Francesca Webster sits down with Maria Francesca Angelini, owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6173" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbus Yachts (Company)">Columbus</a>’ new 50m custom yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anjelif49.9m (163'9&quot;)Columbus Yachts2024">Anjelif</a>, to find out how she made her superyacht dream a reality.There were many striking yachts exhibited at this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2024">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, but no more so that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6173" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbus Yachts (Company)">Columbus Yachts</a> newly launched, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anjelif49.9m (163'9&quot;)Columbus Yachts2024">Anjelif</a>. The gilded bronze hulled 50-metre yacht, with her contemporary custom exterior and interior lines is the product of owner Maria Francesca Angelini, alongside a number of architects that supported her creative process. We sat down with her, to find out more about what makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anjelif49.9m (163'9&quot;)Columbus Yachts2024">Anjelif</a> her perfect yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/341493/image/large-645fd1a7702912ff2f819757f8bbb181.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/341493">How did your relationship with yachting begin?Yes, I’ve been around boats since I was a teenager. My father has always owned yachts, starting with ones around 24-metres and later going up to 45-metres. Because of this, I decided to start at 50-metres for my first yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332576/image/large-9352759cd65601949b2f90162ab93130.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332576" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">While growing up and spending time onboard, I’d think about what was missing, what could be improved, what kind of service would work better, and even about the shape of the yacht to enlarge the space. So I decided to pay attention not only to the interior spaces and layout but also to the exterior one’s. I envisioned something modern, with a special and unique shape. I told myself, if you’re going to do something, make it special!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332577/image/large-c76397a62d08406fd4edd1f44bdae663.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332577">I have also chartered yachts and that has been really informative in developing my tastes and helping me to understand what works, not just for the guests, but also for the crew in order to be able to do the best caring for them.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332557/image/large-b7fbd13f83ed33f833a96e34b41a5151.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332557">What were your main priorities when you decided to build your own yacht - your ‘must haves’?There were many priorities, not just one. The main key and challenging priority ware making <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anjelif49.9m (163'9&quot;)Columbus Yachts2024">Anjelif</a> modern, eco-friendly, elegant, and sophisticated as well, with an indoor atmosphere that surround people with calm and pure energy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332551/image/large-19de716eeb94011d0446062de5594e06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332551">I wanted to shape the interiors to create multi-functional spaces with some tricky and clever mechanisms, thinking big and best for guests. For instance, this room (the upper deck dining area) is not only a magnificent dining room, but if you disassemble the table and leave only the rounded smaller ones, it can become an amazing games room instead. Also, the main saloon sofas are quite extraordinary, they move up on micro invisible rails to offer different configurations, to watch out the large sky-earth windows or just turn in front of the TV screen and become a cinema area. Another example is the helipad, which isn’t just for helicopter landings; it also serves as a dance floor during an amazing party or an outdoor cinema. Even with 50-metres of space, you need to optimise it as much as possible.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332559/image/large-f9ea5047b24b1cbb6aaad87cd4fd6883.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332559">The exterior and interior design is stunning, what was the process to achieve this unique result?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332561/image/large-8553cbd7e69b2865908c384d15821aaf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332561">I started the project discussing with architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marco Casali Too Design (Company)">Marco Casali</a> what my vision was, until the minimum details started to take place. He was instrumental in the early stages of the project because he really understood what I had in mind. When I described the lines I wanted for the yacht’s structure, he grasped it immediately and we designed it together. I wanted more symmetry, especially in the side exterior lines and enlarged spaces especially on the fly deck but also in the bow part, so we reshaped them. I asked for completely open windows in the main salon– something I know only some of the much larger yachts have – but my vision was that and we got it.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/329263/image/large-281e042c0f8c6df985c2fcc2afc71043.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/329263">The atmosphere on board feels so relaxed and elegant, can you tell me about the concept behind the interior design?The atmosphere I wanted to create is like a relaxing place full of pure energy – where it is possible to rest the eyes, calm mind and body. I wanted to create an environment where people could truly unwind, a place where everything promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. I used the mineral and precious stones, combined into delicate surfaces to achieve that effect.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332542/image/large-480322ba5df6b3bca82063debd364c2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332542">I didn’t get any inspiration from a specific hotel or restaurant vision that came out of me just assembling little pieces of my experience like a perfect puzzle. I then chose a champagne-coloured palette with touches of bronze and gold because I find this colour elegant and joyful as well.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332541/image/large-4ed059a00984c4f9802ae26c61b7e69e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332541">You mentioned unique technological advancements in the air conditioning system. Could you explain what drove those decisions?Yes, some of these ideas came from my own experiences. I often found myself getting cold onboard because of overly strong air conditioning. I thought, if you have a luxury yacht, it shouldn’t make you need a scarf or medicine! The air conditioning should keep you in a state of perfect comfort.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332552/image/large-1cb93c4c00995afd46aa005bbba8e440.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332552"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anjelif49.9m (163'9&quot;)Columbus Yachts2024">Anjelif</a> features a customised air conditioning system that allows guests to be surrounded by the perfect climate. I also requested my engineer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giuseppe Sole (Company)">Giuseppe Sole</a> to study a reinforced cleaning and purifying air system that could sterilise the yacht’s interiors after guests have been onboard to ensure that it is safe for my guests. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332535/image/large-8e2c6f0ebf72f39774098e32e0759917.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332535">After all, a luxury yacht should make you feel comfortable in every way. This is achieved not only through the advanced technology we have on board but also through the materials, lighting, and design choices – the lighting, for instance, is never invasive.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332537/image/large-2bb5e3cc4c780c89ee7063f7dc6d2285.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332537">Now that the yacht is a reality, do you have any favourite spots? Where do you spend your time?Honestly, I have many favourite spots! I love this room, the fixed terrace in the master suite, the sundeck – which is really amazing – and the comfortable sofas up there. I enjoy sitting with guests and having lunch, or lounging on the sunbeds by the pool, which is heated and relaxing!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332538/image/large-d85232528b5941331520042660ece989.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332538">The materials used throughout the boat are stunning, especially the crystals that vary from room to room. Is that a personal passion of yours?Yes, it's a passion of mine. I’ve been interested in crystals for about 20 years and have studied their properties, such as how they transfer energy from one crystal to another and how they can affect people. It is something described by science and personally I feel better surrounded by them, and I’m not the only one. In fact a Prince and Princess recently came on board and they said they felt a special and relaxing atmosphere here. They noticed the energy in the spaces, and that’s what I wanted to achieve – good vibes, positive energy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332546/image/large-b7295b6d148338eb205fc9523985f29b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332546"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332541/image/large-4ed059a00984c4f9802ae26c61b7e69e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332541"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332533/image/large-ae0e3b1fbc4ca2744d7b7dcf0507bea9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332533">The yacht has recently been put on the charter market with Fraser. Was she built with chartering in mind?Not initially. I didn’t decide whether it would be for private use or charter until about two years ago. I had considered living on board, but I later found the perfect home for my daughter and I realised I would not be onboard permanently and I didn’t want this beautiful yacht to sit unused, and I decided to put it up for charter. I want people to enjoy <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10672" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anjelif49.9m (163'9&quot;)Columbus Yachts2024">Anjelif</a> like me.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332555/image/large-6596edde10cd902e63376cce2a947a17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332555"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332539/image/large-993947c631650852b22b72e1d06072e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332539">We are hoping to take her to the Caribbean this December and we are working with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a> to make it happen, and they’ve been very supportive. The Caribbean would be a fantastic destination, and with the yacht’s distinctive look and her helipad, she'd certainly turn heads!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332547/image/large-d71dd2259e883ece7327852f9ad1dbfc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332547">I have also decided to deliver a part of the charter revenues to the Medialthea Charity Association that supports and takes care of children and young people all over the world.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332536/image/large-05ca41425edc5f52c6ed175d3bc675ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332536"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332543/image/large-40ee84d983369bab98ec20855ce3fdc7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332543">Speaking of the distinctive look, the hull colour is unusual. What inspired that?It’s a reflection of me – a bit unusual! I wanted this boat painted in this special metallic bronze that changes into a champagne colour under the sun, just as sunflowers do. Under shadows her hull almost looks like bronze, but when the sun touches her, she shines! It’s like magic. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332571/image/large-9dcf0bfb06db24990bc5f25b61de040f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332571">Finally, we can tell that, since all of us have bright sides and shady sides, it represents how even on cloudy days, it is possible to still be elegant, kind, and strong, and when the light comes up, shine and be the best versions of ourselves.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332544/image/large-4915c268223b0b64391ea331a23c5c59.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332544">Finally, did you enjoy the building process?&nbsp;At the beginning when I met Giuseppe Palumbo, he asked me what I wanted,&nbsp;and I told him I wanted something special. He said, “Ok. Show me what you have in mind.” They presented me with a plan, and I said, "Okay, it's a good starting point, but we’ll change this, this, and this. Can you do it?" Palumbo was up for the challenge, and that’s how our collaboration started.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332562/image/large-3a4aba26897caf9ffdb0d3c8afbadd82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332562">The build process was long, but I enjoyed the experience and I am very happy with the personality of the yacht, where people can sit and relax and feel safe. It was a challenging process, but after all, everything new and beautiful is laborious. Each unique and extraordinary project can only come to life when there’s an enlightened vision from someone willing to take on.This story and more are published in Issue 51 of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>, out now!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332572/image/large-e320765de70dc483deb2f0796b9ae980.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332572">

Interview with Maria Francesca Angelini, owner of Anjelif

Anjelif yacht anchored in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

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Anjelif yacht bathroom

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Anjelif yacht cruising

Maria Francesca Angelini, owner of Anjelif 

Francesca Webster sits down with Maria Francesca Angelini, owner of Columbus’ new 50m custom yacht Anjelif. 

