Today (8 March 2023) marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality in all industries.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227489/image/large-17c5e1deaf6f19225da98b84465e4c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227489">A 2021 report conducted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> into diversity within the yachting industry found that of 1,800 crew members employed by contributing management companies, only 28.7 percent of them were women. Even more shocking is that only 1.9 percent of these female crew members were captains.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting (2022-05-18 15:45:00 +0200)">International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260776/image/large-54de2a551f40fdfba32775b819bcfdd2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260776"></a>Across the industry there are women thriving on the challenge of changing these statistics. One of those is world-renowned captain and star of Bravo TV’s reality hit show Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy Yawn. “Looking back, I was never offered any career advice, I actually answered an advertisement in the newspaper under the jobs section. I didn't even know that there was a maritime school for people like me who did not graduate high school, until I heard about Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale.”&nbsp;Over the years, Captain Sandy Yawn has worked hard to prove her worth in a male-dominated industry. “In the past I was turned down for a new-build because the owner was from another country and didn't think a woman could be in command. That one made me laugh out loud! I would love to see more women take the helm and show the world that we are capable of taking command.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260781/image/large-a78356721ca8e8be38b32146d70c8cfe.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260781">Captain Sandy Yawn has built a name for herself and is well-known in both the maritime industry and from the American reality television series, Below Deck Mediterranean. The Below Deck franchise has grown in popularity and is currently on season seven, with Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm of the 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Home49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2017">Home</a> in the pristine waters of Malta.The show continues to highlight the job roles for women in the industry and is finding new ways to inspire them to want to learn more. “They are reaching millions of people and I am so happy to be on the show,” commented Captain Sandy Yawn. “It shows little girls and women all over the country and the world that they can have a life at sea!”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting (2018-03-08 14:30:00 +0100)">International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260762/image/large-443c3e685ed41251fb4979bd56bfdf5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260762"></a><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> Sales Broker, Annie Avery took up sailing from a young age with her family and brother-in-law Fred. “After a year of private sailboat cruising with my family in the Caribbean I decided I wanted to be a captain to really learn about responsibility,” reminisced Annie Avery. “I confided in Fred that I was uneasy about putting myself out there as a captain as I was worried about the machinery on a charter boat. He put his arm around me, swooped his other across the harbour in St. Thomas and said, ‘Annie, do you think all those guys on that boat went to Detroit Diesel School? No, I said. ‘That’s right and you’re going to learn just like they did,’ he reassured me.”Annie eventually traded her sea legs to become one of a handful of female yacht sales brokers in the world working with powerhouse Northrop &amp; Johnson. “As a yacht broker, my experience as a yacht captain prior gave me a good foundation for knowing the product I was selling and I have had wonderful advisors and cheerleaders along the way– which have been mostly men!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219126/image/large-206b550a22422538d353d3e1d1b64044.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219126">Over the years, Annie has seen the industry start to evolve with more women involved. “Progress is definitely being made, more women are now brokers, naval architects, captains, and managers than when I first started,” explained Annie Avery.“The first company that did hire me confided one of the reasons they did, was because they passed over a woman, one of the very first, who became a very successful yacht broker. I have also been in situations where assumptions were made about me as a woman. I considered it a good opportunity to intentionally stand in my own authentic power. I always remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote: “Nobody can make you feel inferior except by your own consent.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019 (2019-03-08 10:30:00 +0100)">Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260758/image/large-d114845098d9a706f89986d98c42100b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260758">The yachting industry is constantly changing with more women stepping up to the plate to take on managerial positions. One of those is Giovanna Vitelli, former Vice President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a> who was recently appointed Chairwoman of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/azimut-benetti-group" target="_blank">Group</a>.Commenting on the appointment, Giovanna Vitelli said, “I would like to thank my father infinitely for his trust and the teachings of a lifetime, as well as all the people who have made and will continue to make the history of our Group”. &nbsp;The shipyard stated, “The path forward of continuity in the family, strongly desired by the founder Paolo Vitelli, guarantees the stability necessary to seize all the opportunities of the future.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57093" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group (2023-03-07 15:15:00 +0100)">Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260756/image/large-7a29c7bb12f0ed57baa2fd9404a7187a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260756">Based in Fort-Lauderdale, Florida, interior designer Destry Darr Pethtel of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Destry Darr Designs (Company)">Destry Darr Designs</a> draws on her family legacy to provide a comprehensive menu of yacht interior design services. “I always had an artistic and creative eye but was also very analytical as a child,” commented Destry Darr Pethtel. “In school, I was always drawing – anything from Barbie dolls, to crazy hybrid fantasy creatures, to stylised renditions of yacht exteriors and very technical drawings of lighthouses and building facades. At a very young age, I thought I wanted to be an architect.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260775/image/large-7170215367ea40988422bb9882dee971.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260775">Prior to founding her firm in April 2004, Destry refined her skills as an interior designer for several world class, well-known yacht interior design firms. “LIke so many women, I juggled the responsibilities of raising a family and growing a business at the same time, but I have been blessed with tremendous help and support along the way - from my parents, grandmother and aunt, to my husband, Rodney, who left his own career to join me as our business took off.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260773/image/large-b67a6fdceedb6234a1757379417985d0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260773">“My philosophy is work hard, hone your skills, pursue what you love and figure out how to be the best at it. I’ve always operated with a vision of what I want for my business in the future and have seized the opportunities and taken the risks necessary to achieve these goals,” added Destry Darr Pethtel. “Building a strong reputation through this journey has been instrumental in our success as well. Taking a risk might be scary but it can come with a big payoff.” Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)">Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260760/image/large-b38f4461d79d96020f16ef126adc1226.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260760"></a>Like Destry Darr Pethtel, many women choose to pave their own path in the industry and a great example of that is business owner and Development Consultant of Onboard Monaco, Marcela de Kern Royer. “I faced many hurdles on my journey as I am an immigrant to Europe, so I needed visas and work permits to get started. On top of that English was not my first language so I worked hard as both a woman and a Latina to set up my business.”&nbsp;Monaco-based resident Marcela de Kern Royer combines a passion for yachting with a strong international academic background, along with her past experiences in asset management. She has gained excellent exposure to all facets of the industry, starting as a supplier and having experience in new-build, refit, brokerage, and yacht management.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260761/image/large-822c6f306d21c5327096e1c7bed8f814.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260761">“I was inspired by the role models of my parents as both of them were entrepreneurs and very successful business people. I combined what I love doing, with my inspiration from other powerful women from not just this industry, but all walks of life.”Marcela started in the industry at the age of 18 and has seen a shift in the roles of women since she began. “There are a lot more women in higher positions now than when I first started. I had to work through the career ladder to get to where I am today. Being a woman in this industry turned out to not only be my strength, but my superpower and because of that I am grateful to all my previous bosses, who were men. They all helped me get to the position I am in today, as they believed in me every step of the way.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260783/image/large-000e3ba5928e5d4613b24f1e7ae7ff58.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260783">As an influential person in yachting, Marcela de Kern Royer has created a powerful online community for yacht owners and professionals and operates a very impressive platform, but it has not been without its challenges. “As both a mother and a businesswoman, I have had my fair share of struggles to balance this lifestyle. But it is important to not give up and to remain resilient and persistent in everything you do.”"As Franklin D. Roosevelt said "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor," so cast off the lines and let your adventure begin,” concluded Annie Avery.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women in yachting

Northrop and Johnson Yacht Show

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Women in Yachting

Designer Destry Darr Pethtel of Destry Darr Designs

Giovanna and Paulo Vitelli of Azimut-Benetti Group

Marcela de Kern Royer of Onboard Monaco

Ann Avery, Sales Broker at Northrop & Johnson

Hannah yacht saloon

Hannah yacht stateroom

Captain Sandra 'Sandy' Yawn

Today (8 March 2023) marks International Women’s Day, SYT takes a look at the inspirational women at the helm of change in the yachting industry.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change

Francois Zuretti is one of the elder statesmen of yacht design. In a rare interview opportunity, SuperYacht Times was invited to visit his home and studio in the south of France.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251947/image/large-a36ab6a395be1d60a171671d61215df0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251947">Modest, unassuming and a little shy, Francois Zuretti may be one the most prolific and distinguished names in the world of superyacht design, but he likes to keep a low profile. In fact, our recent video profile of the French interior designer was the first of its kind, period. Not that he is in need of the publicity, having worked with all the top shipyards on some of the largest superyachts afloat.Zuretti began his design career in the mid-‘70s with&nbsp;Triad Condas, a Paris-based company specialising in the interior design of Middle Eastern palaces, which led to him working for the King of Morocco. He set up his own studio in 1987, first in Geneva before moving to Nice to be closer to his yachting clients on the French Riviera. Interestingly, he chose not to relocate to Monaco, not least because he wanted his company to retain its distinctly French identity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207091/image/large-d9a7f07880c0f54ee7b05372ceeb1db7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207091"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/13573/image/large-0c51f21446e9cbaee949065f50e04469.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/13573">Zuretti’s first yacht interior was for Eco (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/901" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeus74.5m (244'5&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1991">Zeus</a>), the iconic 75-metre motor yacht designed by Martin Francis and delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm + Voss</a> in 1991. While Eco was in build, he was also working on 46-metre Shamwari (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mistress46.0m (150'11&quot;)Benetti SpA1991">Mistress</a>), the first project in a string of collaborations with the Italian builder that culminated in 65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ambrosia65.0m (213'3&quot;)Benetti SpA2006">Ambrosia</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>’s first diesel-electric superyacht in 2006.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ambrosia65.0m (213'3&quot;)Benetti SpA2006">Ambrosia</a>’s sumptuous Art Deco interior for a client in Hong Kong may be lavish by today’s standards, but at the time it was considered the height of luxury for its rare and expensive materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Zuretti’s personal tastes could not be more different and are best reflected in his own home, which he designed himself. Decidedly modernist and rational, the stunning building is set into the hills between Cap-d'Ail and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174091/image/large-ad1b7760b6be3a55da0ed04ceb3dfb13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174091">“Tastes have changed over the past 20 years, but the market has changed more,” says Zuretti from a sitting room with stunning views of the coast through floor-to-ceiling windows. “New clients have brought new developments. Before my clients had a stronger relationship with the sea, the boats were smaller and people were closer to the water. Life aboard a 45-metre yacht is centred around the sea, but on a 150-metre superyacht you need other activities like spas and cinemas. We’re working on a project at the moment that has a full-size tennis court, for example. I’m not sure it’s all good for the yachting business, but it has certainly helped to develop new materials and concepts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223388/image/large-074e023730e2605abe0ba60d1240f0b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223388">Zuretti started out with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> but quickly moved on to work with the leading north European shipyards, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lurssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Sadly, most of these yachts are strictly private and the designer is unable to discuss them, but his studio has been involved in multiple projects over 100 metres. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> is a more recent client and Zuretti devised the interior of its 78-metre custom project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Energy77.8m (255'3&quot;)Amels2022">Energy</a> with exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>that left the shipyard last July. The studio describes the project as “the perfect combination of good production processes and bespoke design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174094/image/large-41a16e4a10044301f253ba0c6f1e6eff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174094">Watch:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design (2022-09-12 14:00:00 +0200)">Video: At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design</a>Zuretti is still the creative heart of the company that bears his name, but the daily operations are overseen by his general manager, Sebastien Gey, who is responsible for a 50-strong multinational staff that occupies an entire floor of a stately building in the Belle Epoque style close to the seafront in Nice. A civil architect and designer, but also a naval architect and passionate sailor, it is Sebastien’s job to manage a team that has up to a dozen superyacht and residential projects on the go at any one time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261469/image/large-f07ee8303e98a7c24f4cbff8ad5e5c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261469">“To offer the best quality you need the best team,” says Sebastien. “We have very talented designers, architects and project managers. We create all our own renderings in-house, and we have the best people for that as well. Managing all these people and bringing them together to realise projects for our clients is challenging, but a talent we need to have as a company is to find the right people and build a good team.”The residential and yacht design teams worked in separate offices, but a few years ago it was decided to bring them together to encourage the exchange of skills and ideas (Zuretti explains, only half-jokingly, that the move also avoided petty in-house rivalries as the yacht designers were prone to think of themselves as a cut above their residential design colleagues). Since the beginning, however, the company has remained true to its name and avoided the temptation to expand into designing yacht exteriors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261468/image/large-0a0c6af22bd2981b49240226df114d60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261468">“The temptation is always there, of course,” says Sebastien, “but we are most successful when we work with the best exterior designers. We try to be the best for the interiors, so the combination means we can create the best project for our clients.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261467/image/large-9cc7a2078af026e6b7d4c7378fbbf676.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261467">A custom interior is the result of an owner’s personal taste and the designer’s creative vision, but whatever a client’s preferred style, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a>aims to bring to each project what Sebastien calls ‘veracity’, or a thorough understanding of the chosen style.“We’ve worked on very classic and very contemporary, even minimalist, interior designs,” he says. “In each case, you have to approach the project firstly with passion, but also with knowledge. So we thoroughly study a particular style to capture its reality. Of course, it may have to be adapted to suit the spaces and dimensions, but we’re always looking for veracity – this is very important.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261465/image/large-92fbebb785ce71627038cd6797c9d0b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261465">One of Zuretti’s sons, Matthieu, works in the company as procurement director &amp; quality manager. His job was made especially difficult when Covid precautions made it more difficult to meet in person with suppliers, and the challenges continue post-pandemic at a time when supply chains are so unpredictable.“Two thirds of our meetings need to be face-to-face, because you have to see the materials and see how something works.,” he explains. “Pictures or videos can never give you the same feeling you get by opening the door of a cabinet, when you can feel if it works smoothly or there is something rattling inside. You need to be on site to control the quality.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261466/image/large-92717969b1d93f562038b141e8b30e38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261466">After more than 30 years in the business and now aged 70, Zuretti is looking to take a step back and prepare Matthieu and Sebastien to take over the running of the business – by no means a straightforward task for someone addicted to design that finds it hard to delegate. A new office in Dubai has been tasked with developing the Middle Eastern market and the firm is growing its superyacht clientele in the Americas. Having designed so many custom furniture pieces over the years, the studio is also pondering its own branded line of high-end furniture. &nbsp;“I have so many stamps in my passport from around the world, but each of those represent a day or two spent with a client,” he says. “I was always too busy to explore the countries I’ve been to, so now I’d like to enjoy life a little more. I think I still have a lot to offer my team, but I have to learn to leave them alone to create the Zuretti of tomorrow. I’m already surprised sometimes at what a great job they do without me!”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 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>.

