bc453b535d53d2e9a333d8200e1594.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230228"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230226/image/large-c327a1be0ced047226de48f980e8ebfe.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230226"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230222/image/large-611b6a8ff407e285a76070b1da885fdb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230222">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/broward/for-sale" target="_blank">Broward yacht for sale</a> is able to accommodate up to 13 guests across five well-appointed staterooms including two master staterooms, one VIP stateroom, one twin stateroom with pullman and one bunked stateroom with four single berths. She is also capable of carrying a crew of five onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230242/image/large-63b2ff2ddd13b7bd1214bad71ff5a01d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230242">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> features a functional, but spacious layout, allowing for open and private areas throughout the yacht. Her flybridge offers guests the choice of two Jacuzzis with a full bar for entertaining.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230230/image/large-d2b40e66706fc6aba708a47a069ac551.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230230">Performance-wise, <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/a-place-in-the-sun" target="_blank">A Place In The Sun</a> is equipped with twin <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/detroit-diesel" target="_blank">Detroit Diesel</a> engines that provide her with a top speed of 18 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 15 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230234/image/large-a9c2546e4822d1d48b08b35310033208.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230234">

Broward yacht A Place In The Sun to be sold at auction

The 30m Broward motor yacht A Place In The Sun is set to sell at auction with Boathouse Auctions.

30m Broward motor yacht A Place In The Sun to be sold at auction

The 32.2-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/sanlorenzo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Sanlorenzo</a> SL106A yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QII32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2022">QII</a> previously known as <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/qii" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Montaña</a>, sold in an in-house deal with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY Yacht Sales</a> brokers Alejandro Javier Navarro, representing the buyer, and Simon Graham representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243832/image/large-fbb475c60232d1c3c0f782f47d690f89.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243832"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241631/image/large-c8c07bd7d825cb01ecf444404f4cb177.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241631">The flybridge yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QII32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2022">QII</a> was delivered in 2022 from Italy as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QII32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2022">Sanlorenzo</a> SL106 Asymmetric series and sports an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a>. The 189 GT motor yacht can accommodate as many as 10 guests across her five staterooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219121/image/large-e84601a36b2c37f8c5cca94739d5720b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219121"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219122/image/large-529fbc8159a641bcba5ffb54c414ffae.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219122"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243833/image/large-b49ba8bafc2f325e4061b7614db9a9ef.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243833"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QII32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2022">QII</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU&nbsp;</a>16V 2000 M96 Diesel engines that provide her with a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 24 knots. At the time of her sale, the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="QII32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2022">QII</a> had a last known asking price of $10,899,000. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243873/image/large-988a1ddedef95b0e47f7b43d77bce3e2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243873">

32m Sanlorenzo motor yacht QII sold

France-based builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> has announced that the fourth hull in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> Commuter 108 yacht series is nearing completion. The 32.7-metre motor yacht has entered the final stages of construction in Les Sables-d’Olonne. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272520/image/large-55ac3301d4b174db658fc91eecb2b58e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272520">The hull of the custom-made project was built in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a>’s aluminium workshop in Fontenay-le-Comte, before being transferred in May 2022. Her superstructure was simultaneously built and installed in September, and her final silhouette was completed in November.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55655" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea transports hull of 33m Ocea Commuter 108 New to outfitting facilities (2022-07-28 12:30:00 +0200)">Ocea transports hull of 33m Ocea Commuter 108 New to outfitting facilities<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272525/image/large-538be643638ca150dad18882edd1cb57.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272525"></a>The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> Commuter 108 yacht saw the installation of twin engines and generators, with a number of operations relating to her pipework and electrical systems also completed. The yacht is now ready for her coating phase, with plastic film surrounding her in preparation for this process.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272523/image/large-9c65898f68b90cca790f81c7dc88a579.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272523">The hull is coated with several layers of resin to smooth out any rough patches, and the layers are smoothed with large rulers, and sanded down to thin layers to obtain a flat surface. The temperature is rigorously controlled for the resin to set, and her plastic film is filled with heated air to aid the process. After this is complete, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> Commuter 108 yacht will be sprayed with a final layer of lacquer in the colour chosen by the owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272524/image/large-9c4746fe0de35443d2761b14c1722987.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272524">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> Commuter 108 New features an interior and exterior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pierre Frutschi Concept & Design Naval (Company)">Pierre Frutschi Concept &amp; Design Naval</a>, and naval architecture drawn by her builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a>. The motor yacht promises 190 GT of interior volume with and will be fitted with four staterooms, providing accommodation for up to eight guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272521/image/large-edfdbc9cb92133ed79eb586165efb42b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272521">In order to reduce her carbon footprint, ISO Tier III standard engines have been installed to reduce emissions. The yacht is also fitted with the latest generation of batteries and solar panels with optimised energy management.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272522/image/large-98090919c0ea173a4d998f1397732f96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272522">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> Commuter 108 yacht is due to launch in the next weeks where she will then complete her sea trials. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocea (Company)">OCEA</a> shipyard will then free up space and create a slot for the construction of a yacht of a similar size which would be delivered in 2025.