Owner insight: Maria Francesca Angelini on her 50m Columbus custom yacht Anjelif

Few yachts illustrate the value of long-term investment quite like the 59-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a>. Originally built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> in 1973 as a North Sea pilot vessel, the yacht has undergone an extensive multi-year renewal programme under her current ownership, resulting in a vessel that combines commercial-grade pedigree with a thoroughly modern technical platform.When SuperYacht Times first spoke with the owners of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a> in 2024, the husband-and-wife team shared their ambition to create a yacht capable of genuine global exploration – a vision that ultimately shaped the unique vessel seen today. Since then, the project has continued to evolve, with significant investment directed towards the yacht's engineering infrastructure, operational capabilities and long-term cruising readiness.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396865/image/large-469255e5fbe5f2a721e189fbab0deb38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396865">A platform built for exploration&nbsp;Unlike many explorer yachts conceived primarily for leisure use, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a> began life as a working vessel designed to withstand the demanding conditions of the North Sea. Constructed by Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>, her robust steel hull, deep draft and distinctive canoe stern continue to define her character today.For the owners, these attributes formed the foundation of the project. "We wanted something that could take us anywhere – and allow us to stay there," explains the owner. Rather than commissioning a new-build explorer yacht, the decision was made to invest in an existing platform with proven seakeeping credentials and adapt it for modern long-range cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396874/image/large-9204cd5f0c061c12486730ff720b5c79.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396874">A comprehensive engineering renewal&nbsp;Central to the programme has been a substantial overhaul of the yacht's engineering systems. Over a series of refit periods spanning multiple years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a> has undergone extensive upgrades designed to modernise the vessel while preserving the strengths of her original construction.Among the most significant additions are three new Tier III-compliant <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> D16 generator sets, a new ABB variable frequency drive electrical architecture, new propulsion motors, a new bow thruster and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quantum Marine Stabilizers (Company)">Quantum</a> XT zero-speed stabilisers. The yacht has also received a new switchboard, updated navigation equipment and modern communications systems, including Starlink connectivity.According to the yacht's engineering team, the focus was not on extending the life of aging systems but replacing critical infrastructure altogether. The result is a platform that combines the structural integrity of a commercial vessel with the reliability and operational flexibility expected of a contemporary explorer yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396913/image/large-1ea1b31cf6c6b22e5899fc40c000b351.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396913">Proven through use&nbsp;While many explorer projects are judged on specification alone, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a>'s credentials have been established through extensive real-world operation.Over the course of the current ownership, the yacht has logged more than 100,000 nautical miles, visiting destinations including Alaska, the Galápagos Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Captain Gabriel Sayles, who has overseen numerous long-distance passages aboard the yacht, points to this cruising record as one of the vessel's defining achievements.Beyond reliability, one of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a>'s most remarkable characteristics is her operational efficiency. Her diesel-electric propulsion system delivers exceptionally low fuel consumption for a yacht of her size, allowing the owners to undertake extended voyages while minimising fuel costs and reducing the logistical challenges often associated with remote cruising. Combined with enhanced redundancy, efficient power management and accurate low-speed manoeuvrability, the system has enabled the yacht to operate economically across some of the world's most isolated cruising grounds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397605/image/large-f151ecb3fe14a8958392ae178f727e5f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397605">Designed for life on board&nbsp;Alongside the technical works, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a>'s interior has been extensively reimagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7530" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Wiseman Group (Company)">The Wiseman Group</a>, with her exterior executed by Dutch yacht design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a>.Rather than pursuing a highly stylised aesthetic, the owners focused on creating an environment suited to extended periods on board. Natural materials, neutral tones and comfortable social spaces were prioritised throughout the interior, reflecting the yacht's intended role as a long-range home rather than a seasonal retreat. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396875/image/large-af26625a93afa27e49230baba54521da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396875">The result is a yacht equally capable of undertaking multi-week ocean passages or serving as a comfortable base in remote anchorages far from conventional cruising infrastructure.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397617/image/large-e8ebe05d2b1f55b5ad68a480040796d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397617">Continuing the journey&nbsp;Today, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a> stands as an example of an increasingly rare approach within the superyacht sector: the long-term evolution of an existing platform rather than replacement through a new-build project.With class surveys up to date, major engineering systems renewed and a decade of operational experience informing every stage of the programme, the yacht demonstrates how thoughtful investment can extend the relevance and capability of a proven vessel far beyond its original design brief. On the market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYachtsMonaco (Company)">SuperYachtsMonaco</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a> offers potential new owners an opportunity to acquire a true, proven explorer in remarkable condition.More than fifty years after leaving the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Just B59.0m (193'7&quot;)Amels1973">Just B</a> continues to fulfil the role for which she was selected by her owners – a yacht built not simply to travel the world, but to remain there.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396871/image/large-5c05621fe7de48e409e1ca224b93c3df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396871">

Behind the refit of Amels Just B

The owners of the Amels superyacht Just B share the story of her refit ahead of her sale.

How a decade-long refit programme transformed the 59m yacht Just B

Paul Kinkley, the owner of the Bering 78,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Slow Ride23.85m (78'3&quot;)Bering Yachts2026">Slow Ride</a>, sits down with Leona Caanen to chat about his brand new yacht, her personalised features and his upcoming cruising plans.Sitting across from me is Paul Kinkley, Canadian native and the owner of the brand new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bering Yachts (Company)">Bering</a> 78. The 23.85-metre superyacht, named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Slow Ride23.85m (78'3&quot;)Bering Yachts2026">Slow Ride</a>, is currently in process of delivery at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bering Yachts (Company)">Bering Yachts</a>, in Turkey. Earlier this year, Paul visited the yard for the yacht’s official launch.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398589/image/large-392751553f2d2f178de6f73300a22a02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398589">The yacht’s name comes from a song by Foghat, and is something Paul’s entire family connected with. “We narrowed it down from about a 100 names to 10, and then five and then three, and eventually I just pulled the trigger. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Slow Ride23.85m (78'3&quot;)Bering Yachts2026">Slow Ride</a> made the most sense, we all related to it”, recalls Paul, who is very much a family man. On a cloudy day in January, as the yacht was launched, Paul blasted 'Slow Ride'&nbsp;on the yacht’s speakers whilst taking the yacht for her very first ride.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382519/image/large-136ef5f4fa7f10e6c8be257f7d67b10b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382519" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> Love at first sightPaul has closely followed the build process along. “From the time of ordering the boat to hand over, it’s a long period,” shares Paul. Yet building his very own yacht is something Paul has thought about for a long time. “We’ve had used boats, I’ve always fixed them up, put the systems I wanted on them,” Paul continues, “I was watching boating videos and stumbled upon the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Slow Ride23.85m (78'3&quot;)Bering Yachts2026">Bering Yachts</a> channel, and decided to give them a call.”“Honestly, we didn’t actually look anywhere else,” Paul mentions, “when I saw the videos and chatted with Alexei, he was just so down-to-earth, and I loved the style of the boat, it was unique looking.” Paul felt like the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bering Yachts (Company)">Bering Yachts</a> Shipyard in Antalya was the right fit, “the yacht is a steel hull, which is precisely what I was looking for.”Having always owned pre-built yachts, Paul’s patience has been tested, not just because of his excitement to cruise onboard the yacht, but also because a week after signing the deal, Paul’s other yacht, sitting in Fort Myers, Florida, was destroyed by hurricane Ian. “It’s quite surreal that it happened like that.” Getting to launch the yacht and see her touch the water was a great moment of both relief and excitement.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382538/image/large-b3a6aabc47478833dc3131bd137e923b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382538">Designing a superyachtThe yacht is a semi-custom, so while the bones were pre-designed, there were plenty of choices left for Paul and his family to decide on. The stand-out choice has been the colour of the hull: “we probably went through 15 or 20 different colour renders, and Carol likes blue, so we were searching for the perfect colour” Paul recalls. Upon finding a colour they liked, Paul asked the yard to send a big colour swatch: “a computer only shows so much, but as soon as we saw the swatch we fell in love with the colour.”The interiors feature a softer, more neutral palette than the teal exterior, across an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the galley with the saloon and features large windows, providing plenty of natural lighting. The galley looks out onto the aft deck, where a table for ten creates the ideal place for al fresco dining, enjoying sunsets or a delicious morning coffee.A diesel electrician by trade, Paul is especially happy with how the engine room turned out. “Anything mechanical I love,” Paul highlights, “we’ve packed that room like you can’t believe: we’ve changed some of the electronics, the AC systems, upgraded it to 48 volt.” The engine room was expanded, getting rid of the crew head, as “we’re not really crew people anyways.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382508/image/large-8957a0d4c70d67e74479c8a653443b1a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382508" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Feeling secure<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Slow Ride23.85m (78'3&quot;)Bering Yachts2026">Slow Ride</a> marks a sense of security, but also of freedom, and a big point of purchasing a yacht was ensuring Paul and Carol could manage it themselves: &nbsp;“It’s important to us that we can run the yacht by ourselves; not having to run upstairs, worrying about fenders.”The yachts that Paul previously owned were great, but ”they never had everything on it that we wanted; I was constantly busy converting yachts we purchased,” shares Paul. With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Slow Ride23.85m (78'3&quot;)Bering Yachts2026">Slow Ride</a>, Paul has “all the systems onboard: not having to go in for pump outs anymore because there is a sewage treatment plan onboard and dual water makers so you have the back-up.” A lot of the technological systems introduced onboard are not just for comfort of long distance cruising, but also to feel safe and secure when cruising: “Just knowing all this is onboard, in case something happens while cruising with my family, I don’t worry so much,” shares Paul.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398588/image/large-2631ff32ceef53dd64b3c6380ef5683d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398588" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">A sense of freedomOne place that is definitely on the cruising destination is a little fishermen village, near the shipyard that Paul and Carol visited a while ago. “We befriended the owner of a restaurant, he’s a fantastic chef, and we promised that once we have the yacht, we’ll come visit and enjoy dinner together.”&nbsp;Besides the shores of Turkey, Paul is eager to explore the Mediterranean: “We’ve never boated in the Mediterranean, but I’ve done lots of research on it, followed lots of sailboaters online.” Having itineraries planned out, thanks to fellow yachties, and with the yacht ready cruise, Paul and Carol are bound to have a great summer in the Mediterranean, “getting as close to shore as I can with the shallow draft.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/398590/image/large-1289eb29cd7094aadb3ee64b0312c4f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/398590" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">

A Slow Ride: building a Bering 78

Paul Kinkley, owner of the Bering 78 Slow Ride, talks to Leona Caanen about his new yacht, custom features and cruising plans.