Interview with Francois Zuretti

In a rare interview opportunity, SYT was invited to visit his home and studio in the south of France.

At the studio with Francois Zuretti of Zuretti Interior Design

Valentina Zannier has spent the last 21 years at the Italian design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, working her way up from junior assistant to her current position as Chief Interior Designer. Today Valentina works on some of the most coveted superyachts in the world – we met during 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> where the recently delivered 115-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> was demonstrating to the world exactly what the designer has to offer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260405/image/large-656894b2bf2925e80648de81532b4bdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260405">Having originally studied architecture at the Università Iuav di Venezia, her flair for interior design may be something of a surprise, but Valentina explains that art and design was always her passion. However, at 18 she followed her parents advice, shying away from art school at the last minute to take on a ‘more serious’ path through academia. Six years into a role at an architectural firm, one or her colleagues mentioned that their neighbour (a designer) was looking for someone who was talented at sketching by hand. The design studio turned out to be <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, and despite never having seen a superyacht, and suffering from interminable seasickness, she took the role, never looking back. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204398/image/large-37dac33c78cf5e7d480b0d005876bd51.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204398">In her two decades, Valentina has worked on some of the industries most recognisable yachts, and as the negotiations for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> began, Valentina and the team were in the final stages of delivering <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a>, the military-esque 141.63-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> which was launched in June 2020. Valentina explains, “The design and completion of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a> was an intense period for the studio, the owner’s had a singular vision for how they wanted their vessel to be completed and I worked closely with them for many years. It's a project we are all very proud of, and I hope we will be able to share with the industry one day!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257545/image/large-d758009f3b2febb498ff2d214d9c7953.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257545">Like many designers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a>’s calibre, it is a rare thing when owners allow the interiors of their yacht to be shared, with many of these larger superyachts remaining with a single owner for decades and operating privately. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, therefore, offers Valentina a unique opportunity to showcase her style and the work of her team. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257551/image/large-46df41a62f9211255742c9f6d882c1e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257551">“I had worked with the owners of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> on their previous superyacht, the 86-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quattroelle86.11m (282'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Quattroelle</a>, which they sold shortly after her launch in 2013. At the time of her sale the owner’s reached out to us and said they would return to the yachting industry and when they entered negotiations for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, we were involved from the start. Her interiors [which were first unveiled earlier this year when she joined the charter market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht &amp; Ship</a>] are bright, open and romantic and truly encapsulate my personal style.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257540/image/large-3b1bb9fecfe467d82a7c80480481151b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257540">Organic forms and open spaces decked with opulent materials and furnished in a rich yet comfortable style define <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s expansive interiors, which become more formal the higher you go. Each deck is home to a distinct aesthetic, with sometimes surprising material choices that were really embraced by the owners. A perfect example of this is the winter garden on the upper deck which is home to a full rattan dining and lounge set by Italian designer Bonacina. Traditionally associated with English kitchen gardens, rattan is perhaps a surprising choice for a superyacht, but one which finds a harmonious place aboard this extravagant superyacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257534/image/large-abe47563960f322611788d24d50dc10a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257534">As Chief Interior Designer, there is always one project that dominates the studio’s attention, but fortunately for Valentina, creativity has always flowed freely. “Once I am comfortable with a project, I find that the creative elements come very easily to me. Of course we are occasionally asked to do things we don't agree with, but after 20 years at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> and with many repeat owners, our clients truly trust in us and our advice, which is a wonderful thing.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257527/image/large-58da62133418348a423e0cd3908cf44c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257527">Projects like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a> and the 106.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, which was delivered in 2018, redefine the concept of custom. Not only are the yacht exteriors new and innovative, but every iota of the interiors are custom designed and created, from the furniture, to the carpet threads. With many projects in the pipeline and a number currently under negotiation, Valentina and her team are busy despite the finalisation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>, but any spare time is spent researching and developing new materials and design motifs to be employed in future projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/103519/image/large-a565345fb3ac5d428369ec0a4127b345.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103519">When it comes to impressive portfolios, that of Valentina and of the entire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> team really takes the biscuit. Valentina has built her career aboard some of the most impressive superyachts in the global fleet, and she is currently working on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> Sportiva 66-metre which is due for delivery in 2025, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> project and two vessels under construction in Turkey. We certainly look forward to what comes next and make sure to view the entire interior shoot of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> on SuperYacht Times.&nbsp;This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with Valentina Zannier of Nuvolari Lenard

Francesca Webster interviewed Valentina Zannier, Chief Interior Designer at  Nuvolari Lenard about how she built her impressive career. 

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Interview: Two decades of design with Valentina Zannier of Nuvolari Lenard

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> is an Italian shipyard with a dynasty that spans the best part of a century. Despite being founded in 1945 in Limite sull’Arno to build and repair smaller yachts, by 1956 the yard was moved to Darsena Pisana as it had started signing projects too large for its facility.&nbsp;The shipyard has had an illustrious history, delivering more than 700 yachts &nbsp;– the largest of which being the 43.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1655" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cap de Quers43.6m (143'1&quot;)Cantieri di Pisa2006">Cap de Quers</a>. The 27.43-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nasima 27.43m (89'12&quot;)Cantieri di Pisa2012">Nasima</a> was the yard’s last build, and following her delivery in 2012 the yard closed and was finally sold.&nbsp;The shipyard was bought 18 months ago and is back in business, with a fleet of new projects under its new leadership. SuperYacht Times sat down with CEO Marco Massabò to hear all about it.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260833/image/large-8899422b8b6ae0ea4429c0654f8f493f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260833">What is your background prior to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>?&nbsp;Yachts have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father was a wood master and started working at a shipyard in Imperia, Italy, 70 years ago. I love boats and have professionally sailed for many years, competing from the Optimist to the Maxi yacht regattas – I’ve had a long collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a>.&nbsp;In 1992 I met Luca Bassani, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>, and worked alongside him for 20 years. The brand was missing a refit yard in Italy, so I bought and founded one (WS Shipyard) in Savona. It's been very successful. I then moved into consultancy around 2010, working with clients both in yachting and shipping.&nbsp;I was working with some major players – it was a nice life. But around a year and a half ago, Enrico Gennasio (president and owner of the Alfagomma group) told me he was going to buy <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>, asking if I wanted to work with him.&nbsp;A great opportunity. I immediately got to work, spending time with naval architects and exterior designers, dreaming up the best yachts we can bring to market. The shipyard had great energy, and a number of great international designers came to visit us. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259110/image/large-dc2f2a0d48808d14b563a945716e4215.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259110"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;is back building yachts. Do these new models reflect a new vision?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> is an iconic brand. We’re not here to change the rules, we want to rewrite them. The yachts that we’ve started to build are different from what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> traditionally did. But we also want to be different from our competitors.&nbsp;Rather than starting from aesthetics, our primary interest is weight. We want to save as much weight as possible, to build and deliver some of the lightest yachts on the market. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> yachts are fast, agile, and incredibly sleek and all have shallow drafts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258737/image/large-8913f6c24d1edd5383a600b3c775dbbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258737">The 25m 80 Veloce – the first&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;yacht since 2012 – is scheduled for delivery this year. Can you say a few words about her?&nbsp;The 80 Veloce is our first yacht. We wanted to build something that embodies our new philosophy – and she’s crazy fast! She’ll be equipped with three 2,000 horsepower V12 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines that deliver a top speed in excess of 60 knots. The series has been well received and we already have clients signed for the second and third hull.&nbsp;She’s not for everyone though – which is why we’re about to present a Gran Turismo edition to the market. The 80 GT is based on the same lightweight hull yet with a more family-focused design. She’ll also be equipped with two engines, not three. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258738/image/large-72d27a22a4c507d152fcab6398958f5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258738"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;also presented the new Akhir series. Has this model line been well received and are you considering building on speculation?&nbsp;The Akhir series is a new design for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> which is offered in three sizes: a 31-metre, a 37-metre and a 42-metre flagship. Much like the 80 Veloce the idea is to keep the weight down as much as possible. The series has a contemporary design and we’re in talks about whether to build the first unit on speculation – it might happen, but I can’t confirm either way at this moment in time. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259105/image/large-50b2769c2995a007591094d39d092014.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259105">Why is weight such an important topic for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>?Any sailor will tell you the importance of weight – they just will. I’ve personally sailed around the world on some of the world’s most important and fastest boats, and every time their core attribute was weight. However, shipyards and designers rarely consider weight early on when they’re planning a new project. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> does things differently, it’s my absolute credo. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259106/image/large-848f31e2855eb67f5df5c8156f48eba3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259106">Choosing to build light implies a commitment to delivering yachts with shallow drafts. How else are you trying to maximise this across all your series?&nbsp;We’ll equip both the 80 Veloce and Gran Turismo series with waterjets. Waterjets are the safest way to arrive at high speeds and they can go in really shallow waters. And to overcome issues of sucking up sand (a particular issue in Miami), we’ve added a special sea chest. It's a simple, not crazy innovation.&nbsp;Coming from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>, I of course have taken inspiration from their model lines and I especially like what they’ve done with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> 118 Power – the James Bond yacht. But I’ve also listened closely to my friend and naval architect, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1206" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Marco Arnaboldi (Company)">Marco Arnaboldi</a>, who designed many fast boats, including the CDP80 veloce. He’s one of the best in the world when it comes to waterjet technology. We decided to follow him on our design – there isn’t anyone better! <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259100/image/large-e738a900d681e7e9b00f4677cfafd4fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259100">An automotive designer and America’s Cup engineer collaborating on your designs. How did this come about?It’s simple. We want speed and performance, so why not bring in the best? A typical motor yacht goes around 18 to 20 knots, yet a high-performance America’s Cup sailing yacht reaches speeds of up to 40 knots – it’s a big difference, even if you factor out the foils. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a> we want to use this knowledge to study the possibilities of reducing as much drag as possible with our yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260834/image/large-1241be498043c5a2ee330d299e207c7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260834">For the past 18 months,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>&nbsp;has focused exclusively on refits. Why?&nbsp;We weren’t ready for new builds until now, we needed to establish ourselves. When we took over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantieri di Pisa (Company)">Cantieri di Pisa</a>, it hadn’t been operating for 10 years. We invested around €1.5 million to renovate the facilities and in the past 18 months, we have worked on 27 yachts, which brings a good level of return for the business: building capital and our reputation.&nbsp;Working as a refit yard has also put us in direct communication with many captains, which is great for our Research &amp; Development. For the past 18 months, we’ve been learning the trouble points and how to build a perfect yacht, designed for the captain.&nbsp;We’ve continued to invest and we’ll soon announce a new facility.&nbsp;