Fourth OCEA Commuter 108 yacht nears completion

OCEA has announced that the fourth hull in the OCEA Commuter 108 yacht series is nearing completion.

home-featured-topleft#0

Fourth 33m OCEA Commuter 108 yacht nears completion

The Italy-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> has released new images of the 88-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a>, following her extensive refit. The iconic sailing yacht underwent a major and innovative refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> performed at the Livorno yard and was relaunched in April 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272553/image/large-d314dfaca42d204550922ddc821cf509.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272553">Commissioned by Tom Perkins and built in 2006 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> has retained her revolutionary status as one of the largest sailing yachts in the world. She features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ken Freivokh Design (Company)">Ken Freivokh</a>, with her refit taking more than six months to be completed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272542/image/large-c802e889a0badd86246f55b9bb00cbe0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272542"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272548/image/large-9ad8763ffa2fafc2e9f70a24a72022cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272548">The technical team of experts at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> were able to make the owner’s needs a reality by providing support for a series of aesthetic and functional improvements. One of the largest and most challenging jobs the team faced was repainting her entire hull in the distinctive ‘<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini</a> Blue.’Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57492" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="88m Perini Navi superyacht Maltese Falcon re-launched following refit (2023-04-28 16:00:00 +0200)">88m Perini Navi superyacht Maltese Falcon re-launched following refit<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272539/image/large-29ec0d4d81e0860d40de8a0ccdcdd0c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272539"></a>The work took place on the Livorno yard’s floating dock, with a special system designed and built to accommodate the yacht’s six-metre draught. The work centred around sustainability which led to the replacement of her generators with more efficient models that have a lower fuel consumption.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272550/image/large-4ea24c385d484d1a69789c4b1f4d07e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272550">“It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock,” commented Gianni Paladino, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> Commercial Director. “We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272545/image/large-c522212b9b0f781395b30d76ff559747.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272545"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272544/image/large-132ad960e42b9a75d0ba30f4d2c2f72e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272544">The main engine mufflers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> were also changed to provide significant benefits to the environment and considerable noise reductions. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a>’s propellers were thoroughly checked, and the shafts, blades and bearings were disassembled and serviced to ensure efficiency in the years to come and to optimise fuel consumption.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272540/image/large-f50ae6bd879c381d01b3db2bff696427.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272540">The distinctive sailing rig of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> underwent extensive work during the refit and required specialist attention for cleaning. Produced by UK-based Insensys, the system is based on three rotating carbon fibre masts capable of deploying up to 2,396 square-metres of sail. This surface area translates into a top speed of 25 knots with a displacement of 1,240 tonnes. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272537/image/large-341b91a034331eae37809f0efdd7d695.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272537"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272538/image/large-fbd2fc1012a69dea87b960f943f645db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272538">The teak deck of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> was also replaced and the interiors refurbished to offer guests an even more welcoming, elegant and comfortable night area, plus a fully appointed galley. The work commissioned also included routine maintenance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272535/image/large-6717fb8e17f2cf10c49b275bb47d25b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272535"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272541/image/large-81c0e4b24f33ea74da2c6876d4f08443.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272541"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272536/image/large-ae1f5fd33237b177737c568c13aa0ad2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272536">“It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>’s team. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> can now return to the sea in all her splendour, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences,” concluded Pierfrancesco Cafaro, captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272554/image/large-757c00f1d4ff1d027fc06b35f28d2feb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272554">

88m Perini Navi yacht Maltese Falcon following her extensive refit

New images of the 88m Perini Navi superyacht Maltese Falcon have been released following her extensive refit at Lusben. 

New images of 88m Perini Navi superyacht Maltese Falcon following her extensive refit

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272518/image/large-67d9824ba6a652e047bfd00fa6d6995b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272518">Currently docked in the port city of Portsmouth on England’s south coast is the 54-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Revelry54.3m (178'2&quot;)Amels2012">Revelry</a>. Previously named 4You, she was launched in 2012 as the second hull in Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> successful Limited Editions 180 series. Extensively refitted in 2019, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Revelry54.3m (178'2&quot;)Amels2012">Revelry</a> received further upgrades in 2020. She features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood</a> and a modern and refined interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/88" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Laura Sessa (Company)">Laura Sessa</a>. Across her six staterooms including a full-beam master suite located on the main deck, two double, a twin, and two convertibles, she can accommodate up to 12 guests. The 642 GT superyacht hosts large exterior deck spaces and an outdoor Jacuzzi, among other features. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Revelry54.3m (178'2&quot;)Amels2012">Revelry</a> sports twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 12V 2000 M70 diesel engines that allow her to cruise comfortably at 13 knots and reach speeds of up to 15.5 knots.