Not your average Slow Ride

Early March, Jim Offield returned after two years of circumnavigating the globe onboard sailing yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a>, just in time for his 76th birthday. Leona Caanen sits down with Jim to dive into his journey sailing the seven seas onboard the 34-metre ketch.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397312/image/large-2d480c55397f28e4576e480c910ab08e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397312">As the world was closing up in July 2020, Jim’s longtime captain and dear friend Bruno, found the perfect ketch sitting for sale, docked in Palma de Mallorca. After a quick tour via FaceTime, Jim bought the yacht and had Bruno prepare it to set sail. Jim made his way to the yacht, where Gibraltar authorities granted him a sole 24 hours of entry before he and his yacht needed to leave.What followed was Jim’s very first Atlantic crossing on a sailing yacht. “We did the Atlantic crossing in August and I absolutely fell in love with offshore sailing. It was an absolute magical trip,” Jim shares. Crossing the Atlantic in the middle of hurricane season is quite a feat, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a> showed what she was capable of and with Bruno captaining the vessel, Jim felt right at ease.After that, Jim, Bruno and the crew spent four years leisurely exploring New England and the Caribbean, sailing from island to island. After exploring much of the region, Bruno and Jim were having coffee one morning on shore when the question arose: what next? Having previously travelled to the Pacific and Oceania onboard a 156 foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta</a>, Bruno floated the thought of sailing around the world onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a>. A simple ‘why not’ from Jim and a plan was made. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397341/image/large-e986b042286f4f2e39e0b8b2219a4a49.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397341">Around the worldIn early April of 2024, Jim and his wife, captain Bruno and their crew set sail from Savannah, Georgia, heading towards the Panama Canal. From there <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a> sailed towards the Galapagos and towards New Zealand, taking time to sail past many islands of the South Pacific that lay along the route, the likes of French Polynesia and Tonga.To sail to such remote places, witnessing stunning wildlife along the way, felt like a true sailor’s journey, but in the comfort of the 34-metre superyacht. All these sailing experiences, exploring the Mediterranean, crossing the Atlantic, and cruising around New England and throughout the Caribbean, making minor tweaks to the vessel along the way, had unknowingly prepared her for the circumnavigation. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397298/image/large-cf68dc5ec2d388b4dac703ab8511d9ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397298">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/52" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ron Holland Design (Company)">Ron Holland Design</a> (exteriors) and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> (interiors) and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a> in 1999, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a> is a sturdy lady. Bruno shares how, as ”Jim goes to bed quite early, sometimes, when we sail at 10 or 12 knots through the night, he’ll come up in the morning and not have felt a thing!” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a> was the right choice of vessel for the journey they took.One of the most exciting legs of the journey was sailing from Cairns to the Cape of Good Hope, through the Indian Ocean. “98 percent of this trip is going to be spectacular,” Captain Bruno had said to Jim, “but two to five percent of it, you're going to have to hold on to your shorts. And it didn't let us down.” The Indian Ocean is notorious for its strong, unexpected monsoon-like winds and heavy rains, accompanied by a chaotic sea with waves coming in from all directions. “In the middle of one of those days when it was full on, Jim looked at me and he goes, ‘it's worse than you said it would be!’”. As the duo tells the story, Bruno laughs, “I always said to Jim, ‘you haven’t crossed an ocean until you’ve sailed an ocean!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397339/image/large-9ffd3d4bc8d1c964c524477a86d0a59e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397339">Harmonious sailingHaving known each other for 25 years, Jim and Bruno share a special bond. Something that, in turn, had a positive effect on the rest of the crew. ”We travelled with an amazing group of people and many friendships were born,” shares Jim. “Being alone in the ocean for so many days with such a great crew, it’s the experience of a lifetime. It was harmony in every sense of the word.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397343/image/large-317e67d451ee84abdd838a57bf53debb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397343">Captain Bruno points out how Jim is also very conscientious of the crew’s well-being. “One day, in Tonga, Jim and his family went diving with the humpback whales. But I know that, if I don’t also get a boat for the crew to go diving, Jim won’t be happy.” Everywhere <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a> sailed, Jim shared his experiences with the crew. “We would go diving, hiking up a mountain, or skydiving, and leave to go sailing in the evening but no one would complain because we had the most terrific day,” Bruno notes. “They were &nbsp;just like, ‘okay, what's the next adventure?”To have such camaraderie onboard over the course of two years has made the journey even more valuable to Jim. “Being 75 years old, there are no words to describe how absolutely magnificent it was to be able to do this, as an owner; to be part of the crew, to enjoy such a journey. I would have to say it's the greatest accomplishment in my life.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397400/image/large-246ee0ced6e7b7d52bb60e4bf1c45023.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397400">So why sell?Upon arrival back home to the US East Coast, Bruno held a speech and tears were shed, and within six hours of being on land, the crew talked about going back out for another trip around the globe. Yet a trip like this you can only do once for the first time: “I just don't think the repeat of it would ever compare to what we just did,” Jim says“I’m a big believer in not duplicating: there are other parts of the world and other adventures I want to do. I’m starting to feel the age a little bit, so I’m ready for a bit more comfort” Jim shares. Now, Jim is looking to explore on a more comfortable, slightly smaller yacht, “but I’ll never give up travelling the ocean!”“The boat was always there for us. She was amazing” shares Bruno. “Jim and I both feel that it's a pity we don't see more owners taking on these experiences.” The hope is that Jim’s experience will inspire not only the new owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a>, but other owners to traverse around the world. A sailing yacht the likes of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend34.14m (112'0&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Legend</a> is born to circumnavigate and she’s more than proven her capability. “To cruise the seven seas on a sailing yacht is to truly experience the open Ocean,” notes Jim.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397313/image/large-9eaa45403680c94f2b2494324778a6a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397313">

Traversing the seven seas onboard Legend: "It's the experience of a lifetime"

After sailing around the world onboard his 34m Alloy sailing yacht Legend, Jim is ready for his next adventure.

travel-hero#1

Travelling to Sydney, Leona Caanen speaks with Luke Geelan, family man and owner of the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>&nbsp;fleet.Growing up with a passion for boating, and especially fishing, is Luke Geelan, Sydney native and owner of the 35.05-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>. Having spent most of his life around the water, it seems only natural for Luke to have moved into the world of boating. Overtime the yacht has come to resemble not only a connection to his past, but also to his future, getting to enjoy it with his family and friends, as well as sharing it with charter guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388213/image/large-0b83e89d1054e69437b37ff303a35921.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388213">A family passionGrowing up on a river in Sydney, Luke was introduced to the rhythms of tide and weather from an early age. “I’ve grown up with a passion for boating, my father taught me to water ski and sail as a young child” Luke shares. Over time, Luke exchanged sailing for wakeboarding and eventually game-fishing, depending his passion for being out at sea. This passion has remained a constant factor in Luke’s life, deepening even further once he could share it with his own kids.A few years ago, Luke sold his business and decided to step into boating in a more deliberate way by acquiring the 35-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyds Ships (Company)">Lloyd Ships</a> in Australia in 1986. Purchasing her in 2024, the yacht allowed for Luke and his family to explore the Australian coast with more comfort, as well as for them to get to share their passion for the sea. “My two boys are especially big on game fishing, and my daughter is very passionate about snorkelling and marine life”, says Luke. By acquiring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>, it allows for the family to share their passions with one another.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396937/image/large-131bb2f788c31defa0822382f533d318.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396937">A three-part refitAs <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> is from the 80s, she was in need of an upgrade when Luke purchased her. The refit has been phased and purposeful, with 2024 seeing the first of the three phases. The yacht spent September to November at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3255" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Gold Coast City Marina &amp; Shipyard</a> where the bridge was upgraded, soft furnishings replaced and extensive paintwork completed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388209/image/large-c74eb7958e3e321e611bea0e2d9fee9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388209">The second phase was centred around remodelling the saloon, with new flooring, carpeting and ceilings, as well as mechanical enhancements. Other upgrades included a beach club installation, complete with an inflatable pool, protective netting and a shaded cabana, which has proved particularly popular with charter guests. Possibly the most meaningful addition during this refit have been the zero-speed stabilisers, “my wife suffers from really severe seasickness, the stabilisers are essential in making the yacht comfortable for my family,” Luke shares.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388210/image/large-06ec6524534531dc1f3ac942dd743803.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388210"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>’s third and final refit will take place in 2027 and will see an upgrade of the crew quarters. Originally, Luke had hoped to finalise the refit this year, but the yacht’s agenda, both in charter and personal use, is almost fully booked for the calendar year, and Luke wants to ensure there is enough time for the refit: “Our crew is so amazing, I'm super lucky to have what I believe is the best crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388187/image/large-fde4622fb25e3e416358ace496ed0104.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388187"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>&nbsp;juniorYet the 35-metre motor yacht is only half the story. Six months after acquiring the mothership, Luke secured what he describes as Australia’s leading game fishing platform: a custom-built 17.7-metre (58’0”) Assegai sportfisher. Designed specifically for marlin fishing along the country’s east coast, the yacht is equipped with a gyro stabiliser and, more recently, a Furuno Omni Sonar System capable of scanning 360 degrees around the vessel to significant depths, providing a technological edge in a pursuit that still relies on instinct and patience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396954/image/large-96857bf8151cfcd655d86dc3d061d704.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396954">The reason for acquiring the fishing vessel to cruise alongside the mothership are his sons. Luke shares that “my sons and I have been game fishing together for the last five years or so,” and have even partaken in various competitions in- and around Sydney. “We’ve won a couple of state titles and other competitions,” a hint of pride sits in Luke’s voice. “My children in particular, have a passion for fishing, and I've just shared that passion, and supported it”, he adds.Lukes really enjoys fishing with his family and friends, on a recent trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the Shore Thing 58' landed a 1,223 pound Black Marlin. Yet Luke is quick to note that they’re conscious about the way they fish. “We only catch what we eat; everything else goes right back in the ocean. We’re not hunters, we just fish for the joy of it.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388186/image/large-a98a34adf0095495d9e5f32f36eb458e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388186">The joy of cruisingSome of Luke’s most cherished moments onboard are those with friends and family. “We hosted my 50th birthday onboard,” Luke shares, having chartered the yacht to Whitehaven Beach, located in the Whitsundays, “there were about 40 guests, all friends and family.”&nbsp;Possibly Luke’s favourite memory is the recent Christmas holiday onboard. “Spending time with our family and another family, sitting around and just having deep belly laughs over some beautifully cooked meals by our chef onboard.” Luke describes this as delightful and quite possibly one of the most memorable times onboard. “Your kids grow up so quick, getting to share such a beautiful time together and feeling like, as your kids become young adults, that you can really share laughs and stories. It was just special.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396938/image/large-04bc34860fd9bc9b421321a8d9f42e09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396938">The beauty of being on a boat is that it ties everyone together, whether that is his own family and friends, or guests who charter the yacht, for Luke, the joy of owning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> lies in “getting to share the joy with other people.”The yacht and her fishing counterpart offer not just a sense of luxury, but a space for guests to create memories and experience the beauty of the Australian coastline as they cruise <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> between the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays and the Sydney Harbour.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388177/image/large-2991a957e2fdb4ef0038789921600aa2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388177">

Owning the shore thing fleet 

A look inside Luke Geelan's charter fleet: his 35m Shore Thing and the 58' sport fisher chartering around Sydney.

"The joy of owning Shore Thing is getting to share it with others"