CEO Marco Massabò on the return of Cantieri di Pisa

Cantieri di Pisa is back – and it's back with a number of new projects. SYT sat down with CEO Marco Massabò to hear all about it. 

Bigger, better, faster: The return of Cantieri di Pisa with CEO Marco Massabò

Carinthia VII superyacht history and refit 

SYT investigates Carinthia VII's refit and looks into her full history. 

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An art collector's heirloom: The redesign of iconic Carinthia VII 

Yachts at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023

With the Palm Beach International Boat Show quickly approaching, SYT takes a look at some of the yachts attending this year’s event.

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The largest yachts attending Palm Beach International Boat Show 2023

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">Tillberg Design of Sweden</a>, the titan of maritime design, is weighing into the superyacht sector with a newly formed yacht division – and it’s nothing short of exciting.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">Tillberg Design of Sweden</a> – aka TDoS – is a formidable force. Its prowess is well respected in the cruise industry, with a portfolio exceeding 300 major luxury projects. The studio has been steadily fortifying its presence in the superyacht sector in recent years – and it’s here to stay.&nbsp;Following the release of a number of astounding superyacht designs, and news of a merger with the Italian design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>, we thought it high time to catch up with Daniel Nerhagen, Yacht Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>, to learn more about this powerhouse from the cruise sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260362/image/large-9eb51267dae054d3bf8152d199ce214c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260362">What is&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>’ origin story?&nbsp;We were founded in 1964 by a true pioneer in the cruise industry: Robert Tillberg. The studio was initially eponymously named but quickly blossomed with a growing team, it was only apt for the name of the studio to encompass this change; hence, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a> was born.&nbsp;I’m lucky enough as a designer to have worked with Robert for a few years in the late 90s, but my experience isn’t unique in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a> studio. We have at least six or seven designers that have been working at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a> for more than 20 years now, and we’ve also seen a number of second generation designers join the studio. It is remarkable.&nbsp;This longevity of our studio is not only found in the team, but also with the principles that we stand behind. Sustainability is one such principle, and we’ve kept it as a lodestar since at least the early 2000s, as such I was slightly taken aback when I first came into yachting and I kept hearing that we need to change, when the commercial sector has been on this train of thought for many, many years now. Our in-house design team has spent years, if not decades, researching and developing green solutions.&nbsp;Even though cruise ships have predominantly been our forte, we have built a portfolio of exterior and interior designs of yachts over the years. Some of our first sailing yacht designs hit the water as early as the 1970s and we’ve had our yacht designs (exterior and interior) launched well into the 2000s.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260365/image/large-4b4011da67beba38853bfcc7b587f3d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260365"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>&nbsp;now has a strong presence in yachting, what drove this decision? A few years ago we designed a line of boutique “yachts” for The Ritz-Carlton with the level of luxury synonymous with its brand. The series of small cruise vessels each accommodates up to 298 guests across 149 well-appointed suites, brimming with state-of-the-art and top tier amenities. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was successful in its own right – but it also garnered a lot of attention from other companies. It opened the door, if you will, and led to a lot of round-table discussions in-house. We decided yachting may be a good move for us; and in 2018 we opened a dedicated yacht division at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>. A few years later when COVID-19 hit, the commercial sector pretty much ground to a halt, and we used this period to ramp up activities in this newly founded division. It was a busy period for us. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253660/image/large-38b63f56e9041d7bf538b99c991b9acd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253660">Does bridging the game between the commercial and luxury sector give&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>&nbsp;an edge? &nbsp;We’re experienced in designing vessels that may have around 5,000 guests onboard. We have mastered the logistics of embarking, disembarking and ensuring that the vessel is operational for that many people, which is extremely complex. Superyachts, on the other hand, have the luxury of time and can take a few days to prepare. Our experience and our designs will help streamline this whole process in new and novel ways.&nbsp;The commercial space also requires a keen eye for designing in the most cost effective way. Now, and this is important, we’re not talking about materials or the aesthetic here. We’re talking about the design and general arrangement itself. When you're building bigger boats everything that is expensive, exponentially explodes because you're building 100 suites instead of four suites. We then look at design in a different way.&nbsp;We’re a big studio with deep resources and we’re used to turning projects around quickly. We have a degree of versatility that small design houses can’t compete with. If a client approaches us for a new design we can always deliver, quickly. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253657/image/large-112cb977ff4a705d79ecb2bdc1e22803.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253657">Are there any new and exciting shipyards or suppliers that&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TDoS</a>&nbsp;can bring to yachting?&nbsp;This is an interesting topic because many of our longtime suppliers have two divisions in their company: one that focuses on high-end luxury and another that’s more commercial. We, naturally, work more closely with the commercial departments, but their colleagues are responsible for furnishing hotels, residentials and yachts. We have a strong network of suppliers built from the commercial space, but with access to top tier vendors.&nbsp;With the rate that yachts are growing in size, we’re moving into SOLAS territory – something that we’re very used to working with. The suppliers we use and the materials we source are SOLAS compliant and certified to meet these more stringent regulations.&nbsp;The commercial shipbuilders that we work with produce to the same standard as most yacht builders, if not a higher standard, as the vessels they produce need to be able to handle the wear and tear of 24 hours, 365 days of use – something unheard of in yachting. The quality of the materials aren’t to the same standard as what you’d find on a superyacht, naturally, but commercial shipyards have finessed the process to keep costs down. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224824/image/large-6b5bba40e3c9e3e7c47b5d72f45aaeb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224824">What motivated&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6755" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viken Group AB (Company)">Viken Group</a>’s acquisition of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>&nbsp;and how will it be integrated into your business?After watching the market and looking at our core skills, we realised that we were lacking a key area if we wanted to deliver everything to our clients; the know-how about the 60-metre and below segment. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a> is extremely successful in this segment and the studio designs both custom and production yachts – the latter is something we have never done before. Hot Lab is also based in Italy and has a strong presence in Turkey – two markets which we haven’t yet entered.&nbsp;Joining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6755" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viken Group AB (Company)">Viken Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a> has access to different markets, different clients and are given an opportunity to expand and add larger yachts to its portfolio. It was a win-win situation for both Hot Lab and us. With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a> in its folds, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6755" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viken Group AB (Company)">Viken Group</a> now offers yacht designs from 60-foot to 60,000 GT, and thanks to the recent acquisition of Thalia Marine it also offers naval architecture for this whole spectrum. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224823/image/large-798b566c622e2ca838de96e5adf73239.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224823">One of the first yacht concepts unveiled by your Yacht Division was Aegir 2.0 – can you tell us a little bit about this design?&nbsp;We champion sustainability and carbon neutral sailing – and with Aegir 2.0 we placed our best foot forward. The nucleus of the design came from the 106.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl </a>– which is one of the most efficient yachts on the market – and we wanted to not only meet, but surpass its commitment. We invited Derek Munro, one of the Product Managers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, to deliver a lecture series at our studios, and we learnt a great deal.Aegir 2.0 was born out of this commitment, and also from the realisation that if we were to really push for carbon neutral sailing then designers need to pen sailing yachts. We stepped up to the plinth and designed a wind-powered trimaran with hydrolics and a hybrid wind-electric propulsion system that recharges all batteries when under sail. While sustainability is at its core, Aegir 2.0 doesn’t skimp luxury. For one, it’s incredibly beamy so it offers more living space than that of a monohull from its category. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260364/image/large-22e3f619757645832b859a4a3b856c91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260364">Since Aegir 2.0,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design of Sweden (Company)">TSoD</a>&nbsp;has released a number of unique concepts, can you share some of the inspiration behind these designs?&nbsp;Our conversations are fluid and our designs have come from the dialogues we’ve had in-house, and with our clients. The designs we’ve launched are pretty versatile, and to name but three, we designed the 60-metre explorer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Introducing the 60m explorer yacht concept Mimer (2023-01-10 15:00:00 +0100)">Mimer</a> a few years ago, the 120-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Desert Pearl: An impressive 120m Custom Built new-build superyacht concept for sale (2022-04-25 09:30:00 +0200)">Desert Pearl</a>, earlier this year and also <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Introducing Lycka: The 77m “happiness” superyacht by Nobiskrug & Tillberg Design of Sweden (2022-03-28 11:30:00 +0200)">the 77-metre superyacht Lycka</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>.&nbsp;As is the nature of the industry, most of our projects are wrapped in strict NDAs so I have to keep pretty guarded. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Introducing Lycka: The 77m “happiness” superyacht by Nobiskrug & Tillberg Design of Sweden (2022-03-28 11:30:00 +0200)">Lycka</a> I can divulge a little more about. An opportunity arose with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> to do a design around one of its platforms. We took one of their technical platforms, which is already developed, and reimagined the general arrangement and added our flair to both the exterior and interior design. This project is being marketed by both ourselves and Nobiskrug, so we’re pretty excited about this one. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221363/image/large-1ddd2c7dc4335ad8ddcd49b053d204eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221363"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221365/image/large-d8074dfb2569abced922475fe7fea3cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221365">How has the reception been so far about your concepts and have you had many serious conversations? I’ve spoken with many serious builders and it was pleasing to hear that they know our company and our work. But, it’s true, we’re a fledgling company in the yachting community, a community that is very protected. That being said, we’ve had a great reception so far and have cleared the first hurdles. Many new design studios have tried and failed to get into yachting – but we’re here to stay.&nbsp;This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with Tillberg Design of Sweden

Interview with Daniel Nerhagen of Tillberg Design of Sweden.