54m superyacht Revelry in Portsmouth

The 54m superyacht Revelry, built by Amels, is seen here docked in Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

Over the past few years, the Ferretti Group has undergone a complete structural overhaul. One of the most important Groups in the superyacht industry, amongst the most significant changes occurred first in 2012, when the Chinese manufacturing company, the Weichai Group, acquired the Italian business. This was followed by a series of new appointments at the top, including that of Alberto Galassi, a man who, up until the announcement of his new position as CEO of the Ferretti Group in mid-2014, had only enjoyed the pure pleasure of superyachting as an owner himself.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19152/image/large-4fe732ad75d7f7922dcd88ea74ca5f2e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19152"> Two years down the line, and Galassi and his team have continuously taken the Ferretti Group from strength to strength, heavily investing in research and development and ensuring that all the brands under the Ferretti Group’s umbrella (Pershing, Ferretti Yachts, Itama, Riva, Mochi Craft, Custom Line and CRN), are absolutely synonymous with the Made in Italy taste and style at the brand’s core. We met with Galassi on board CRN’s most impressive superyacht to date, the brand new 74-metre Cloud 9, who shared a candid insight into the life of the man at the helm.&nbsp;Although you had never worked within the superyacht business before joining the Ferretti Group, you bring a wealth of experience to the company as an owner yourself. What does this bring to your role?I bring a different perspective to the Ferretti Group - the owner’s perspective. I know the significance of aspects of the business such as customer satisfaction, quality, service and aftersales, and what effect these aspects can have on a client’s experience. From my owner’s perspective, I also know that I truly hated it when shipyards lied to me on the delivery dates, for example. Now, in my position, I prioritise facing reality and presenting that reality to the client.&nbsp;Is an honest approach a unique thing in this business?No… I’m just saying that you need to be honest, and if something goes wrong, you need to put your hands up and say, “We’ve made a mistake.” You should not hide it. If you put yourselves in the client’s shoes, you can see that what is a small delay for you as a shipbuilder may be 50% of the cruising season for the client. That needs to be addressed and the frustration needs to be solved. This philosophy really drives the Ferretti Group today.&nbsp;You took delivery of the first Navetta 33 this summer, again wearing both the owner and the shipyard hat. How does that influence your experience as an owner?Well, the bad news for me is that even though I took delivery of my new yacht, my role at the Ferretti Group means that I have very little time to spend on board. The good news? My family has the time! But it does change my experience as the owner. I spent 10 days on board the&nbsp;Navetta 33&nbsp;this summer - I was the chief test pilot. I wanted to make sure the yacht was right when we launched the model into the market and took her to Cannes. She is certainly right and a great success, but it was not a holiday. It was focusing on the details, discussing what is going to be better on the second hull, the third hull - it’s a constant improvement, but I really enjoy it.&nbsp;Piero Ferrari is the father of your wife, Antonella Ferrari, as well as on the board of Directors at the Ferretti Group, holding shares of around 13% of the company. Can you tell us about the involvement of Mr Ferrari in the Ferretti Group?I’ve known Piero Ferrari since 1984 and forget about the personal relationship I have with him - he is a fantastically talented man. He’s been driving a lot of the new Ferrari designs over the past 20 years and has this optical advantage of seeing something in the style or the design that no one else can spot. In terms of the Ferretti Group’s style, a lot of our style comes from him. The lines are very clean in the new Ferretti Group, and more balanced. He gave us some important credibility at the beginning of this venture when he joined as a shareholder. Now the turnaround is finished, the Group is once again profitable and going from strength to strength.&nbsp;How involved is Mr Ferrari in the design process at the Ferretti Group?He can be very involved - and he certainly challenges the team! For example, he will call at midnight and say, "Alberto. I thought about that design. We need to change it." Half asleep, I say, "What? It’s too late to change!’" He says, "No, no. Think about it, sleep well, talk to me tomorrow.” So I go to sleep, I talk to the team the next day, they say it’s impossible, we call the designer, he says it’s impossible. At the end of this process, we all realise - Mr Ferrari was right. And we do the impossible and implement his advice into the design. The designers listen to him; they respect him. They know that he’s not just an egomaniac who wants to give his advice because he is Vice Chairman and a shareholder.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19156/image/large-19762e851b304b93dd51361266c916af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19156"> The&nbsp;Riva CorsaroWith Mr Ferrari on the board of Directors, can we expect a deeper involvement with any of the Ferretti Group brands and Ferrari?