For owner Paul Andrews, the search for the right yacht was a journey that spanned more than a decade. However, when he first came across the 25.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> online, something about her caught his attention. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394762/image/large-d54e9461baa90d5794ad964df495e456.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394762">“I first saw her in a video while I was searching for yachts,” he explained. “She was located in Thailand at the time, which was quite literally on the other side of the world from me, but her presence immediately stood out.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394534/image/large-bfddc47ecaf6a83efc8300953b5b19d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394534">Originally launched in 1967, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> was the largest aluminium hulled sailing yacht in the world when she first hit the water. Built as a classic world cruising yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> had circumnavigated the world three times, with voyages to the Antarctic and Arctic regions when she entered the market in 2022. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394541/image/large-c96b4ebc0ab5a9453459421e627799d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394541">“The beam, the proportions and the sheer character of the yacht caught my attention straight away,” recalled Andrews. “I wasn’t specifically searching for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a>, but when she was built, she was engineered to a commercial, almost military-grade standard and built to navy specs, which gave her a genuine pedigree, strength and a fascinating story behind her.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394543/image/large-0b87ef55ef9559c3dc95e76eca2db6c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394543">However, when Andrews finally travelled to Thailand to inspect the yacht in person, the initial impression was far from ideal. “It was raining heavily and she looked tired and neglected.” But returning the following day to see the yacht in clear conditions revealed a completely different vessel. “Her lines were beautiful and the potential became obvious. She simply needed vision and attention.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394544/image/large-f191bd60c4deb3732c009830efb76fc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394544">In 2015 under the ownership of her previous owners, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> had started a refit programme spanning more than $1 million, which lasted five years and saw her receive a full teak interior refit. “It was clear that previous owners had already invested heavily in the yacht,” added Andrews. “The teak interior joinery was exceptional and the hull structure was sound. However, the layout did not fully make use of the yacht’s size.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394540/image/large-3bd64f4dfb231598384875f28fc57a05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394540">With the help of Martin Holmes and his team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lee Marine International Brokerage (Company)">Lee Marine</a>, Andrews took a boat from Langkawi, Malaysia where he purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> and started the process of refitting her in Phuket. “My vision was always to maximise the yacht without taking away the character that makes Firebird special,” he explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394689/image/large-066bcffa01ddea4816fadbefefba6fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394689">“Rather than remove that character, the refit focused on respecting the craftsmanship already onboard, while improving the functionality and layout for modern cruising. So the very first thing I wanted to do was lay a completely new teak deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394684/image/large-59c92dfa1c2c4dfaf499558c82520e13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394684">The refit saw beautifully laid teak installed throughout, which instantly transformed her appearance and the feeling underfoot. From here, Andrews had a large swim platform and gangway at the stern installed for easy access, as well as an alfresco dining area for 12, with a large three-metre teak L-shaped sofa added and a circular seating area for eight at her stern.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394683/image/large-ccd9dbe381bbc98da19e89f67500eafb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394683">Additional work saw her saloon and guest staterooms reworked to create a larger and more comfortable interior, while technical works included the installation of a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raymarine UK Ltd (Company)">Raymarine</a> navigation suite, electric furling systems and the recommissioning of her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Detroit Diesel (Company)">Detroit Diesel</a> engine and generators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394537/image/large-a9744df0db0cb9126710320c8ad8f685.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394537">&nbsp;“I was involved in every stage of the project!” beamed Andrews. “Working alongside skilled craftsmen in Thailand allowed the ideas I had for the yacht to be executed properly.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394682/image/large-6c7c43f1ab3dc6151b36ef4b9e0c6d90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394682">“The region has an impressive concentration of marine specialists including riggers, carpenters, sailmakers and marine engineers. The quality of teak craftsmanship in Thailand is also exceptional and the cost of skilled labour is significantly lower than in many other parts of the world. By chance I also discovered a local boat carpenter whose family had been building boats in the region for generations. His team worked tirelessly and played a crucial role in transforming the yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394536/image/large-a684c5dbb17405c08f59b474c49fe63e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394536">A large portion of the refit work was carried out at Premier Superyacht Shipyard near <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Haven Marina (Company)">Yacht Haven Marina</a> in Phuket. The yard operates an 890-tonne travel lift and regularly handles vessels significantly larger than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a>, so during her haul-out, hull works, repainting, mechanical servicing and installation of the bow thruster were completed at the yard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394535/image/large-fe228dc87c3eb4c006007450d0644190.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394535">The refit started almost immediately after Andrews had stepped onboard and he remained involved throughout the process. “After studying the layout of an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> 85, I realised it might be possible to alter the companionway arrangement and open access to unused space within the yacht. By cutting through the bulkhead at the end of the galley we created a new passageway that allowed an entirely new guest stateroom to be built.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394687/image/large-2e193db0a4b19958ca9e5ecb0fbbb3b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394687">The result allowed for unused areas to be converted into additional guest accommodation, while maintaining the logical flow through her companionway and saloon areas. Thanks to this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> is now able to comfortably accommodate up to 13 guests, while still feeling spacious. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394691/image/large-d359643ead180961dcf469e992df6a3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394691">“The onboard experience is exceptional now! <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> is incredibly comfortable and she has become a wonderful place to spend time. I have several comfortable homes on land, but I genuinely did not expect living aboard a yacht to feel this enjoyable.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394775/image/large-19d12ff20ebf8798893858104887e523.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394775">From a technical standpoint the most important upgrade was the installation of a Max Power bow thruster. At 71 tonnes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> is not a small yacht and the thruster significantly improved manoeuvrability for docking. Paired with electric furling systems, her sails can now be easily controlled from the cockpit, &nbsp;which means the yacht can be sailed comfortably by a small crew. “Together with the bow thruster and upgraded navigation systems, the yacht is now far easier and safer to operate,” added Andrews.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394782/image/large-7d015b051a954c975849eb73b943caa0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394782">Currently available for charter, Andrews noted that there had already been interest from charter clients in the Seychelles and the Maldives. “It would feel rather selfish to keep such a yacht entirely to myself! Our goal is to have her operating in the Greek islands by 2027.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394781/image/large-71d773016ba60ca5be3610663cfc2a04.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394781">The refit took approximately 18 months to complete, with the project bringing the yacht a new lease of life. “I have restored historic buildings and classic cars before, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> has been the most rewarding project of them all! Working on her felt almost like giving a living vessel a new chapter in her life. I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of that transformation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394773/image/large-89483fb30e91ef0842117ed871bea925.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394773">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Firebird25.6m (83'12&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1967">Firebird</a> has had an extraordinary life with many different owners over the decades, with each leaving their own mark on the vessel,” concluded Andrews. “If I had to describe her in just a few words, I would say she is an iconic, unique superyacht and I hope she continues to bring joy to many future owners and guests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394763/image/large-26cc3acdb14ea54697eb754a850e1393.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394763">

Firebird: 26m Palmer Johnson yacht refit

Inside the 18-month Thai refit that transformed the 26m Palmer Johnson sailing yacht Firebird into a modern cruising yacht.

Firebird reborn: Behind the Thai refit of a classic 26m yacht

Leona Caanen sits down with Rick and Rebecca Szelc, the owners of the 122’&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>&nbsp;motor yacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>, to learn more about their love for the sea, their adventures onboard the 37-metre, and why she’s for sale.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382924/image/large-2b32f2fc69c7bc21ae4c70cda2218e36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382924">A love for the waterWhile growing up in vastly different places, Rick in the Great Lakes area and Rebecca along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, the two share a deep love for the water. “Growing up,” Rick shares, “I was always fresh water boating with boats under 30 feet.” Rebecca, instead, could be found (spear)fishing, snorkelling, or at the beach: “I fished off the beach, off of bridges, anywhere. I developed a love for it.”&nbsp;When not fishing, Rebecca spent much of her childhood snorkelling and scuba diving, obtaining her PADI certificate at just 12 years old. “I’m fascinated not just by the fish, but by the corals and reefs and the entire underwater environment. It brings you such peace and calm,” adding that &nbsp;“if I’m near or under the water, that’s when I’m happiest.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395447/image/large-b135c7290df34a505d963856c0579d1a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395447">For Rick and Rebecca, owning a yacht has always been about sharing their love for the sea with their community. “The yacht allows us to share our passion and love with friends and family in a way that we just couldn’t before,” Rebecca shares, “having grown up with a love for the sea, being on a yacht has only amplified that passion.”Rick shares “what is really joyous in our life is that we have similar passions, we both really enjoy being onboard. The alarm goes off at 5:30 and Rebecca will go fishing, and I’m just up for a cup of coffee”; a serene glimpse into life onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>, their 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382939/image/large-13d291311d75d42e63f6db9ff710acd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382939">Purchasing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> isn’t the first yacht that the couple has owned; that would be a 35 Formula. While they didn’t own it for long, acquiring it was eventful enough that the boat hasn’t been forgotten.Living in Texas at the time, on a regular Saturday morning in January 2015, whilst out for breakfast “I threw Rebecca a curveball, as I always do,” Rick laughs. “I said, ‘what would you like to do for the rest of our lives?’ to which she replied, ‘I’d like to order breakfast and not think about the next decades of our lives together.’“ Rick continued his brainstorm, “what if we did something in Naples, Florida?” to which Rebecca laughingly replied, “okay, can I order breakfast now?”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393421/image/large-5f33d7eece57325c28391897d8eef9c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393421">Later that same day, Rick mentioned he had great news, he had purchased the 35 Formula in Naples, Florida. Flying down to Hamilton Harbor, they set out to spend the next few days onboard the new yacht. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the most uncomfortable night of sleep Rick ever had, leading to him putting the boat up for sale.Throughout the next few years, Rick and Rebecca exchanged one model for the next in the journey to find the perfect yacht for their adventures. The 35 Formula was exchanged for a 44 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5727" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tiara Yachts (Company)">Tiara</a>, which was eventually upgraded to a 64’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>. Because of the limited space onboard for crew, eventually Rick and Rebecca decided on an 80’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>, before exchanging that for the 100’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>. Onboard their various vessels, they have explored much of the southern coast of Florida, as well as the Bahamas. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382944/image/large-9210f5f0dab1395f5343ac08e2c398b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382944">In 2021, the timing seemed right to step out of yachting. “It’s not about how much the elephant costs, but rather how much you have to feed it,” an acquaintance told Rick. “Rick will now always advise his friends to buy their last yacht first” Rebecca shares. “Don’t buy 10 boats on your way to the last one!” Rick laughs, adding “but we’ve made a lot of brokers very happy over the last ten years; we probably paid for some home down payments and fancy meals as a result of all our boating adventures.”Whilst seriously considering leaving the yachting world and selling the boat, a 122’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> in pristine condition came on the market. “It’s a special <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta</a>,” says Rick, “she’s just so beautifully crafted and she has a timeless design.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> is widely known as the “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> of the US,” says the couple, “we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase her.” She was built in 1997 by the all-American yard and has been properly cared for by her various owners over the years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284541/image/large-83b17ef9687251543f7916d050dda159.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284541">High probability of adventureWhen coming into ownership of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>, they renamed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>. “It’s always difficult to name a yacht; you want a name that’s not too long and is easy for when you’re pulling into port,” Rick notes. The reason Rebecca and Rick decided on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>, is because, to them, everything in life has a probability: your friendships, relationships,” shares Rick. “Even in investing, which is my line of business,” he adds, “we make decisions based on 70 percent certainty. Living life means not having perfect information and taking risks.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382945/image/large-4691d16221dd7aa7aa2f7dac280538eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382945">“His philosophy in life is that there are no certainties; it’s just a series of probabilities and it’s how you manage them that determine the outcome” Rebecca says. ”It’s human - we all make decisions and you hope you make good choices, but things happen and life changes course,” Rick adds, “that’s how we came up with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a>.”Rick and Rebecca have many happy memories on and in the water, yet some of the highlights have taken place onboard the 37.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>. Specific stand-outs are their trips to the Bahamas, specifically to the Exumas. “I just couldn’t get over the colour of the water and the various shades of blue; every shade of blue you can imagine was there”, Rebecca recalls.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382930/image/large-6b046cd52c5594a080bb1e1577132b4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382930">They were onboard with some friends who had never been to the Bahamas, “one of them was a yoga instructor, so we gathered on the aft deck and she hosted a yoga class while we were anchored in this beautiful water.”Shortly after finishing the yoga flow, the first mate mentioned that there’s a little river running through the mangroves towards a little island that serves as a sanctuary for turtles. Rebecca recalls how “we jumped in our little 17’ dinghy, one of those rigid inflatable boats, and the mate took us on this tour through the mangroves and we came upon so many turtles, I lost count after 55.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395448/image/large-53940afe3e6bdc115b22c2595f1624a6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395448">That specific tour ended in a little lagoon with a beautiful, white sand beach. “You’re seeing fish and birds and we spent the afternoon snorkelling. It was a perfect day on the water,” Rebecca shares. There is something really joyful about getting to share experiences with friends and loved ones, and sometimes it is these small moments, snippets of a trip, that become stand-out memories.The duo has worked hard to make their yacht feel not just like an adventure vessel they share with friends, but also to make her feel like a home. They’ve decorated the interior spaces with some of the art pieces they love, half a dozen of which have been commissioned specifically for the yacht including pieces by artist Bette Ridgeway. “Art makes a house a home,” Rick shares, “Bette’s paintings fit so perfectly and really add an extra charm, a bit of a newer feeling, to the 1997 yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382947/image/large-79c7b6b37992a228c650d15b0abcc15e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382947">A shared passionBeing onboard superyachts didn’t always come naturally, for Rick nor for Rebecca. Rick shares how “both Rebecca and I are self-made; it was unusual to have someone care about me, ask me ‘can I help you?’ - things like that.” After ten years, the couple has gotten the hang of it, “we realised that, what these folks, the crew, do for a living, it’s because they share the same passion that we do.”“Our team, our crew, they want to get off the dock. They don’t want to get paid to sit at Old Port Cove in Palm Beach. They want to go somewhere,” shares Rick. “I really enjoy it when they take the fishing boat out and go diving or spear fishing with us.” Rebecca recalls how, a couple of weeks ago when cruising around the Bahamas, their engineer said ‘this is my happy place’. “When you bring in people and give them a memory, something to share, it shows not just the opportunity of where a vessel can take you, but also of the community out at sea.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382959/image/large-6174f809cc01abda573d02360838f0f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382959">Why sell?“When we bought her five years ago, we didn’t have a home in Harbor Springs nor in Palm Beach, and in those places we have a few smaller boats, so really it came down to how much time we can use it to justify ownership and costs,” shares Rick. While selling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a> is a question of logistics, the couple is focused on enjoying the yacht while still theirs.&nbsp;The hope is that someone will buy <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4666" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Probabilty37.2m (122'1&quot;)Delta Marine1997">Probability</a> who is equally as impressed with the work done by the American shipyard and will care and share the yacht in the same way that Rick and Rebecca have done. The yacht is a labour of love and, when cared for, can embark on many, many more adventures.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382142/image/large-33d07d628b6c8b865ff523abf68f14c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382142">

ownership delta marina probability

The love, passion and purchase of the 122' Delta Marina Probability, currently for sale. 