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Tillberg Design of Sweden: A new heavy weight in superyacht design 

The SuperYacht Times Synopsis, brought to you by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachting-intelligence" target="_blank">SYT iQ</a>, gives you a rundown of the top business stories from last month.News in brief&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257498/image/large-94b2feadc55275bf108563ab3fc9b410.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257498"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen’s 115m superyacht Ahpo for sale for the first time (2023-02-08 14:15:00 +0100)">Lürssen’s 115m superyacht Ahpo for sale for the first time</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> was delivered in 2021 and joined the market for the first time this month. She was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> to a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> and was the largest superyacht at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show 2022</a>.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: 127m Oceanco Y721 superyacht Koru on sea trials (2023-02-15 13:00:00 +0100)">Video: 127m Oceanco Y721 superyacht Koru on sea trials</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56883" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="75m Damen Yachting support yacht Abeona delivered (2023-02-02 17:45:00 +0100)">75m Damen Yachting support yacht Abeona delivered</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="72m Giorgio Armani designed superyacht Admiral 72 unveiled (2023-02-12 12:00:00 +0100)">72m Giorgio Armani designed superyacht Admiral 72 unveiled</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56880" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN delivers 60m superyacht Comfortably Numb (2023-02-02 15:30:00 +0100)">CRN delivers 60m superyacht Comfortably Numb</a> &nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Big five Business reads<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258136/image/large-1a5b771835acfb06005cd285755181e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258136"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56938" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="KPS Capital Partners acquires equity interest in Princess Yachts (2023-02-14 11:30:00 +0100)">KPS Capital Partners acquires equity interest in Princess Yachts</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a> has announced that KPS Capital Partners has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in the company.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57028" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Shipyard announces entry into the superyacht industry with Lateral Naval Architects (2023-02-28 10:00:00 +0100)">ARES Shipyard to enter superyacht industry with Lateral Naval Architects</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57034" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CEO Ermanno Bellettini announces that Rosetti Superyachts remains fully operational (2023-02-28 17:30:00 +0100)">CEO Ermanno Bellettini announces that Rosetti Superyachts remains fully operational</a> </li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57000" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Voly Group announces acquisition of Pinpoint Works (2023-02-23 10:15:00 +0100)">Voly Group announces acquisition of Pinpoint Works</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56933" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lengers Yachts obtains Prestige Yachts dealership for Belgium (2023-02-13 14:30:00 +0100)">Lengers Yachts obtains Prestige Yachts dealership for Belgium</a></li></ul>&nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Major Launches <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257678/image/large-5fcda49727742a1da0f9b0f643060560.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257678"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56901" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: 145m secretive Lürssen superyacht Luminance launched (2023-02-09 09:45:00 +0100)">Video: 145m secretive Lürssen superyacht Luminance launched</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> has launched the 145-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luminance145.0m (475'9&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2023">Luminance</a> in Vegesack, Germany. The top-secret project is the eighth-largest yacht to be built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and ranks as the 15th largest in the world.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="90m Lürssen superyacht Project 1601 launched (2023-02-10 13:30:00 +0100)">90m Lürssen superyacht Project 1601 launched</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56873" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="60m Heesen superyacht Project Skyfall launched and christened Ultra G (2023-02-01 16:15:00 +0100)">60m Heesen superyacht Project Skyfall launched and christened Ultra G</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="60m Royal Huisman Project 404 sailing yacht Sarissa prepares for launch (2023-02-27 16:45:00 +0100)">60m Royal Huisman Project 404 sailing yacht Sarissa prepares for launch</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First 52m Baglietto T52 superyacht launched (2023-02-08 11:15:00 +0100)">First 52m Baglietto T52 superyacht launched</a> &nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Gulf Superyacht Summit<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/249882/image/large-0a047e19507946c8eb36dc0249c76fc9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/249882"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57019" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SYT announces dates for the 2023 Gulf Superyacht Summit (2023-02-27 12:15:00 +0100)">SYT announces dates for the 2023 Gulf Superyacht Summit</a>SuperYacht Times is pleased to announce the dates for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2023">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a>. The two-day event will take place on the 22 and 23 November 2023 in Dubai.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212643/image/large-ba2f96ab9f3c28bcf8c37fcf05a94801.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212643">Wanderlust: Travel Spotlight<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257379/image/large-e68857146b6063090afbb29d88abde3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257379"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56915" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Where wealth meets water: Miami Travel Guide (2023-02-09 12:30:00 +0100)">Where wealth meets water: Miami Travel Guide</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Miles of beaches, endless shopping streets, an eccentric nightlife and a contemporary art scene with a strong, beating pulse are some of the city’s most iconic touchstones. But it is the glamorous chaos of Miami that makes it one of the USA’s coolest and most exclusive cities and a superyachting hotspot.

SuperYacht Times Synopsis: February 

The SuperYacht Times Synopsis, as brought to you by SYT iQ, gives you a rundown of the top business stories and market reports from last month. 

SYT Synopsis February: 500m+ of new superyachts added to global fleet

Onboard 44m Hemisphere with owner 

The owner of the 44m superyacht Hemisphere spoke with SuperYacht Times about his experience onboard the world's largest sailing catamaran. 

Hemisphere: Onboard the world’s largest sailing catamaran with owner and diving enthusiast 

Largest yachts attending Miami International Boat Show 2023

SYT looks at the largest yachts attending the Miami International Boat Show 2023.

The largest yachts attending Miami International Boat Show 2023

Vilanova i La Geltrú has been announced as the host venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a>. The first-ever Preliminary Regatta will take place from 14 until 17 September 2023.Vilanova i La Geltrú is a small city 45 kilometres southwest along the coast from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> 37th edition host venue Barcelona. Racing will take place outside the port entrance, affording excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262196/image/large-33448642745d58b02640549e1330693d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262196">“The Port of Vilanova i la Geltrú is perfectly set up to host the first Preliminary Event of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">AC37</a> with everything in such close proximity to the race course,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> Event CEO Grant Dalton. “Racing will be just metres from the port entrance and prime viewing places will be offered from the La Daurada alongside huge public areas for a great fan village.” The regatta will also be broadcast through a dedicated <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> television production.“The magnificent facilities of Pendennis Vilanova and Vilanova Grand Marina will serve as the technical area which will host the team bases and their AC40’s and, of course, we will be proud to align with the Club Nàutic Vilanova as the local yacht club for the event,” added Grant Dalton.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/190141/image/large-6046e01182749f07cc54236cc31928fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/190141">The regatta will be sailed in the fleet of AC40’s in strict One Design class measurement as will be used for the Youth and Women’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cups</a>. This ensures the boats are equally matched and the winner will be decided based on sailing technique and foiling race-craft. The regatta gives a first glimpse of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">America’s Cup</a> elite teams in action.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262244/image/large-b92e95b659650492c92f50bea76e980d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262244">Albert Castellanos, Secretary for Business and Competitiveness of the Department of Business and Employment of the Generalitat de Catalunya added, "The confirmation of Vilanova i la Geltrú as the venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/190" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="America's Cup 2024 - 37th America's Cup Barcelona">37th America's Cup-Barcelona 2024</a> is great news that confirms the commitment of the organisation to bring the sport of sailing to the whole territory, projecting our image to hundreds of millions of people around the world.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262243/image/large-84ded0f239c908bbd09494895bf9c5a7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262243">The Club Nàutic Vilanova, a large sailing club based in the region, is lending its support to the regatta with its world-class facilities and infrastructure.In addition, the La Daurada restaurant and event venue, La Daurada, will become the social focal point of the regatta. The 10,000 square metre venue overlooks the regatta course, making it an ideal space to host the press centre and hospitality facilities. Mayor of Vilanova, Olga Arnau, said, “I am sure that our town will be a fantastic venue for the competition in the eyes of the world.”

Vilanova i La Geltrú to host AC37 preliminary regatta

Vilanova i La Geltrúhas been announced as the host venue for the preliminary regatta of the America’s Cup in September 2023.

Vilanova i La Geltrú to host Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup

The yacht tender builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> is known for its sophisticated level of construction and engineering when it comes to fibreglass and carbonfibre vessels. The Australia-based shipyard builds to a vast array of requirements, while ensuring that each tender meets its high quality and integrity standards– and the 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is no exception.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194897/image/large-c15d1dc96cc0b109711ae0053b191d81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194897">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is a customisable tender that is able to mirror elements and details of her mothership. The sleek enclosed tender allows owners to adapt her proven design to create a cohesive fleet, while retaining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a>’s immaculate finish.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194836/image/large-93114644962e04f827a32e7ac682208c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194836">The 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is of unique distinction, packed with features that make her stand out from other competitors. Her stylish exterior includes side decks that run the full length of the cabin, making access from helm aft on both sides functional, and safe for crew and guests alike.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194905/image/large-78ad2d761e88bc16d90a5af3f5af1343.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194905">The quality and construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> tenders is second to none, with features specific to both the owners requests and imagination. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine introduces guests to safe and relaxing yachting with an impressive interior design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194903/image/large-9530354a0398235c15d08f368c7c1c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194903"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194901/image/large-934b9cfa0c098ab5f950f900dcf0d8e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194901">The 8.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender welcomes guests onboard from her boarding foyer and accommodates them with excellent headroom. Her 2.49-metre beam complements her comfortable seating to allow for a safe and reliable journey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194834/image/large-d19db97e595c8f3a6eca26d852321121.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194834">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is able to carry up to 12 guests, alongside a crew of two to ensure that guests always receive the highest quality of service to match her impressive performance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194832/image/large-71a0abbf17b69f7842bff204a0fabd93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194832">Guests onboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine are also able to take advantage of her large windows and spacious air-conditioned interior, as well as her height-adjustable roof. The adaptable roof is electrically operated and auto lockable at any height, and allows the owner to control the airflow through the cabin when moving or stationary.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194906/image/large-07090327e83dfe557ca9f5cd473ab1cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194906">The uber-sleek and sophisticated design of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender allows for easy storage when not in use. At just 1.86-metres in height, she is able to fit into a very low transom garage, making her a versatile tender.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194895/image/large-b86a2f0d91e499c0ee22d5083e8a88d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194895">Performance-wise, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> D3, 200 horsepower engines as standard. With an eye-watering top speed of 38 knots, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine includes steering and throttle by wire, a single throttle control and joystick docking.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194881/image/large-906c02ada528698d204bb8dc1f23e22c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194881">In terms of propulsion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vikal International (Company)">Vikal</a> SP Limousine tender is fitted with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> DPS Duoprop drives with twin horsepower bow thrusters to ensure that guests always arrive at their destination efficiently and in style.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194835/image/large-2a042d68bcf97d71bab68228413bd689.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194835">