&nbsp;None of us is pushing to do something that doesn’t make perfect sense. So, will there ever be anything more than what is right now between Ferrari and the Ferretti Group? Probably, but when the right time comes. From a marketing perspective, we are already strictly connected with the Scuderia Ferrari, having the Riva brand proudly displayed on both Ferrari drivers’ helmets. Riva is proud to be one of the Scuderia Ferrari official sponsors. This union perfectly represents the style and high technology made in Italy around the world, both on the racing circuit and on the sea.When you were announced as the new CEO, the Ferretti Group announced this move as part of securing the brand in international markets as true ambassadors of Made in Italy. What does Made in Italy mean to you?Thinking Italian… manufacturing with passion, artisan craftsmanship, taste and beauty. We are not perfect, and we can make mistakes in Italy as everyone knows, but we always try our very best, putting our hearts and souls into everything we do. We do not compromise on taste, we do not compromise on feeling, perception, quality. We are definitely not famous for being perfect, but we’re certainly famous for being beautiful.&nbsp;The Weichai Group are the majority shareholders of the Ferretti Group. Can you tell us more about their involvement?Weichai gave the Ferretti Group credibility when we did not have it. They gave us financial resources, and they gave us time. If I have to judge Weichai as a shareholder, they are unbelievable. They patiently waited for the turnaround to happen - they are not speculators, they are industrialists. They have pushed me to invest in R&amp;D and we now spend €30 million every year on R&amp;D - a big number in this business.&nbsp;Aside from financial investment, does having an Asian shareholder hold any weight when it comes to expanding into the Asian market?Weichai has 70 years of history, so when people ask why these Italians are trying to sell this boat in China? Well, they have Weichai backing them. It really helped a lot with Asian sales. The Ferretti Group is divided into three sections: 53% is Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 28% is the Americas, and 19% is Asia. In Asia, we are growing, but you have to remember that there is a yachting tradition in Europe and the Middle East. We have the infrastructure and we have the culture - this will not happen in Asia. But even if they represent 10 - 20% of a Group which has revenues of €600 million, then that’s significant.Bringing it back to where we are right now, on board CRN’s brand new Cloud 9, you have previously stated that the construction of this yacht was a ‘new and exciting challenge’. What were the main challenges?&nbsp;Oh, I can tell you! I started in May 2014, and within three days I signed this deal with the owner. So it was really, fasten your seatbelt and have a good ride! The lucky news for me is that the CRN team are just fantastic. They’re great people - it’s no coincidence that they are quickly becoming the most important brand within the Ferretti Group.&nbsp;I truly think Cloud 9 is the best CRN so far - by far. The quality is fantastic, and the feedback from the owner as well as the competition is great. The owner was very involved with the project and was a particularly demanding client. He was supposed to be on board one week when she was delivered - it turned into three months. She’s practically his home now! <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19178/image/large-c9a5467e003a8aa5e7497d55e6c4d302.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19178">CRN's&nbsp;Cloud 9Taking it to the future of the superyacht business, more and more companies are developing smart digital strategies to promote themselves and the wider industry. What’s your stance on developing into the digital world?I’ll be honest. When I started at the Ferretti Group, I did not believe in digital growth. I did not believe that this business could benefit from digital growth, and I did not think that the clients of the superyacht industry were interested in these new ways of communication. Let me tell you - I was wrong. Damn wrong. The Ferretti Group have over 100,000 followers on Instagram. We sold a boat to a guy who saw the yacht on Instagram. When someone told me this, I looked at them and said, ‘You’re kidding me, right?’ He wasn’t kidding.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19179/image/large-6e201986b083d179bb90a5b089093b36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19179"> The&nbsp;Navetta 33For those that argue that this is a one-off sale and that the vast majority of current and potential clients do not desire a superyacht presence in the digital world, what would you say?Digital growth will help us as a business to communicate a message that many people see as just for the very few at the top. We should not be snobbish here, we should be realistic. Of course, we know that only a few people in the world can afford a yacht, but should we stop thousands of people from dreaming and aspiring? Ferrari is a good example. Not many people can afford a Ferrari, but the fan base of Ferrari is incredible. How many people have a Ferrari as a screensaver, for example? Yachting should be the same.&nbsp;We should be more in touch with the real world, and the real world is made up of millions of people who should see this business, not as a snobbish elite, but a sophisticated industry that is constructing beauty, building dreams, with a lot of work and sacrifice. Even me personally, I will never be able to afford a 74-metre CRN new build, but I sure as hell can have it as the wallpaper on my phone. We will also stop the prejudice against this business - which we definitely face, and even from governments at times. It’s a serious business that helps economies. The bigger the fan base, the better for everyone.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://sydis.superyachtcompany.com/uploads/store/photo/13976/image/small-1993ae9045cb1ada2088f1b2aade6cd9.jpg" alt="Small"></a>This article was featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue!&nbsp;