Rick & Rebecca Szelc of 37m Probability: "It's always been about sharing our love for the sea"

Born into a Romany-Gypsy family in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, is Alfie Best, self-made businessman, father, and owner of the 27-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>. A life shaped by ambition and an unrelenting belief in self-made success, Alfie Best has managed and navigated various enterprises in the United Kingdom, before eventually passing the baton and settling down in Monaco. Leona Caanen sits down with Alfie to discuss his entrepreneurial journey that eventually led to owning a superyacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394909/image/large-1cc1e789b82e0d5ad527fa41b674b295.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394909">An entrepreneurial spiritOne thing becomes immediately clear about Alfie, is that he is proud of his origins and especially proud of his family. “I come from a very supportive family, as in, I have a very good mother and father, and have an extremely good family now, which has helped me along the way.” For Alfie, life wasn’t always easy, especially growing up as what he describes as a Gypsy; people judge you based on preconceived ideas, rather than who you are. Yet that element seems to have never bothered Alfie, rather it is precisely this that fuels his work ethic.With the odds against him, Alfie built his wealth starting with nothing. At the age of 14, having dropped out of school two years prior, Alfie ran a business buying and selling vans and cars. By the age of 20, his company nearly went bankrupt, but, unafraid to put in work where needed, Alfie picked up a second job in a phone store. Within weeks, he had opened his own store and over time another twelve more. A decade later he exchanged phones for real estate and established the company he is most widely known for: Wyldecrest Parks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394910/image/large-fa857286131e1bbd6e35e7b6ae3ffe93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394910">What started as a residential mobile home park, has expanded throughout the entirety of the United Kingdom, with over a 100 mobile parks, for residency and holidays. The expansion across the UK is in part due to Alfie’s daughter, who has taken over the family business. “My daughter runs the Wyldecrest Mobile Home Park, and I’m very, very proud of her, she has taken the reins and ran with it.” His son also works in the family business, but in sharing the name and not wanting to live in his father’s shadow, he has positioned his focus on his own entrepreneurial journey.The parks are specifically designed for people over 50 wishing to enjoy their retirement. “Simply put, we supply affordable homes”, shares Alfie, yet the reality has proven more complicated than that. &nbsp;Running Wyldecrest Parks has not been without its challenges over the years, with the company facing a period of public scrutiny and regulatory hurdles as it expanded.&nbsp;Alfie, however, appears unphased by the criticism, viewing such obstacles as symptomatic of what he sees as the UK’s lack of support for entrepreneurship: “[the UK] encourages socialism, and it doesn’t work because it stops rewarding competition”. Continuing business as always, Alfie’s focus remains on “supplying affordable homes in the United Kingdom. I know all my employees by name, and I love meeting all my residents as often as I can.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394988/image/large-ba1891d28ddb056b75d435af485bd1be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394988">Sharing the know-howWith his daughter managing the business in the UK, Alfie has focused his energies on his next entrepreneurial venture: Best Wealth Network - a mentoring platform where successful entrepreneurs can share their know-how with others. “Our mission is to provide unparalleled support, resources, and mentorship to help our members,” shares Alfie.The organisation focuses on providing unparalleled support, resources, and mentorship to “help members achieve their financial goals and lead extraordinary lives. We have people who have done it, lived it, earned it, and bear the scars of their experiences,” Alfie shares, emphasising that he seeks to work with individuals who are not just good at what they do, but have also experienced struggles along the way and understand how to navigate challenges.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394906/image/large-f9149d6ef6d4d332a56b13d886968363.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394906"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>&nbsp;as a businessWith a desire to navigate a new challenge, Alfie embarked on his next big business adventure of running a successful 27-metre charter yacht named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>. Both Alfie and the yacht are currently based in Monaco.With the support of both his parents and his children, and an entrepreneurial mindset, Alfie purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a> back in 2022 with the goal of having it primarily operate as a charter vessel. “I purchased the yacht to start a charter business. Of course, I enjoy it too, but I’m careful not to love it too much: I believe that if you fall in love with what you own, it ends up owning you.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394901/image/large-2d2ce23e691ce4f5e9961b046da97c39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394901">For Alfie, yacht ownership was never solely about indulgence. It was about positioning, branding and the extension of a commercial vision into another arena; he explains, “everything we do is business. It’s a charter vessel. When I go onboard with my family, I pay to use the yacht. We don’t take free vacations on it.”When searching for the right charter yacht, it was clear from the get-go that it had to be a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>. “It’s been a historic British brand, which, at the time of my purchase, was very important to me. A British brand supporting another British business”, Alfie notes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394904/image/large-e36cf7c2a3ff5d11af7e45d96599b655.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394904">Yet it wasn’t just Alfie’s patriotism that made him pick a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>, “the workmanship on a Sunseeker is second to none. On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a>, we have an electronic platform and a truly phenomenal Beach Club that also made the decision to purchase very easy.”Currently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wyldecrest27.1m (88'11&quot;)Sunseeker2021">Wyldecrest</a> is for charter with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Nautical (Company)">West Nautical</a> whilst Alfie is working to expand his fleet, and has already scanned the market for the perfect fit. The next yacht he is in the process of purchasing is “a 155 footer able to cross the Atlantic, so we’ll be able to charter in the Caribbean, the Americas, as well as the South of France and the Mediterranean.” Ultimately, the goal is to have a charter fleet of five yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394908/image/large-3c5ce969ece65f57218f3a921406ca1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394908">

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Alfie Best: From Gypsy to superyacht owner

Currently cruising around the Caribbean is the 35.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a>, owned by tech entrepreneur Lee Mandel. After a recent refit, including a full repaint of the superstructure in a non-metallic grey, this gem is meticulously maintained; mainly due to the diligent care provided by her owner, captain and crew. With over six years of ownership also comes vast experience regarding charter and caring for guests. I got the pleasure to chat with Lee about why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a> is so special.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312481/image/large-2d82503d7ec1f9be4b35a5662a388ebe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312481">Tell me a little bit about how you came to own&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a>“That's a very easy question to answer. I had a technology company for about 20 years, and our main focus in that company was building school safety and security technology. We took the company global over a couple of years, and we probably saved a lot of lives with the technology that we developed in the USA. When I had the opportunity to sell the company in 2019 to help it grow, I took it.&nbsp;At the time, I was about 39 years old, and I said, I need to do something, something different, to keep me busy and motivated. One of my passions outside of work is boating; I've been a boater my entire life. I boated as a kid growing up. I have such found memories with my family and learning how to boat with my grandfather and father. I figured if I was going to take the plunge into yacht ownership, why not turn it into a business? I purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a> as a true business model.I spoke to a lot of people and experts, they said, ‘Look, this is not a profitable business model.’ Well, then I'm going to be the first one to make it a profitable business model. So that's how it came about. Whenever I go do my annual or semi-annual inspections on the vessel, it brings me back and reminds me how hard I worked to get to this point in my life. It's a passion for me, but it's also something that brings me a lot of pleasure when I see guests having the vacation of their lives and hear the great feedback that guests give me after they have a wonderful time with their families and friends; yachting truly brings them together.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365511/image/large-0fa4c668da228d126c9b500a19bb98b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365511">Then this is much more of an exciting business project for you?“Yes, I call it a passion business. Many yacht owners don't run their yachts as a business; they'll do it for pleasure and hopefully they can get some benefits out of it. I took the opposite approach, for me this is truly a business. When it comes to how you run a business like this, it’s truly the hospitality business at an extreme level. When you run a hospitality business, you've got to be able to analyse what the guests experience and step onboard from time to time: like a secret shopper, so to speak.&nbsp;I'll have different people from different walks of life on the vessel two or three times a year to get an idea of what the experience is like, and give feedback and guidance to my team. This is how we come up with our maintenance periods and determine what needs to be upgraded. When a guest comes on they're not going to necessarily tell you what is wrong. If something is not up to par you may never hear back or they may never book the vessel again. Maybe the issue wasn’t bad enough for them to complain, but it wasn't good enough for them to want to come back. I try to mitigate that by being a secret shopper, or I should say, a secret yachter. I do this to really get an idea of the true guest experience and make sure it's up to par, and make necessary adjustments when needed.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382796/image/large-a9563b92513a997506375bac60686296.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382796">Would you say, considering everything you’ve noted, that your business model has been successful?“On average, we do 20 to 25 term charters per year, which is incredible. We focus on maintaining the vessel. When people come on, they say, ‘There's no way this yacht is doing 20 to 25 charters. There's no way this crew or this captain has done this amount of charters.’ This is how I truly measure success.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365512/image/large-464ce55cef09b4d12fe71cb58a12143e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365512">What is your relationship like with the crew?Treating this like a true business, we follow the chain of command: the captain reports directly to me, the crew reports directly to the captain. Captain Sean's been with me for over five years now and he’s an incredible captain; this is a very busy program, and I had to find someone who wants to run and treat it as a business the way I like to run it. Being a captain is not just about driving the yacht, in fact that's the easiest part. Rather, being a captain is like being the COO of a company, and that COO reports directly to me as the CEO of the enterprise. I treat Sean as I do other COOs of my other companies and we have frequent meetings. He also works with my financial team, who handles billing, accounting, purchases, and expenses. Honestly, Sean’s incredible, he brings these guests such pleasure and joy when they have their vacations and the feedback we get is just incredible.There is a book on the vessel, we call it our guest book, where guests can leave feedback or messages. We’ve already filled two of them because every one who steps onboard notes how incredible of a time they’ve had and that they’re eager to come back, or how it brought their family and friends together, or sharing a once in a lifetime experience. Reading these is a great feeling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382793/image/large-54de1df21c2bc03a22104a10a924093d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382793">The formula in yachting I would say is 20 percent the vessel, and 80 percent the crew. The vessel is a means to transport people from point A to point B. You must maintain it, and keep up with it. You have to make sure it's clean and everything's working and operating, which sounds easy, but it's harder than it seems. I would say 80 percent of charter success is the crew: It's all about the crew and how comfortable they make the guests feel. The entire crew is full time. To support the crew we’ve created our own version of a rotational program where we work with the crew to support them and give them ample time off.The crew truly is family to me, and we do our best to treat them as such. Like I said earlier, the success of the program is all about our crew. They are the ones who really put it all together. Captain Sean is a great leader and wonderful at interacting with the guests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365515/image/large-bfc73ee5ed3088ed4660dabc0a6e2763.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365515">Where does&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY Yachts</a>&nbsp;come into all of this? Why partner with them?‘When I purchased <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a>, I had never purchased a vessel of this size. A friend of mine recommended <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a>. I remember standing on the swim platform of my private vessel with this thought to go pursue this business idea. I called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a> at 07:30 in the morning and this gentleman named Mike Scalisi picked up the phone. He became my broker in the purchase and, since then, we’ve had an incredible relationship, both business and friendly. Mike then introduced me to Susan Harris, who is our charter yacht broker. Since <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tail Lights35.46m (116'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2011">Tail Lights</a> was already a part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a> charter fleet, Susan mentioned how she’d love to keep it in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2223" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HMY Yacht Sales (Company)">HMY</a> family. I explained to Susan how I intend to run this charter yacht as a business, wanting to do 20 to 25 charters a year. Together with Katie and Kimberly from marketing, we sat down for a meeting, and I fell in love: They are incredible and passionate people that were willing to take on the challenge and made it happen.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365517/image/large-0dd58c493415c69a87d14fd7aaae53d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365517">Looking aheadI’ve considered upgrading and getting a larger vessel, possibly even a second vessel in the fleet. My dream is to have a vessel that literally goes around the globe every year, and guests can fly into different places. We can even work with our repeat clients to say, ‘Hey, do you want to visit Tahiti’, or ‘would you like to go to the Amalfi coast,’ we can figure out ways to fit everyone into that equation in different destinations around the globe.For now, we're thrilled with what we're doing. We're thrilled with the response from the guests, and the experiences that they've had. You know, to me, it's a passion: when I sold my company, it's something I always wanted to do, and now we're doing it successfully and we continue to move onward and upward.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312482/image/large-6f334043a3bc98dc01fcfbb9f82cc070.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312482">This article was first published in the <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/p/from-tech-to-charter-lee-mandel-on-owning-tail-lights" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Yacht Charter Market</a> newsletter. You can read more <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.