Introducing the Vikal SP 8.1m Limousine tender

Introducing the Vikal SP 8.1m Limousine tender, packed with features that make her stand out from other competitors.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messerschmitt Yachts GmbH (Company)">Messerschmitt Yacht Design</a> have unveiled the renderings for a new 78.8-metre superyacht concept, MTT-Shield. The concept was created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> in collaboration with Swiss design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2169" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Messerschmitt Yachts GmbH (Company)">Messerschmitt Yachts</a>. She was designed for long-range journeys across all oceans, described as an oceangoing ‘long bonnet racing car’. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262194/image/large-044eb13941c2061b56e7fba0bd70b4b7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262194">MTT-Shield offers three different entry points. Guests can board at the stern thanks to a large twin platform and twin staircases ascending to the main deck aft. Alternatively, guests can also enter via the hydraulic foldable gangway on the starboard side. The third major access point is the large helipad, featuring broad staircases on both sides that lead to a hidden relaxation area in front of the wheel house. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262188/image/large-f2174d1c3483f189dbb013534f807611.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262188">Inside, MTT-Shield provides a sumptuous interior and several lounges to ensure a comfortable stay onboard. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, passengers are spoiled with splendid panoramic views of the ocean. The main saloon features large sliding doors on either side to fill the space with fresh air. The central elevator connects each of the four levels, allowing for easy access throughout the yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262192/image/large-ec2f821ea18661565946ce9498f9b4ea.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262192">Her six-stateroom configuration includes a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, with the remaining guest staterooms situated on the lower deck. The spacious owner’s suite benefits from a private office, dressing room, and a balcony, creating a private hideaway onboard. She is able to accommodate up to 18 crew to ensure her guests have a comfortable cruising experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262191/image/large-881ffdb9a6ba1f510577553646482102.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262191">MTT-Shield’s exterior boasts numerous luxurious amenities, perfect for lengthier cruises. On her lower deck, guests can wind-down in the fully-equipped spa, which contains a plunge pool, hammam, and a sauna. Her generously-sized tender garage is able to store a plethora of toys, so guests can turn the ocean into their own personal playground.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262190/image/large-d031fb666e06d2a390673752cd5c5aba.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262190">Up on the main deck lies more lounging areas, including a large Jacuzzi, and an alfresco dining area for 12, shaded to block any uncomfortable sunlight while dining. A bar, ideal for evening cocktails, is located next to the dining area. Her sundeck features a fitness area, another Jacuzzi, and more seating options, so guests can sit back and relax after a satisfying training session.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262195/image/large-2b7cfd9f4716a88dd5cff69aa84d8db5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262195">Performance-wise, the motor yacht is able to reach a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Nobiskrug unveils new 79m superyacht concept MTT-Shield

Nobiskrug and Messerschmitt Yacht Design have unveiled the renderings for a new 78.8-metre superyacht concept, MTT-Shield.

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MTT-Shield: Nobiskrug and Messerschmitt Yacht Design unveil new 79m superyacht concept

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has acquired a 70,000 square-metre located production site in Ravenna, Italy, which was financed entirely with equity raised by the company’s listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> is a world leader in the design, construction, and sales of luxury yachts. Led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> owns and manages seven shipyards across Italy and has recently announced the acquisition of a new production facility in San Vitale, province of Ravenna.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205162/image/large-55c378269a7c50145cf5561442898726.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205162">“Ravenna is the right home for Wally sailing yachts and the expansion of our other brands, starting with the extraordinary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a> Yachts<a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti InFYnito 9026.97m (88'6&quot;)">&nbsp;INFYNITO&nbsp;</a>range. We choose Italy again and invest not only to become stronger but also to hold the flag high for an industry that is a symbol of our country: luxury yachting and the extensive entrepreneurship and artisan craftsmanship network that is the admiration and envy of the entire world,” 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, &nbsp;Alberto Galassi. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220951/image/large-395cb676eccc2227c5cd58d5e78808e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220951"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">The Ferretti Group</a> will invest a total cost of 80 million euros towards the 70,000 square-metre site, including a dry dock. The initial acquisition investment cost the Italian company around 40 million euros, while over the next three years, a further 40 million euros will be needed to craft new production spaces and an R&amp;D centre.&nbsp;This acquisition underpins the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group’s</a> ambitions and growth strategy, with this recent facility looking to enable them to increase their production by 20%. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group&nbsp;</a>CEO Alberto Galassi explains how this “acquisition keeps a promise” as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> “have big plans and picture a state-of-the-art production site from every point of view: worker well-being, positive social impact, and environmental protection.” The new space is conveniently close to their Forlì headquarters and Cattolica shipyard. Other investments from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> have included expansions across the La Spezia and Ancona Superyacht Yard, which aligns with the Italian company’s five-year growth strategy.

Ferretti Group expands and acquires a Ravenna site

Ferretti Group acquires a production site in Ravenna, forming part of their five-year growth strategy.



Ferretti Group acquires 70,000 square-metre production site in Ravenna, Italy

Unique superyacht beach clubs

SuperYacht Times has rounded up some of the best Superyacht beach clubs featuring wellness spas, swimming pools, cocktail bars, and much more. 

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A closer look at 5 unique superyacht beach clubs

The 26.42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> was sold in an in-house deal by Brandon Barnes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>, who represented both the buyer and the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254430/image/large-a0023b2be0985dcb1a2d8b5155130bb1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254430"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> was delivered in 2016 from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow’s</a> shipyard in China. She was fully designed by her builder, who provided her with the finest equipment and the newest generation of technology. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254437/image/large-04598ded75d11d7f95f1da2542fa1b39.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254437"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Never My Love26.42m (86'8&quot;)Marlow Yachts2016">Never My Love</a> features a functional layout with a spacious and modern interior. Her main saloon is surrounded by windows and contains a white L-shaped sofa accompanied by armchairs, a wide-screen television, and a bar forward. She can accommodate up to eight guests across four sumptuous staterooms, including a full-beam master suite with plenty of storage space. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254428/image/large-dd644a92e665bfe35bffc068bcc687b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254428"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254427/image/large-20f7b4c9f320669aa0e95fd6bcd351b6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254427">Her exterior decks offer numerous seating options, including a wet bar equipped with a grill area and fridge, sunbeds, and an alfresco dining table.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254423/image/large-56b84ad6e71c941b2c8cb4815bd47601.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254423">Performance-wise, the 131 GT motor yacht is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, allowing her to reach a top speed of 29 knots and a cruising speed of 24 knots. At the time of her sale, she had a last-known asking price of $3,695,000.

26m Marlow motor yacht Never My Love sold

The 26.42-metre Marlow motor yacht Never My Love sold with a last-known asking price of $3,695,000.

Yachting Dinner Night, the culinary event dedicated to the leading players of the contemporary superyacht scene, arrived for the second time in Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Italy. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261856/image/large-eec070df5f80b9517b72715376fdaa6f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261856">The previous two editions in Pietrasanta and Amsterdam were a great success and inspired curators <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Towant (Company)">TOWANT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates (Company)">Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates</a> to replicate the event once again. The dinner was held on 14 March.Five shipyards competed against one another to present the best dish to an audience of nautical-architectural practices, international design brands and the press. As “chefs”, the shipyards are the protagonists of Yachting Dinner Night, with each proposing a dish that tells something about its history, philosophy or projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261852/image/large-d7a00d30a1e0cc0e4594379d2d9efc9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261852"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico &amp; Co</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, Amer Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> took to the kitchen for the first Yachting Dinner Night of 2023. But before guests were invited to sit down and enjoy the curated dishes, a presentation of both Yachting Dinner Night and its protagonists was held nearby at Barbara Paci Art Gallery, a contemporary gallery in Pietrasanta historical centre. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261858/image/large-84d8562ed31eb60691909eb4135aada9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261858"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261860/image/large-ba54d365d65d7465b248ce2cd191c475.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261860"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261862/image/large-f038aec91cc2bd29865690bbf6c60a60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261862">The dinner itself was hosted at the vibrant kitchen that conjoins the gallery, Ristorante Filippo. The shipyards arranged a five courses menu of creative dishes: Sinergia, a typical capponada from Liguria; OSS-Paragus Bake, a silver-plated fish &amp; asparagus that pays tribute to Heesen’s Dutch origins; The Blooming Effect, a green risotto with flowers from Sanremoen tradition; Muscoli a km 0, mussels from La Spezia, Italy; and The Origin of Beauty, a special dessert to celebrate Benetti’s 150th birthday.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261863/image/large-85f4db16e99c3b81f62cbe1f2175dfe9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261863"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261853/image/large-010395619f68ac51dc8ee1ff8dd596b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261853"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261855/image/large-af00dac7a67359fda6ad2c1efe1cc516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261855">Cesana, Dornbracht, Flos, Model Maker Group and Videoworks, as well as representatives from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, formed the jury. While the media, including a representative of SuperYacht Times, had a separate vote for the press award. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261857/image/large-e93a29bcd270f8332c10e6858b5daa66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261857">The votes were cast and, while all shipyards were awarded merit and praise for their participation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> was the unanimous winner, claiming both the Yachting Dinner Night Award and the Press Award.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57183" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A recap of the Amsterdam Yachting Dinner Night (2022-11-28 11:00:00 +0100)">A recap of the Amsterdam Yachting Dinner Night</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261859/image/large-adf7ce7d3cb26ba833f12d9d578956d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261859">Yachting Dinner Night once again proved to be a great success, promising to become a staple event that moves from location to location. Organisers <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Towant (Company)">TOWANT</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates (Company)">Ceragioli-Storåkers</a> are already planning the next dinner, which will be held in the Principality of Monaco. This convivial event, aimed at engaging guests, has aroused a lot of interest in building and nurturing networks in the world of yachting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261861/image/large-f9ff5e3309acce59c6501543a20bce15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261861">

Yachting Dinner Night in Pietrasanta before YARE 

Yachting Dinner Night had a successful third event, held in Pietrasanta Italy. Benetti was named winner with its desert Origin of Beauty. 