From Tech to Charter: Lee Mandel on Owning Tail Lights

From tech to charter: How Lee Mandel turned a motoryacht into a business

From Tech to Charter: Lee Mandel on owning the 35m Tail Lights

How an owner turned a lifelong pursuit of independence into a yacht that embodies mobility, mindfulness, and modern design.While the Alpine mountains are what shaped Hubert’s upbringing, it has been the sea that he has longed for. Symbolising the feeling of freedom, shaped by endless horizons, a life at sea seemed like a faraway dream, until he built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380635/image/large-1ae8e216482167578cd998845390bedb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380635">The value and design of freedom<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> is a 82-foot (24.9-metre) motor yacht catamaran with an aluminium hull and superstructure. Designed for circumnavigation without a crew, Hubert and his wife spent most of their year onboard the catamaran.Becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 28, Hubert shares how “freedom has always been my greatest value.” It’s a word, and a feeling, that echoes through the entire yacht. With her broad 9.9-metre beam and sharp, sculptural lines, she appears not so much constructed as carved out of the very water she cruises. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380633/image/large-de8b5bd6db94db1858ca097bb00b837d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380633">Beneath her sleek exterior lies a philosophy of life: to live deliberately, travel far, and design each day as it comes. “Living a free, self-determined life has always been my goal. Added to that is my love for long, distant journeys,” notes Hubert, “Both goals can be achieved onboard a yacht.”With a professional background in architecture, Hubert approached <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>’s design with the same sensitivity he would apply to any living space: focusing not just on form, but on feeling. “Design is more than aesthetics,” Hubert shares, “It’s about the energy a space gives you.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380634/image/large-432b430f980389af1ac7a82506e33a4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380634">Onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>, the energy is one of openness and calm. Her interiors, conceived by in collaboration with the owner, are defined by scale and contrast. “Open space,” the owner explains, “is true luxury, whether in a villa or a yacht. Space for big thoughts, big dreams.”Every detail onboard serves that philosophy. Natural textures and clean lines meet in harmony: polished metals reflect soft leather tones, while wood grains ground the modern geometry. “We need contrast in life,” the owner says. “It gives us balance.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380637/image/large-1ce9b5f5227bc011ebed0ef4138398c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380637">Onboard living The catamaran can accommodate up to six guests and, while it has space for two crew, can also be manned by the owners themselves. “An 82-foot catamaran undoubtedly requires a lot of maintenance and care. The living and deck areas alone are enormous,” Hubert shares, “but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> is our home; we enjoy working, and we love this very private life.”&nbsp;Most people to step onboard Sitara would travel with a crew, which is more than possible. The 82-footer motor yacht is also designed to be sustainable: the yacht houses “a sophisticated, reliable and highly efficient propulsion system powered by conventional diesel engines (VOLVO IPS). At 7 knots we consume only 21 litres of diesel - incredibly low for a yacht of this size!” Hubert says. With a fuel tank capacity of 15,000 litres, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> can easily make long voyages. Additionally, she houses 34 solar panels, which power the onboard batteries: “After our first season, the 15 kW generator had only operated for 100 hours. That’s peace of mind.” The hybrid setup not only minimises noise and fuel consumption but also reinforces the yacht’s core ethos: quiet, conscious freedom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380640/image/large-592cbaeb0d151e6982d27e22f4aac6e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380640">A Home That AdaptsFor the owner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> was never meant to be static, not in design, purpose, or spirit. “Flexibility was essential,” Hubert notes. “Life changes, and the yacht must change with it.” To that end, the yacht’s layout is remarkably versatile. The office can transform into a guest cabin, utility room, or even crew space. Color schemes and finishing touches can be easily updated; Sitara’s current accents are a vivid orange, but the palette could shift to white, turquoise, or even deep red with minimal effort. “You can change the entire atmosphere without needing to change the architecture.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380638/image/large-bf5f0075b9085f38179373aa7d910797.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380638">This adaptability mirrors the owner’s mindset, which values change over permanence. Even while Hubert and his wife currently live onboard, they know that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> may soon find a new owner. The yacht is currently listed for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a> at €5.9 million, though for now, she remains their floating home. “We took delivery in 2024 and spent our first season in the Mediterranean,” Hubert shares. “Now, we’re exploring the Eastern Mediterranean. Part of living freely is deciding where you live, and when.”The reason Hubert’s put his dream yacht up for sale is because “the excitement in my life is new challenges! As an architect, you're used to designing things for people and creating new living spaces. I can't and won't ignore this inner drive.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380636/image/large-d83c63f2e56ac341eee637ad3ecf374c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380636">Looking AheadWhat comes next for someone who has built their dream yacht? The answer, fittingly, is creation. “Building <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> reawakened a creative joy; that is something I want to keep developing.”Hubert envisions a future in which he gets to design yachts for others seeking a life of freedom and impermanence; for people who “want to escape the daily grind and live self-determined lives. A yacht isn’t a possession,” Hubert reflects, “It’s a platform for freedom.”Looking towards his own future, which is defined solely by a big question mark, Hubert feels excited. “Where and how we'll live after the sale... isn't yet decided. In any case, we'll be living a ‘free life’." Possibly in the cards is a sailing yacht: “My heart still beats for sailing,” Hubert admits. “But for a couple, handling a sailing yacht over 50 feet can be demanding. A motor yacht offers more safety, less effort.” Ultimately, it’s not the yacht that determines your freedom: it’s your mindset.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380641/image/large-fb4b896142af1c083a5394e34f001a52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380641">The Spirit of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a>On the water, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sitara24.9m (81'8&quot;)VisionF2023">Sitara</a> appears effortless: her twin hulls slicing through glassy blue, her aluminium surfaces catching the sunlight. Yet within her calm precision lies an entire philosophy. She is more than a vessel; she’s a statement about what it means to live without anchors, to chase horizons without losing one’s center.“Freedom reaches its limits sometimes, with authorities, or repairs, or reality itself,” Hubert notes, “But every system has limits. What matters is how you live within them. That’s where life truly begins.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380632/image/large-eda54183c8fb3baf47091b0aef03c19a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380632">

Building Sitara, an 82-foot catamaran: From dream to reality

How an owner turned a lifelong pursuit of independence into a yacht that embodies mobility, mindfulness, and modern design.

It is not every day that one is invited onboard a superyacht with more than a century of history. The 50.29-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> is no ordinary vessel, built in 1906 by the Scottish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1068" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ramage & Ferguson (Company)">Ramage and Ferguson</a>, she has a storied past, having served with the British Royal Navy in both World Wars.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373893/image/large-bc3383c62d81626c1b1dc806c5e6069c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373893">Over the decades, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> has been owned by a succession of prominent figures, including Richard Burton, who famously gifted her to his wife Elizabeth Taylor, as well as Peter de Savary, Vijay Mallya and, most recently, Shirish Saraf, who acquired her at an auction in 2019.SuperYacht Times Features Writer Enrico Chhibber met Saraf at Monaco Classic Week, following the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/269" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cannes Yachting Festival - 2025">Cannes Yachting Festival</a>, to discuss how he came to acquire the yacht, his preferred cruising destinations, and his perspective on India’s emerging presence in the global yachting sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373921/image/large-b541572dd3028e8d9ad8b2b08ad58193.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373921">From encounter to ownershipUpon stepping into the main saloon, I was greeted by Saraf and invited on a tour. Being onboard felt like walking through a museum, or being transported back in time. “She carries with her a story,” Saraf said with pride, noting that she had “survived two World Wars,” had welcomed “practically every Hollywood legend” and “all of Bollywood, really,” and that “Prince Philip stayed onboard with the Queen when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> was the headquarters of the America’s Cup for Peter de Savary.”“I saw her truly as something very special, not just a yacht, but a piece of art. She is art on sea, you know,” said Saraf.Saraf first encountered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> in 1996, when she was moored in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Creek Marina (Company)">Dubai Creek</a> under the ownership of Vijay Mallya. “I had just finished a round of golf with her captain during a tournament,” he recalled. “He asked if I wanted to come onboard. I went with my father, but at the time I never imagined I would one day become her owner.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373924/image/large-8cf25ddbb56bcaae13e9cd5c2cc3779c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373924">By 2004, Saraf had begun to take a greater interest in boating. He owned a small day boat and began spending more time at sea, often cruising the Mediterranean during the summer.When the opportunity arose in 2019, Saraf acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> at auction in Sri Lanka. What captivated him was not merely her form, but the layered history she embodies. He emphasised “the fact that she is still recognised. I was at the restaurant La Réserve de Beaulieu, and the general manager came out because the bar displayed photos of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> and Elizabeth Taylor arriving for Princess Grace’s 40th birthday in 1969. It is all there, in French, on the walls.”When Saraf took ownership, his priority was to restore <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> to her former glory while preserving her historical character. The first phase of her restoration began in Colombo, followed by a more extensive refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> in Montenegro, where Palazzo Morelli oversaw the interior works. Most recently, she spent the winter in Malta for further refit, managed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1372" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="West Coast Marine (Sea Waif) (Company)">West Coast Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373894/image/large-c86bbac206a52e1597866767881a0b98.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373894">Favourite cruising destinations&nbsp;“For me, it’s all about the water quality. I never really like to stay in the marina. Normally I’m anchored in the middle of the sea, somewhere quiet with friends, without too many buildings in sight,” he recounted.Saraf expressed a clear preference for the Mediterranean over the Caribbean, highlighting Corsica, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, including Panarea and Stromboli, along with Malta, Montenegro and Croatia. “The Turkish coast is my favourite,” he added. “Gocek and all of those areas are really lovely.”Beyond the Mediterranean, Saraf has spent extended periods in Sri Lanka and has cruised the Lakshadweep islands. One destination he still hopes to visit is &nbsp;Raja Ampat in Indonesia.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373915/image/large-3bd8fddc2e0c0f222003bed879c5e4aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373915">India’s potential as a yachting destination and marketThe conversation then turned to India’s potential as both a yachting market and a cruising destination. Saraf offered a measured view of the country’s role in global yachting, distinguishing between its growing base of yacht owners and its limited appeal as a cruising ground. “Over time that will happen,” he said, referring to Indian ownership. “The typical Indian businessman is only now, after twenty years of economic growth, reaching a stage of wealth and maturity where yachting becomes a realistic pursuit. The second generation is beginning to grow up with friends who already have yachts.”Saraf added that “Indians tend to be more cost-conscious than the rest of the world. If you look at it purely from an economic perspective, superyachts shouldn’t be owned.” He went on to explain that ownership, for him, is driven by emotion rather than calculation. “This is something you love,” he reflected. “Why do I own <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> and not charter? Because where do I find the crew? The crew brings the soul to this life, they’re like family. From the moment you step onboard until you leave, it feels like home. Having my own yacht also means I am the master of my fate.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373917/image/large-fbf40af47a28e0c7504c07a623b3cb54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373917">From a cultural perspective, Saraf also noted that many wealthy Indians spend more time in London than at sea. “Indians are not really people of the sea,” he observed. “They haven’t had that exposure. I did, because I grew up in Oman, but in India, apart from Goa or Kerala, where would you go?”On India as a yachting destination, Saraf maintained that the country’s lack of infrastructure and bureaucratic constraints continue to limit its potential. “There is not much water to cruise around there,” he explained. “You can keep your yacht in the Maldives, which is good, but most Indians prefer to stay in a resort rather than cruise.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373922/image/large-90666725ab450b2de9a5cb7c1ea3b918.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373922">He went on to describe how limited marina capacity, regulatory hurdles and security restrictions continue to make yacht cruising in India challenging. “There is not even basic infrastructure yet,” he said. “Even Goa does not have proper facilities. Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, regulations have become stricter. Owners must now notify the Coast Guard weeks in advance, and in places such as Lakshadweep, each island requires a separate visa, and approvals can take months.”Looking ahead When asked whether he planned to acquire another yacht, Saraf replied with characteristic clarity. “No,” he said, later revealing, “I do have plans to put <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a> on the charter market.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373895/image/large-32b425e760c7fd2ed70a317a359b4fc6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373895"> His approach reflects both pragmatism and reverence. As custodian of one of the world’s most storied vessels, Saraf views ownership less as possession and more as preservation, ensuring that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)Ramage & Ferguson1906">Kalizma</a>’s legacy, from her Royal Navy service to her Hollywood chapter, continues to endure. Images of Shirish Saraf provided by Captain Saini Surendra

Shirish Saraf on Kalizma preserving a century of history

Shirish Saraf reveals how he came to own Kalizma, and reflects on India’s potential as a superyacht market and destination.

Inside Shirish Saraf’s journey with Kalizma, the century-old superyacht

The 28.04-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a> catamaran yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11972" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acali28.04m (91'12&quot;)Wider s.r.l.2024">Acali</a> has been sold, with Gabriele Modica Ragusa of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Alliance Group (Company)">Sea Alliance Group</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/368629/image/large-268158c6a5292aa5573be7b6feec17ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/368629">Delivered in 2024 by the Italian shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11972" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acali28.04m (91'12&quot;)Wider s.r.l.2024">Acali</a> is the first WiderCat 92 model and the builder's first multihull yacht. She features exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">Luca Dini Design &amp; Architecture</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a>, while her naval architecture was developed in-house by the latter.Constructed with a GRP hull and superstructure, she has a beam measuring 12-metres, making her the widest yacht built by the shipyard to date.Accommodation onboard the 242 GT yacht is arranged for up to eight guests across four staterooms, comprising a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck with private terrace access, two VIP staterooms and a twin guest stateroom. Separate quarters sleep up to four crew members, including the captain.Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FPT Powertrain Technologies (Company)">FPT Powertrain Technologies</a> engines, she has a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of 14 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11972" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acali28.04m (91'12&quot;)Wider s.r.l.2024">Acali</a> had a last known asking price of €9,500,000.

 28m Wider catamaran yacht Acali sold

The 28.04-metre WiderCat catamaran yacht Acali has been sold with a last known asking price of €9,500,000.

TGG Group, a Hong Kong single-family office led by Barry Lau, has invested in Hong Kong-based yacht designer, builder and operator <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht&nbsp;</a>to support its expansion in China’s Greater Bay Area and the development of a new range of yachts designed for Asian owners.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/401005/image/large-963caadf1e40609ccf9d4eb37c0a8b79.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/401005">Established by Captain Paul Brackley in 2006 and registered in Hong Kong in 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a> provides owner representation, technical advisory services, new-build supervision, refit coordination and strategic consultancy across the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.Brackley has represented Asian owners throughout the new-build process for more than two decades. Since 2006, he has worked with Italian naval architect Andrea Manco, bringing further design and naval architecture expertise to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a>’s projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/401000/image/large-922dc09aa478c65ce3262bafb229df3d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/401000">Lau has joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a> as a partner, bringing experience as both a yacht owner and an investor in charter vessels. His previous investments included a fleet of Italian-built charter yachts comprising two 36-metre vessels and one 56-metre yacht.The partnership will combine <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a>’s experience in managing Italian yacht projects with TGG Group’s investment capacity and commercial network. The company plans to draw on manufacturing capabilities within the Greater Bay Area while developing yachts around the cruising, ownership and service requirements of Asian clients.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/401004/image/large-70bd785ae6326c4392be19e192abc154.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/401004">Commenting on the investment, Lau said: “I’ve owned yachts and know the importance of confidence after delivery. What drew me to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a> was the combination of operational depth, manufacturing access, and a clear philosophy about how these vessels should be created and supported. I look forward to the strategic perspective and partnership TGG will bring as we continue to strengthen our position in the luxury yacht market.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a> will develop its first yacht programme, starting with a 30-metre aluminium yacht that incorporates &nbsp;established engineering solutions, including waste-heat recovery. The yacht will build on the Orchid 100 concept unveiled by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a> in 2022. The concept sought to incorporate the space, comfort, safety and accessibility associated with a 60-metre yacht into a 30-metre platform suited to regional marina constraints.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/401006/image/large-27950ebe33418040c4d719383e31c08b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/401006">Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60173" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Insight: Could China become a yacht building powerhouse? (2024-04-18 10:15:00 +0200)">Insight: Could China become a yacht building powerhouse?</a>The company plans to draw on investment in shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing and marine infrastructure across the Greater Bay Area as it develops its regional supply chain. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a> said its approach would combine the area’s manufacturing capabilities with its experience of managing Italian yacht projects and representing Asian owners.The funding marks the next stage in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a>’s planned expansion from owner representation and project management into the development of its own range of yachts. Further details about the programme, its strategic partnerships and the company’s owner representation services are expected in the coming months.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/401001/image/large-15fa9fec468e3cd48e60b241ae8f746c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/401001">“This partnership gives us the resources to rethink how yachts are designed, built and supported for Asian owners,” said Paul Brackley, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Yacht (Company)">Central Yacht</a>. “Asia doesn’t need to copy Europe. It deserves yachts designed around the way Asian owners use them, built to the same standards of discipline and quality that define the world’s best superyachts.”

TGG Group invests in Central Yacht as it moves into own-brand yacht construction

TGG Group, a Hong Kong single-family office led by Barry Lau, has invested in Hong Kong-based Central Yacht.

Central Yacht secures family office investment for yachtbuilding in China’s Greater Bay Area

The 36.92-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti Yachts (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules36.92m (121'2&quot;)Benetti Yachts2025">Jules</a> is currently on the market with Will Bagshaw of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">Edmiston</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400988/image/large-475549477ff27b77e496c7d9212567fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400988">Delivered in 2025 by the Italian shipyard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules36.92m (121'2&quot;)Benetti Yachts2025">Jules</a> is a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti Yachts (Company)">Benetti</a> B.YOND yacht that has been conceived as an “expedition yacht for owners who value exploration as much as comfort”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400996/image/large-e919adaeff7bf2911ea6ae942034a20b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400996">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules36.92m (121'2&quot;)Benetti Yachts2025">yacht Jules for sale</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefano Righini Design (Company)">Stefano Righini Design</a>, with interiors penned in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti Yachts (Company)">Benetti</a>. Her naval architecture was developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture (Company)">PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture</a>.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> has a beam of 8.6-metres and a draft of 2.5-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400997/image/large-1017bc78f3450767339870813dcccd74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400997">Outside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules36.92m (121'2&quot;)Benetti Yachts2025">Jules</a> benefits from generous exterior spaces for alfresco entertaining. Her sundeck, fitted with bar stools and a shaded dining table, offers panoramic ocean views while relaxing and eating, while a waterline beach club at the stern is complete with a sauna. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors create a seamless transition between her expansive deck and main saloon.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400999/image/large-a14f2127ca1b6e80c81564718ddb634e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400999">Stepping inside, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=benetti" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Benetti yacht for sale</a> offers living spaces comparable to those of a much larger vessel, according to her builder. Featuring warm timber finishes, neutral furnishings, and abundant natural light, she has been conceived for comfort during extended cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400992/image/large-8f339921d0e37189db78b48a1f53c497.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400992"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400993/image/large-3752fa3685fd22e936213438d34f3481.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400993">At an interior volume of 431 GT, accommodation onboard is arranged for up to 12 guests across six elegant staterooms, including an owner's suite offering a private and its own exterior deck for a secluded retreat. Dedicated quarters sleep up to nine crew members, including her captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400990/image/large-1786806c568243f8b221fc5faaf4281a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400990"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400995/image/large-0776d41dc691c3f715a0d7a97d5eaa90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400995">In terms of propulsion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules36.92m (121'2&quot;)Benetti Yachts2025">Jules</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines, propelling her to a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. At cruising speed, she offers a transatlantic cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400989/image/large-0ef48e2ecdb4524a0da1f293f68e7c9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400989">