A third success for Yachting Dinner Night in Pietrasanta

After a three day battle is customary high winds and bright sunshine, the 33.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Denship A/S (Company)">Royal Denship</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the St Barths Bucket 2023 over this weekend. 25 yachts competed between the five racing classes that took part in this year's event; Les Gazelles, Les Elegantes, Les Mademoiselles, L'Esprit 1 and L'Esprit 2 (the Corinthian Spirit Class). <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, the 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a>, a regular on the race circuit, took home the prize for best owner driven performance, while her sistership the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a> 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1226" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prana51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2006">Prana</a>, was awarded best starter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262098/image/large-a9663124253318752df558799d73ca73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262098"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262018/image/large-d987aa7f202ad57c9f622d7c1de9f44b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262018"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262068/image/large-da7bd64052ae4e40c41a7d94b6f1afe1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262068">Race Day 1The first day of the regatta saw the fleet sail counterclockwise in an 28-25 knot northerly, with the conditions forcing three yachts to withdraw from the 20-26 nautical mile course.&nbsp;“After our light-air training this week, today was a wake-up call, but expected,” said Tom Whidden, helmsman for the smallest yacht in the fleet, the 28 metre ketch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>, which won Les Mademoiselles. “It was really rough in the corner on the other side of the island, on the way to the rock (a natural mark of the course named Ile Fourchue), but we were happy with the crew work and the boat management.” Whidden has won the Bucket before on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>&nbsp;and twice more on different entries (including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, last year). He added with a chuckle, “You see, the captains of these boats tell you they will kill you if you break anything, so you have to be careful with your resources.” &nbsp;(<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, sailing this year against Whidden’s team, retired due to a headstay furler that broke near Ile Fourche.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262024/image/large-7b2364e42cda9f5e3493ba2c97459efa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262024"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262022/image/large-55d4467729a449d63a85cf4909f28a41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262022">Peter King, navigator aboard the 52 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, which won L’Esprit 1, said his team “didn’t have the best start but made up for it later and didn’t break anything.” This is King’s fifth time competing in the Bucket and first time sailing in the “Corinthian Spirit” class. More important, it is the first time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a> has ever raced period, so the yacht’s owner is delighted. “The owner loves to drive, so he drove the whole time and did a great job,” said King.The 44-metre schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>, one of the most elegant yachts in the L'Esprit 2 fleet, recorded a 43.5 degree of heel on its winning sprint. “We were taking a lot of water over the deck but we were under control,” said guest crew Jakob Havrlant, who counts this as his first Bucket but says it won’t be his last. “Some of the sloops were catching us upwind, but we were a reaching machine on the other legs. It was a perfect race for us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262032/image/large-3b5b9f18e2aeb1b28744676f0fdc61b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262032"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262031/image/large-0ec3a3f6dab99fc18126e6e86b5123fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262031">Race Day 2The second day saw yet another high wind event with 25-27 knots over the 23-26 nautical mile course. “It was a lot of wave action and wind, with gust of 25-27 knots,” said Steve Rowland, the owner/driver of the 34 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>, which now leads Les Mademoiselles after suffering a steering problem and finishing fourth yesterday. “It made for a lot of hard work, but we won, so I guess that was a good thing!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262028/image/large-63d1c5872098bfe93ae5d3dd11b57f38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262028"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262030/image/large-4420de271e2f182aa983a156bd435a38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262030">The yacht was the fourth to cross the start line, but was the first to cross the finish line, despite an issue with her spinnaker during the opening leg. She managed to peg <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> to cross the line first, followed closely by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262103/image/large-eb6046c44b2cb0daea1b7999db055ee6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262103"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262104/image/large-2e8fe29f68d01d3f44b25d15f34e30d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262104">In Les Gazelles class the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> took the top spot, overtaking the Day 1 winner, another <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>. “Yesterday we got stuck behind some other boats and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>, faster on the reaches, beat us right at the end,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>’s Captain Will Glenn, explaining that today, with longer downwind legs than yesterday, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> had an advantage. “It is what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>&nbsp;is designed for, and tomorrow’s course has lots of downwind in it, too, so we are confident we can win.”In the L’Esprit 2 Columbia once again took the top spot, with the 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/401" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q52.0m (170'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Q</a> close behind her and 56.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Melek56.01m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2010">Melek</a> taking the third position.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262038/image/large-cc10bb13691545eabe92a582675dd8ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262038"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262057/image/large-864b8c3fbf9a53d71b6cfac7007f653a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262057">Race Day 3The wind on this last day of the three-day series toned down ever so slightly to 18-24 knots, giving sailors somewhat of a reprieve from the 20-26 knots that prevailed on Friday and Saturday. In all classes, the leaders of Day 2 held their own to clinch overall victory on the final race day.“The wind and sea state was definitely at the upper end for some boats, and certainly for the Race Committee making decisions,” said Race Chairman Peter Craig. “Typically, we sail around the island on Sunday, but we made a decision to keep the boats in the lee of St. Barths for the larger part of today’s race with a course option that was newly added to the Bucket this year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262059/image/large-752263cd59cbb776f083830aeaf328c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262059"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262060/image/large-e591bf54e38666089bf3a4465ed2aa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262060"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the six-boat Mademoiselles to take overall victory in that class with a 4-1-1 score line. “I’m over the top about it,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>’s owner/driver Steve Rowland, explaining that this is his fourth Bucket with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> and his first class win, not to mention overall victory, which is decided by a number of factors including performance and time differentials. “We were in a three-way tie going into today with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>, so we knew we had to beat both of them. I tried not to think of anything but getting to the finish line once we had passed Bequia (the 28 metre ketch that started ahead) in the final miles of the race and had <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> (the 37 metre sloop that started behind) gaining on us from behind.” (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> finished second and third, respectively, in overall results.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262087/image/large-eefdccb01be2ca2a8ff27ac454f9585f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262087">In the L’Esprit 2 Corinthia Spirit Class Columbia held her own and was the only class winner to also win every one of her races. The 49.8-metre <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/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was her closest competitor, taking the second position. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262015/image/large-673bdaf099414fbd8852e797abee99af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262015">“In both the first and second races, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was ahead of us,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>’s tactician Tony Rey, “and I have to give credit to our crew members who handled the spinnaker, because we were able to pass them back both times on downwind legs.” On day one, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> started first and finished first, putting others on alert that this was not just a modern-built recreation of a 1924 fishing schooner that would be slogging around the course. “The boat’s like one of those old flexible flyer sleds you might have had when you were a kid; everything moves and bends but it keeps moving ahead,” said Rey. “We had a mix of traditional schooner sailors and grand prix sailors working together. Our navigator Nacho Postigo helped bring some digital know-how to an analog boat and tracked our progress over the last three days; it was nice to see how we improved as a team.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262092/image/large-9842c9b7f11fc4741ac716d38bb4b863.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262092"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262094/image/large-8f33ee74c55528b13ccf3ce367b5faa7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262094">

St Barths Bucket 2023 results

The St Barths Bucket 2023 came to a close over the weekend with Nakupenda taking the top spot.

St Barths Bucket 2023: Nakupenda winner, with Red Dragon and Prana awarded special prizes 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot&nbsp;</a>was launched in 2022 by the American shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave</a> as part of their <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/7861" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave 116 35.4m (116'2&quot;)">116 series</a>. The 317 GT motor yacht offers guests a wealth of interior and exterior spaces and invites families and friends across all generations to come onboard and enjoy what she has to offer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262122/image/large-cf0d7d04a3d7e56de64acf9e65977ac8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262122"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a>&nbsp;features elegant exterior lines from her U.S. builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hargrave Custom Yachts (Company)">Hargrave</a> with her interior design carefully curated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/896" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Interiors by Shelley (Company)">Yacht Interiors by Shelley</a>. Her naval architecture was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jack Sarin Naval Architects, Inc. (Company)">Jack Sarin Naval Architects</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262126/image/large-b5f19eb4d018e81bb13622e8c1f2b4a3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262126"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262127/image/large-29ff76c9264f9b7fb9b3e6f0de8fd8c2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262127">Inside, the tri-deck yacht offers plenty of living space, complete with soft grey and white tones that compliment the classic mahogany floors, bringing a modern feel to the interior. Her main saloon is light and airy, surrounded by panoramic windows to enhance the guests’ connection to the sea. Forward lies a formal dining table that seats all ten guests. Guests can venture up to her skylounge and enjoy cocktails at the glass-top bar, while taking in the endless ocean views. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262131/image/large-3fb7ef486528aff5a6fac195d5ce0f7c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262131"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262132/image/large-4430c72256577f0c74ec7ceae645cf41.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262132"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a> features a five-stateroom configuration, with the full-beam master suite on the main deck, and the remaining guest staterooms on the lower deck, granting the owner some much-needed privacy. All of the staterooms contain king-sized beds and wide-screen televisions to ensure maximum comfort onboard. She is also able to sleep up to seven crew to attend to her guests’ needs. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262129/image/large-7f12a8e4ed7c8143ef0f5109a97eda78.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262129"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262130/image/large-1d446b4c8fbc1a824ce56e85da0b9df1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262130">Outside, guests are greeted with a wide array of entertainment options. She provides al fresco dining areas, a bar, a grill area, and sunbeds, so everyone can enjoy her exterior decks. Her beach club features submersible platforms, connecting life onboard with the sea. Guests can retreat to the waterfall infinity-style Jacuzzi and soak up the scenery, or wind-down in the sauna after a long, activity-filled day. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262136/image/large-5e5062535df4f7117ff70aec069e3603.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262136"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262137/image/large-37f652616cb98cc0f8ee8926e2c9a113.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262137">Built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Romeo Foxtrot35.57m (116'8&quot;)Hargrave Custom Yachts2022">Romeo Foxtrot</a> benefits from a semi-displacement hull to ensure exceptional seakeeping and impressive speeds. Her twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines provide her with a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots.&nbsp;

Onboard: 36m Hargrave yacht Romeo Foxtrot 

The 35.57-metre Hargrave motor yacht Romeo Foxtrot was delivered in 2022 as part of the Hargrave 116 series. 

Onboard: 36m Hargrave motor yacht Romeo Foxtrot 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has relaunched the 42.6-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshadow42.6m (139'9&quot;)Feadship2003">Moonshadow</a>, following a five-month refit at the Royal Van Lent Kaag facility in the Netherlands. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261963/image/large-4f5d9b76c04787fb470cdf2dd17ca83e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261963"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261967/image/large-8a3ecf695e64c22a9956981085fc1bbd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261967">The explorer first hit the water 20 years ago in 2003, under her maiden name Andiamo. Her exterior design is by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/115" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Douglas Sharp Yacht Design (Company)">Douglas Sharp Yacht Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, with the latter also handling her naval engineering. Her original interior design was by the renowned and now defunct <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade Johnson Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261889/image/large-dc28c8675fa130a58ddf82a912da9dd8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261889"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261891/image/large-5e79b17ddb2b0e3882cef27761a5b97b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261891"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshadow42.6m (139'9&quot;)Feadship2003">Moonshadow</a> has undertaken a rigorous maintenance schedule with annual appointments at many different US yards, this is the first time she’s returned to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> though.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261890/image/large-502cc8651c58b54a86910f75f3e8bee1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261890">&nbsp;With 443 GT of interior volume and a four stateroom configuration, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshadow42.6m (139'9&quot;)Feadship2003">Moonshadow</a> can accommodate as many as eight guests. She has an owners’ suite, two doubles and one twin. Moonshadow can also carry eight crew. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261888/image/large-fe6e1f90a4d59b791e2d15b422b382d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261888"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshadow42.6m (139'9&quot;)Feadship2003">Moonshadow</a> has a large foredeck with space for two tenders, leaving the sundeck and aft free for her owner and guests. Her sundeck is home to a whirlpool and an informal dining area – making the space ideal for hosting family and friends. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261965/image/large-7a0636d879457457cac94dfcb2e1c639.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261965">Equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshadow42.6m (139'9&quot;)Feadship2003">Moonshadow</a> has a cruising speed of 10.5 knots and a top speed of 13 knots.&nbsp;

Feadship relaunches Moonshadow yacht

Feadship relaunched the 42.6-metre explorer yacht Moonshadow, twenty years after she was first delivered. 

In pictures: 43m explorer yacht Moonshadow relaunched by Feadship 

The 18th May 2022 marks the first celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime. The day celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote recruitment, raise the profile of women in maritime and address the current gender imbalance in the maritime industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227489/image/large-17c5e1deaf6f19225da98b84465e4c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227489">In 2021, a survey on diversity in the industry by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>, highlighted the disparity between female crews and their male counterparts. The team found that of 32,000 crew members, including those currently employed and those seeking work, only 28 percent were women and more shockingly, only 2.1 percent of captains were female. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227494/image/large-12c143c193660a52c3d85c4c2b73c6f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227494"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> was founded by Jenny Matthews in 2018 after she realised she had not worked with another female in the deck department. The company has evolved to look into diversity, inclusion, innovation and sustainability in the yacht industry. “We did this data collection to guide the programmes that we build. A really big challenge we encountered though was that although these organisations wanted to be involved, only 37 percent of the 57 companies actually had this data available.”The gender imbalance with yacht crew is quite a staggering statistic, and really highlights the key issues faced in crew leadership roles. There is a very obvious gender imbalance across all roles with senior roles facing similar issues. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> found that only one in four women in the yachting industry occupy a senior position; to break this down, 3.9 percent are chief officers, 1.9 percent are captains. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227361/image/large-0d229b716cc16d58a9ae49294899825b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227361">Across the industry there are women thriving on the challenge of changing these statistics. To put these figures into perspective, according to <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> out of the 1,209 active captains, only one percent are female. One of those is the 32.2-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/6390" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freddy32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2016">Freddy</a>’s captain, Kelly Gordon, who was introduced into yachting by a student while working as a chemistry professor. “I was intrigued from the moment that I stepped on board. I remember remarking, ‘I can drive this thing!’ to the captain and he challenged me to return the next day!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227357/image/large-3624aaa36062b2311cb07155f2f01f2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227357">Kelly knew nothing about boats before this moment and it became clear pretty early on that she was in a male dominated industry. “I am quite determined and when I set a goal, I reach it. Before long, the men in the industry became my greatest assets and support! I think that as more and more women show up and succeed in male dominated roles it just opens the doors for other women that might need a little nudge to pursue their dream.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227493/image/large-d057736efe4e04d3f8db73641ba44861.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227493">Although the statistics for females onboard are low, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>’s survey found that when it comes to the shore-side sector, 34 percent of Managers are female and 17.4 percent are female Directors. Despite the survey showing that the yacht crew sector is unbalanced, with more men in deck and engineering roles than women, they have instead found jobs onshore.&nbsp;Sarah Flavell, Communications Specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> knows all too well about the challenges women have faced to get to this stage. “When I joined the superyacht industry 20 years ago, the landscape of gender equality was very different. I can remember working at boat shows and being one of only five or so women at the entire event that was not a visitor. People were always very surprised to see females there, especially working, it just wasn’t part of what the industry was used to.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227358/image/large-7c3ae25e987c930550b85719620a26dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227358">This experience is one that many women across the industry are experiencing when they first enter the world of yachting. Francesca Webster, Editor-in-Chief at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a>, was first introduced to yachting by her brother when she was 18. “It opened many doors over the years and I fell in love with the industry and the yachts themselves.” She worked for a few years with him running charter yachts, before moving towards sailing, and eventually to her current position in the industry, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a>. “It still remains a highly male dominated industry, both onboard and ashore, and I think one of the biggest challenges comes when your ability or skill set is overlooked on face value for your gender – which is not an irregular occurrence.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227491/image/large-834fc361b6e4878dd06cbb41954a1527.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227491"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>’s 2021 survey found that 66.6 percent of employers have faced challenges with recruiting, placing or retaining women within the industry. “We found that when we look at common barriers that any marginalised community faces, a lot of it comes down to opportunity and access,” added Jenny Matthews. &nbsp;Those same organisation’s were also asked the same question but regarding minorities, which found that 75 percent had encountered challenges. “Yachting is an ego driven industry filled with successful people, there will always be challenges no matter the gender!” says Veronica Pizza, yacht broker for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2529" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Worth Avenue Yachts (Company)">Worth Avenue Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227510/image/large-3ae22eeef43145436f7574a2af1685e0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227510">As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>’s survey results have already suggested, it is extremely important for us to understand the career aspirations of those in the industry, especially women. The learning opportunities absorbed during our training can set the tone for years to come. This is why it is important to recognise this indifference, as Veronica Pizza so eloquently puts it “don’t let the gender imbalance stop you from pursuing your career choice, whatever that may be!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227359/image/large-65130fae0e32b03825ac5ca45e56f4e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227359">Hannah Hombergen, the founder and designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6714" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quintesse Group (Company)">Quintesse Group</a>, an interior design company based in the Netherlands, believes the industry is adapting and that the tides are now changing for the better. “There are always challenges in this niche industry, but I see gender-related challenges decreasing over the years. Women in the industry are working more and more together, so we become stronger together. Men are not a tread for us, but an asset for our development and strength!”So how can we become more inclusive of gender and minorities within the yachting industry? Organisations need to be looking more at their verbal and visual representation to make sure that their education, policies and practices reflect all genders and minorities. We need to be focusing on how the talent pipeline is distributed with the next generation, and how we recruit these individuals. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227490/image/large-cd5df8ccee88791e66d6fa2ca73475ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227490">Jenny Matthews says, “For women it is important to know that your power as a woman isn’t about how much you can be like a man, or that your power in a minority isn’t how much you can assimilate to the majority. It’s about how much you can step into your own power and be your authentic self. You can’t let your gender define you, but you also can’t cut it out of who you are. So embrace your uniqueness because it will be your power.”

International Day for Women in Maritime 2022

The 18th May 2022 marks the first celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime. 

International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting

Happy International Women's Day 2018! To celebrate this day, we spoke to influential women from across the yachting industry to hear their inspiring top tips for women who want to get ahead in what is often perceived by many to be a male-dominated industry.&nbsp;Katya Grzeszczak Jaimes<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27377/image/large-5ba944a072e44b7fb23c5eb029576d32.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27377">Katya Grzeszczak Jaimes is a Sales and Charter Consultant for IYC."The topic of women in yacht brokerage is actually a very 'near and dear' subject to my heart. It’s a fascinating and potentially highly rewarding industry, and as such, it appears very attractive yet very intimidating to many. It was not easy for me breaking in some ten years ago.&nbsp;I had to figure everything out on my own, but having ladies as role models and mentors such as&nbsp;Terry Hines, Barbara Dawson, Ann Landry and Barbara Stork&nbsp;made all the difference. Cultivating courage and perseverance in ourselves as women are key to making it in this high stakes, high tension, fast-paced industry.""The yachting industry is divided in such unique way that more than 90% of all charter brokers in the world are female, and, on the contrary, more than 90% of all sales brokers in the world are men. Having now made a transition into selling mega yachts as well, I feel male yacht brokers accepted me as an equal and professional colleague as soon as I was able to prove myself as a capable and strong sales broker. Seeing female yacht captains out there makes me extremely happy. I’m excited for this industry and for the world, in general, today as I see glass ceilings being crushed all around."&nbsp; Carla Demaria&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27366/image/large-a417ec4f9e14f2a483b2d28fc9aa3995.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27366"> Carla Demaria is the President of Monte Carlo Yachts, President of the Board of UCINA (the Italian Yachting Federation) and is also a member of the board of directors of the Beneteau Group in France.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am often asked what my recipe was to succeed in such a male-dominated profession. I believe that passion, competency, consistency, and risk-taking are all necessary, but there is one fundamental thing that women have to equip themselves with: self-esteem. Often women do not dare to ask for progress because they think they are not up to it. In order to change this female attitude, I also believe that it is important that women who have succeeded are out there leading the way for other women."&nbsp; Bonnie McIvor&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27367/image/large-66574397952a7c2d0b2db3f15e9b978b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27367"> Bonnie McIvor is the managing director of the superyacht project management company, McIvor &amp; Team.&nbsp;"My experience in the yachting industry has been extremely positive. I would encourage anyone with drive and heart to pursue or continue a career in our industry. My company is a boutique firm focused on project management and auditing. &nbsp;Whilst we don’t fit a typical business model, each year we thrive with repeat and new clients. We operate on a few foundational principles, which are to work with like-minded individuals and build strong teams, that flexibility and structure are not mutually exclusive, and that you should measure success on your own terms." Maria Grazia Franco&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27024/image/large-b4e292d69a8d9a814f65e53b45756d48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27024"> Maria Grazia Franco is the Captain of the 72.1-metre superyacht Stella Maris.&nbsp;"I always believed that through hard work, commitment, enthusiasm, preparation, studying, continuous investment in yourself, and love for your job, sooner or later you could achieve what you wanted. It could be a hard and long road for a female in the yachting industry, but if you want to make this job your life career, you have to accept it. And get up after every failure, no matter how many times.""Yes, it may take you more time to get where you want to compare to your male counterpart, but use that extra time to your advantage, to be better and more prepared than your counterpart, when your time finally comes. And don't use difficulties as an excuse for giving up. Believe in yourself, believe you can do it, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Love what you do, no matter what. Only if you don't love it enough is it not worth the fight."

International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting 

With International Women’s Day on everyone’s lips, we shine the spotlight on just some of the key female industry figures we’ve featured in our coverage on SuperYacht Times over the past year. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/66234/image/large-d9dc43e5edf1dbdd49e041f3e1ab4fe3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66234">Superyacht photographer Olga Dromas&nbsp;In our latest edition of The SuperYacht Times newspaper, we spoke to superyacht photographer Olga Dromas and found out the story behind her favourite shot:<img src="/uploads/store/photo/66233/image/large-ebd7db6aa905c9443dd34ef98ff5073a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66233">“On one of blueiprod’s first big yachts shoots ever, we had the challenge of capturing the entire 91.4-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonlight II91.4m (299'10&quot;)Neorion2005">Moonlight II</a>&nbsp;in a single day instead of four days as initially anticipated and we ended up working from sunrise to sunset to get it all in. During the final shot where we photographed one helicopter landing on the yacht from another helicopter, another guest helicopter arrived on scene completely unplanned. Just as they departed we managed to get them in position for this shot, a cool reward for a very tough day of shooting.” &nbsp; &nbsp;Market Watch: Irina Blagodyr and Julia Stewart&nbsp;Last month, as part of our Market Watch series, we interviewed a range of industry leaders in the brokerage sector to find out their views on the 2018 superyacht market. We spoke to <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/bluewater-russian-yacht-market" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Irina Blagodyr</a>, the head of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluewater (Company)">Bluewater</a> Russia and<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/julia-stewart-imperial">&nbsp;Julia Stewart,&nbsp;</a>Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imperial Yachts (Company)">Imperial Yachts</a>, and gained an insight into the performance of the market and their predictions for the upcoming year.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/63029/image/large-c467dcb8bb952dcf2204fe6ea0e2822d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/63029">Julia Stewart: “2018 was an important year for our industry and a step into its next decade: the demand is growing, as is the size of the yachts to be delivered from 2019 and beyond. We do believe that we are witnessing an important evolution which will durably and positively change the face of yachting.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/63944/image/large-58d79bba221614a58bbc86d7bccbd287.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/63944">Inina Blago: “Yachts built after 2010 are much more likely to be sold quicker than older vessels. The sweet spot range for current buyers is 30 - 50-metres. Yachts that are well-priced and attractive to the charter market are the yachts we are focusing on at Bluewater.” <img src="/uploads/store/photo/55403/image/large-db527a65b3b5c2096ebf83a56d0450e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/55403">5 Questions with... Aino Grapin, CEO of Winch DesignBack in November, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/5-questions-with-aino-grapin-ceo-of-winch-design" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">we caught up with Aino Grapin</a> and learned about her journey from strategy consulting and growing businesses in the art, luxury and technology sectors to becoming CEO of the British yacht design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>. “I am naturally curious and love learning about new industries. When I was approached about this fantastic role in a creative industry with so many parallels with the fine art sector, I seized the opportunity. I have been able to build on my knowledge of the client base and what service they expect, managing creatives and a shared passion for art and design.” <img src="/uploads/store/photo/58887/image/large-45a287468db3a5d7be21ca27d32eeac6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58887">Female crews excel during 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart 2019 kicked off with <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/female-crews-excel-during-2018-rolex-sydney-hobart" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">the 74th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race</a>, where a fleet of 85 boats manned by over 1,000 sailors set off from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day 2018 in a 628-mile sprint to the island of Tasmania. Highlights of this exciting race included 80 female crew who participated and, in particular, the all-female Wild Oats X that finished second overall. Several other female skippers led their yachts to class victories, but it was Wild Oats X’s Stacey Jackson that was awarded the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy for the first female skipper to complete the race.

females in yachting international womens day 

We shine the spotlight on just some of the key female industry figures we’ve featured in our coverage on SuperYacht Times over the past year.


Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019

Giovanna Vitelli, former Vice President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti </a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Group</a>, has been named Chairwoman of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Group</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260758/image/large-d114845098d9a706f89986d98c42100b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260758">Commenting on the appointment, Giovanna Vitelli said, “I would like to thank my father infinitely for his trust and the teachings of a lifetime, as well as all the people who have made and will continue to make the history of our Group”.The shipyard stated, “The path forward of continuity in the family, strongly desired by the founder Paolo Vitelli, guarantees the stability necessary to seize all the opportunities of the future.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/255941/image/large-6d6899cced809d7f993e3b87b40ed378.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/255941">Founded in 1969, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> went on to acquire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> in 1985. This year the Group is celebrating its 150th anniversary. During the company’s 23rd Benetti Yacht Master, held last month in Abu Dhabi, Vitelli confirmed strong business health, with “an annual turnover of around €1.2 billion”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/246616/image/large-9e89dcb4becf5e52052787f9177caabe.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/246616">According to <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> have more than 700 yachts – over 24-metres in length – in operation, with a further 127 in-build. &nbsp;

Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group

Giovanna Vitelli, Vice President of the Azimut|Benetti Group, has been named chairwoman of the Group. 

business-people-large-articles#0

Following the announcement of Ione Astondoa’s employment within the family-owned <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa Shipyard</a>, SuperYacht Times sat down with millennial and the fourth generation Astondoa, to discuss her decision to join the family business, her unique position as a young woman working in the yachting industry and the exciting developments currently underway at the Spanish shipyard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193957/image/large-7a0d38b223e82687d0120f6ba6032820.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193957">Can you explain what your position is with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>? What are some of the projects you are working on? “Currently, I am working between several different departments, because it's important to me to learn from each section of the shipyard. My dad, the CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>, has taught me and continues to teach me, so much about the ins and outs of the business. Each day is like a master class with him. I am part of the production and cost analysis department, which I love, and it's a very good way to learn about the process of manufacturing boats. I am also the head of the communication department, which is a challenge for me because I am developing new communication strategies for the shipyard. These challenges are due, in part, to the presence of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been such a challenge for us, as well as the industry as a whole, because we are not used to communicating with clients virtually. We’ve had no other choice, but the results are positive and we are optimistic about our new communication strategies.” As a fourth-generation Astondoa, was it always your ambition to follow the family into the superyacht industry? “Of course, when I was younger, I had moments when I didn't want to be part of this industry, but at the end of the day, I have the desire to continue the family legacy in my blood. I am beyond grateful to now be a part of the industry, I really love it. I grew up between boats and by the sea. My cousins, who also now work at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>, and I, grew up coming to see my grandfather and would get to step inside all of the action and excitement happening each day at the shipyard. Seeing my grandfather, my uncles, and my dad working so hard to make <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a> one of the greatest shipyards in the world has also made me want to continue in their footsteps. I think that there is something innate about wanting to work for the family business.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/190195/image/large-3b1f385f80031b3e30f66932055f5252.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/190195">You’ve said previously that "Female sensitivity and young talent have a lot to contribute to the visibility of industrial sectors ". How do you see your perspective as a young woman in continuing to push the yachting industry forward? “I think that we millennials are fresh air to the industry today. My generation has been preparing to get opportunities in an industry, where acquiring young talent has never really been a priority. Having an outside perspective and a new vision can sometimes be a barrier in this industry because it can, in some ways, be conservative. There is less of a willingness to listen to new ideas when certain things have been done in a specific way for so long. It can be hard for the industry’s veterans to trust new ways of doing things, when former strategies have worked for so long.” “For example, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to put trust in online strategies, which have given new approaches the opportunity to succeed in this sector. I believe that digitalisation and luxury already coexist with one another. Last week we participated in the first digital luxury congress and it was a complete success. In our industry, it is very important to be able to see and feel yachts. But under today’s current circumstances a digital approach helps to fill the gaps provided by the inability to do and see in person. This is where the integration of old and new strategies proves to be effective and where a fresh perspective and approach is advantageous."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176976/image/large-5a76df5516460138df66723f38c933bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176976">The announcement of your employment with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>&nbsp;mentioned that “Ione Astondoa, because of her youth, belonging to the millennial generation, and because she is a woman, had to break down barriers when she arrived at the family company”. Can you elaborate on what kinds of barriers or challenges you’ve faced, and how you overcame them? “I think there are two separate, but important factors at play here. The first of which is my age. This was no doubt the most difficult barrier I had to overcome because of the perception that I lacked the experience. In that way, it has been difficult to gain trust. But I kept trying and trying and demonstrating that a fresh perspective like mine in combination with the pre-existing strategies could be a win-win situation. Combining experience with the new outlook that young women like me can give to the industry, could be amazing. So that has been my goal, is to be listened to and trusted by the most experienced people in the company and industry. The second factor at play is the fact of being a woman. It is difficult, no matter the company, the country, the industry, to be a woman in this world. I am grateful because I see that old patterns are changing. I see that women are taking power across all industries, including the yachting industry. I am so proud to be part of this change. If I can use my voice to stand up or speak out for women, I forever will." <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>&nbsp;has previously described the modern-day social environment as “avant-garde, where luxury has to coexist with digitalisation and sustainability”. How will the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>&nbsp;brand continue to evolve within these conditions? “We still have a long way to go in this industry to become one hundred percent sustainable. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>, we are working on new yacht models that could operate entirely with renewable energy such as solar panels. Also, at the shipyard and work facilities we have current initiatives underway to employ more sustainable practices. We are in the process of setting up solar panels in all of our facilities, using electric vehicles and implementing a specific recycling system, as a first step.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193956/image/large-8b8c499e0ce0ce0feacaa2868ba4125d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193956" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Can you tell us about some of the most exciting projects currently underway at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>? “I cannot disclose too many details, but, currently, we are focussed on building yachts in the 20 to 33 metre range. Our clientele are really looking for smaller boats because they are more comfortable to navigate and easier in terms of bureaucracy. We launched the 25.25-metre AS8 in September and our design team is currently working on a new model in our AS range. Though we are catering to the demands of our client base, we do have the capacity to build larger superyachts such as the 60-metre 197 Steel model and the 125 Century model that is still currently undergoing the final stages of the design process.”

Women in yachting: Ione Astondoa of Astondoa Shipyard

SYT with Ione Astondoa the fourth generation of the Astondoa Shipyard on joining the family business and being a woman in the yachting industry.

Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry

United Kingdom

She of the Sea

Associations

Netherlands

Built on a heritage of world-class craftsmanship, Heesen has been delivering award-winning yachts for 40 years. Since the time its founding father Frans Heesen acquired the business in 1978, the shipyard has been characterised by constant innovation and an unrelenting focus on quality. The launch of 44m Octopussy in 1988 - the fastest superyacht in the world topping out at 53.17 knots – brought world-wide acclaim.When Frans retired in 2012, one chapter closed, and another began. Since then, the once family-owned yard has gone on, in partnership with naval architects Van Oossanen, to pioneer hybrid propulsion, as well as the revolutionary FDHF hull, and the ultra-efficient Hull Vane®.&nbsp;The year 2016 proved to be a turning point in Heesen’s history. It was the year the Dutch shipyard, renowned for its precision engineering, delivered its largest yacht to date – 70m Galactica Super Nova. It was also the year that Heesen completed a vast expansion of its facilities in Oss, the Netherlands; a new 85-metre dry dock, equipped with advanced features to create the best working environment possible.2019 represents another milestone in the history of the company. On May 14, the keel of the mighty 80m full-aluminium Project Cosmos was laid. When launched, she will be the largest and fastest all aluminium yacht ever built with a top speed of almost 30 knots.Heesen continues to grow today, acquiring additional sites and further investing in its interior furniture workshop, thereby increasing its capacity by 30 per cent.The year 2020 was challenging for the whole world and the yachting industry. At &nbsp;Heesen, it proved that financial stability, coupled with dependable Dutch organisation &nbsp;and a passionate workforce is the key to success in times of hardship. Despite &nbsp;enforced global travel restrictions and the challenges set by working in shifts, &nbsp;Heesen delivered two superyachts and sold five new contracts. With events and in- &nbsp;person gatherings cancelled, Heesen launched YachtTalk, the world's first-ever talk show dedicated to the superyacht industry.Heesen’s ability to quickly respond to market needs has been unequivocally proven over the years, but never more so than with the yard’s award-winning semi-custom platforms. The reduction in both production time and manufacturing costs has seen Heesen rise to the top of the 55-60m and 60-80m custom market.A continued investment in research, the application of smart technology, and collaboration with leading designers and developers all contribute to keeping the brand one step ahead.Although no longer a family business, Heesen has retained a family feel – something of a calling card for the 40-year-old Dutch yard – and is today one of the most advanced yacht-building facilities in the world.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/497902994" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Laurentia motor yacht by Heesen Yachts

Heesen Yachts

Heesen shipyard

Heesen 2021 yacht deliveries

Heesen Project Cosmos yacht in build 

Heesen Project Cosmos yacht in build in Oss

Naval architecture shipyard

Shipyards: New Building

Shipyards: Refit

United States

Since 1949, Northrop &amp; Johnson, the authority on yachting, has offered a new dimension of sophistication and service to the yachting lifestyle. With more than six decades of longevity and 13 offices worldwide, Northrop &amp; Johnson provides services that are customized to meet all of a client's yachting needs. Northrop &amp; Johnson’s dedicated sales and charter brokers are able to assist you with everything from selling your yacht to purchasing a yacht to the construction of a brand-new yacht. Northrop &amp; Johnson also offers charter services. Charter retail will help you create the luxury yacht charter of your dreams; charter management has the experience and industry insight to ensure your charter yacht gets maximum exposure and bookings. Northrop &amp; Johnson would be delighted to assist you with any of your yachting needs, from general questions to yacht sales and purchase to charter to management and marketing of the world's most discerning luxury vessels. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-RSlVLBufg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-south-of-france-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Antibes</a><a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-australia-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Australia</a><a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/fortlauderdale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Fort Lauderdale</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-holland-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Holland</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-hong-kong-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-los-angeles-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/monaco" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Monaco</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-newport-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Newport</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-newport-beach-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Newport Beach</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-new-york-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office New York</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-palma-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Palma</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-san-diego-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office San Diego</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northropandjohnson.com/contact-thailand-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Office Thailand</a>&nbsp;

Northrop and Johnson Marketing 

Northrop and Johnson

Brokers: Charters

Brokers: Management

Brokers: Sales

Italy

Azimut-Benetti Group

Destry Darr Designs

Designer: Interior Design

Built under the project name of Nova&nbsp;and launched in 2017, &nbsp;the 49.8-metre&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/home" target="_blank">Home</a> is the design work of regular <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen</a> collaborator Frank Laupman of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/omega-architects" target="_blank">Omega Architects</a>, with naval architecture undertaken by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/van-oossanen-naval-architects" target="_blank">Van Oossanen</a>. Her <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-of-the-week-heesen-s-hybrid-home" target="_blank">interior</a> design is the product of Italian stylist <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/cristiano-gatto-design" target="_blank">Cristiano Gatto</a>, who has created a sleek and contemporary home away from home, engaging with a strict colour scheme of white, grey, silver and burgundy for a sophisticated finish. Comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests across six spacious cabins, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/home" target="_blank">Home</a> offers guests plenty of relaxation areas onboard, including two salons, a gym and hammam, as well as al fresco dining areas and a circular spa pool.

Long Read

International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change