 37m Benetti B.Yond motor yacht Jules for sale

The 37-metre Benetti B.Yond motor yacht Jules is now for sale with Edmiston, featuring a volume of 413 GT, six staterooms, and spacious exteriors.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ARES Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a> has released new images of the 62-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a>, captured off Saint-Tropez during her maiden Mediterranean season. Currently listed for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>, the sailing yacht is cruising the South of France as part of her summer programme.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400959/image/large-e98cad50775bddb336fd54a08a6ba107.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400959">According to her builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> is expected to continue her Mediterranean itinerary with a possible stop in Portofino and northern Sardinia during the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, scheduled for 6–12 September. She will then head to Monaco ahead of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/338" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2026">Monaco Yacht Show</a> on 23–26 September, where she will be one of the largest sailing yachts on display.Check out our list: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/66573" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts attending Monaco Yacht Show 2026 (2026-07-17 13:00:00 +0200)">Yachts attending Monaco Yacht Show 2026<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400957/image/large-306ebb1390ae0bc85a1b552714cef6e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400957"></a>Since the start of 2026, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> has already covered approximately 3,250 nautical miles. Her passages include a non-stop 1,200-nautical-mile delivery voyage from Fethiye to Monaco, an offshore crossing of around 400 nautical miles between the Strait of Messina and Cap Corse, and a roughly 380-nautical-mile open-water passage between Kythira and the Strait of Messina.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400958/image/large-f73378b1ef03efd0488de463d75be265.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400958">The sailing yacht features exterior design and naval architecture by Istanbul-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/703" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taka Yacht Design (Company)">Taka Yacht Design</a>, with interiors created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>. She combines a classical aesthetic, defined by a clipper bow, teak decks and varnished sipo mahogany.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400960/image/large-ed9ca56788a1de296e56d57e21b647db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400960">Originally built as a family yacht, her interior showcases refined materials, including marble in the guest bathrooms. With a volume of approximately 499 GT, she can accommodate up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms, including a full-beam owner’s suite located forward.Step onboard Simena: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65889" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard Simena: Designing the 62m Ares Yachts' flagship (2026-04-21 10:45:00 +0200)">Designing the 62m Ares Yachts' flagship</a>Outside, guests can enjoy a spacious cockpit with dining for up to 14 people, a six-square-metre fold-out swim platform and a discreet sunken flybridge designed for relaxed outdoor living. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400963/image/large-e103971ca6afb9393e0945f6a60bbac5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400963"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena’s</a> environmental credentials have been independently verified through a 4-star “Superior” SEA Index rating. The index was developed by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club de Monaco (Company)">Yacht Club de Monaco</a> and UBS Group and is verified by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7911" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a>.Her ketch rig, supplied by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doyle Sailmakers (Company)">Doyle Sails</a>, features a 59-metre mainmast and a 48-metre mizzen mast, carrying a 470-square-metre mainsail, a 249-square-metre mizzen sail, a 596-square-metre genoa and a 356-square-metre staysail.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/400964/image/large-8b637730179316e013efb6cd17d69795.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20260727%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20260727T095755Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=65f97bc9039a3e5ee6a556f9ee3ffa7d5096f4935ed695a873b1f7b829a44732" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400964">During sea trials, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simena62.0m (203'5&quot;)ARES Yachts2026">Simena</a> recorded a maximum speed of 16 knots in 20 knots of wind at a 100-degree wind angle. Her hybrid propulsion system enables quiet, generator-powered electric cruising at approximately 8 knots, with a calculated range of around 6,000 nautical miles. Powered by her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> diesel engine, she can reach a maximum speed of 14 knots and offers an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.

Ares yacht Simena new images

Meta: Ares Yachts has released the first sailing images of the 62-metre yacht Simena.

New images of 62m Ares superyacht Simena unveiled

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomarine (Company)">Tecnomarine</a> has announced the relaunch of the Italian shipyard in the Pisa Navicelli district, unveiling the new 33-metre TM33 and 40-metre TM40 as the first models in its new all-aluminium yacht range, scheduled to be presented at the upcoming <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> this September.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomarine (Company)">Tecnomarine Yachts</a> is resuming operations in the Pisa Navicelli district, where the shipyard will focus on the construction of custom aluminium yachts ranging from 25 to 50 metres, under the leadership of entrepreneur Massimiliano Zilioli. The TM33 and TM40 are both developed in collaboration with Michele Dragoni's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5977" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dragoni Design Lab (Company)">Dragoni Design Lab</a>.The new production facility comprises 3,500 square metres of covered construction space and a further 3,000 square metres of outdoor areas, supporting a production model directed on fully custom projects.The new range comprises five models: the TM33, TM40, TM41, TM45 and TM90. The relaunch, however, is centred on the TM33 and TM40.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400955/image/large-f5cd5efb047a74564c8439e042a39b3f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400955">TM33The 33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomarine (Company)">Tecnomarine</a> TM33 reinterprets the concept of an aluminium fast cruiser. According to Dragoni Designlab, the design balances taut exterior lines with an interior layout that maximises onboard liveability. Outside, her sporty, aerodynamic exterior profile is complemented by generous outdoor living spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400956/image/large-34144af3619daf0f92e759292784e995.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400956">TM40The 40-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomarine (Company)">Tecnomarine</a> TM40 has been conceived as an aluminium displacement yacht designed for long-range flexibility. Thanks to her extensive mirrored glazing, her layout is distinguished by &nbsp;the visual continuity between the interior and exterior space. Meanwhile, her aft section has been arranged as an open terrace overlooking the sea to strengthen the connection with the seascape."The relaunch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomarine (Company)">Tecnomarine Yachts</a> represents an industrial challenge built on solid foundations: the shipyard's heritage and the excellence of Made in Italy," owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnomarine (Company)">Tecnomarine Yachts</a>, Massimiliano Zilioli. "Our objective is not simply to bring a historic brand back to the water, but to position it among the leaders in aluminium yacht construction."

Tecnomarine Yachts to relaunch with new all-aluminium yacht models ranging from 25 to 50 metres

Tecnomarine Yachts set to relaunch with a new all-aluminium yacht range led by the TM33 and TM40 models.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> has announced the delivery of the 31.4-metre SW96 sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a>. She has since departed Cape Town and is currently heading to Palma, where she is set to take part in the Ibiza Joysail regatta.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400949/image/large-ff37c9f9f0b46864a0850e462c3ce4c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400949">Designed for an experienced sailor with a strong racing background, she is the sixth hull in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>'s SW96 series, and has been optimised for long-range cruising and competitive sailing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400945/image/large-c7c22771bec4b3303d70e7033fa03075.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400945"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a> was designed inside and outside by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a>, while her naval architecture was developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr Yacht Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400952/image/large-dc586a894d4e3336b8155100e4b6fe2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400952">Following her launch in Cape Town earlier this year, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a> has spent the summer cruising the Western Mediterranean ahead of her regatta debut at the Ibiza JoySail, which will take place in September 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400950/image/large-d28d27a43811375ca424d4554e969abc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400950">Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/66154" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sixth 31m Southern Wind SW96 yacht Fortissimo launched (2026-05-22 16:00:00 +0200)">Sixth 31m Southern Wind SW96 yacht Fortissimo launched</a>Outside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a> sports a metallic forest green hull and a carbon deck. With a race-oriented performance, she features a lifting keel, twin rudders, high-modulus rigging and a new J4/baby stay system paired with a third set of winches.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400951/image/large-a123cbcedb1c939ca48ff19d7589129f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400951">Stepping inside, her contemporary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a> interior is adorned with rich textures, leather finishes and soft fabrics all contributing to a warm ambience. Moving to the guest accommodations, the owner's suite features a dressing area, lounge seating and a discreet vanity, reinforcing the yacht's balance of comfort and functionality.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400954/image/large-41bd445cf3910b63ef9a1db9ab2b272c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400954">With the use of extensive carbon fibre throughout the yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a> is constructed with a full carbon fibre hull and superstructure. With a beam of 6.95-metres and an interior volume of 98 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a> accommodates up to six guests across three well-appointed staterooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400946/image/large-a2c88301d5a5669b049c79a5bbb64b96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400946" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1483" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cummins Inc. (Company)">Cummins</a> engine, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fortissimo31.41m (103'1&quot;)Southern Wind2026">Fortissimo</a> also incorporates a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, enabling compliance with IMO Tier III emissions regulations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400948/image/large-10f95dac4162874d49856d162c02f64c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400948" 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; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">All images provided courtesy of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>.

Sixth 31m Southern Wind SW96 yacht Fortissimo delivered

Southern Wind has delivered the sixth 31-metre SW96 sailing yacht, Fortissimo, to her owner following her launch in Cape Town earlier this year.

According to Reuters, which cited two people familiar with the confidential discussions, Investment firms Blackstone and Donerail are among the final bidders seeking to acquire US yacht retailer and marina operator <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>.Blackstone already has significant exposure to the marina sector, having completed its $5.65 billion acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7074" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Safe Harbor (Company)">Safe Harbor</a>, a major competitor to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5903" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IGY Marinas (Company)">IGY Marinas</a>, in May 2025.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265731/image/large-54496f786fc04228218fba51ab6acb9e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265731">According to Reuters, the bidding process has entered its third round, with private equity firm Centerbridge also understood to remain in contention. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> has a market capitalisation of approximately $725 million. The company operates 70 dealerships and 65 marina and storage locations, primarily in the United States, alongside a range of yacht brokerage, charter and other marine services.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> has not publicly confirmed that a sale process is under way. Representatives for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, Blackstone and Donerail declined to comment to Reuters, while Centerbridge did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Donerail began pressing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> to consider a sale or replacement of its Chief Executive Brett McGill in 2025, adding to earlier pressure from Levin Capital, which had called on the company’s management and board to evaluate strategic alternatives in 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265730/image/large-3fda6f192a71e4f552e121164e407ea4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265730">Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/66058" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax explores potential sale as Donerail raises its bid (2026-05-12 10:45:00 +0200)">MarineMax explores potential sale as Donerail raises its bid</a>In February 2026, it was reported that Donerail had submitted an all-cash proposal valuing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> at approximately $1 billion. The investment firm is subsequently understood to have increased its offer, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> reportedly began formally seeking interest from other prospective buyers in April. The company has introduced several governance changes amid investor concerns, including the replacement of board directors, but did not acknowledge a potential sale process when it published its latest quarterly results on 23 July.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265732/image/large-de8e35a3c695c7a0ca1d7601fa95da7d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265732">The reported interest in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> comes amid continued investment activity across the marina and yacht services sectors. Marina portfolios, in particular, have attracted institutional investors seeking assets that combine waterfront property, recurring income and exposure to affluent customers. However, no agreement has been announced, and there is no certainty that the bidding process will result in a transaction.

Blackstone and Donerail among final bidders for MarineMax

Investment firms Blackstone and Donerail are reportedly among the final bidders seeking to acquire US yacht retailer and marina operator MarineMax.

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Blackstone and Donerail rumoured to be among final bidders for MarineMax

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is reportedly leading a project to acquire Spanish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships &amp; Docks</a>, with the acquisition proposal submitted by U.S.-based Oyster Ocean LLC, according to Spanish media reports.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400944/image/large-82f3e78cb6a98df641a475dfc3e73c1a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400944">The proposed buyer, Oyster Ocean LLC, is a Delaware-registered company incorporated earlier in January 2026. The company has established a Spanish subsidiary, Océano de Ostras SL, which has been set up as the Spanish vehicle for the proposed acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships &amp; Docks</a> from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodman (Company)">Grupo Rodman</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400879/image/large-3a4d237c29da2ec97f5badbfe4a2fa88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400879">Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/66638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="US buyer set to acquire Spanish shipyard Metalships & Docks (2026-07-24 12:45:00 +0200)">US buyer set to acquire Spanish shipyard Metalships &amp; Docks</a>The deal follows last week’s report that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodman (Company)">Grupo Rodman</a> had requested authorisation from the Port Authority of Vigo to transfer its shares in the shipyard. The authority has since approved the transfer of the port concessions, clearing an important step in the process, although the ownership change has not yet been finalised.The potential acquisition comes after years of speculation over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships &amp; Docks</a>’ ownership. The Vigo-based shipyard has attracted previous investor interest, including a 2008 proposal from a Miami-based investment group led by Galician businessman Mario Pérez Rivera in a deal reportedly valued at €60 million. In 2015, China Sonangol International subsidiary CS Europe Investment acquired a stake in the company, before ownership returned to Galician investors two years later.According to reports, Oyster Ocean LLC aims to transform <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships</a> into a specialist shipyard for oceanographic vessels and exploration yachts. The reported strategy would align with Eric’s longstanding involvement in marine research through the Schmidt Ocean Institute, which he founded with his wife Wendy in 2009. The private nonprofit organisation supports oceanographic research, exploration and knowledge-sharing initiatives focused on advancing understanding of the oceans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400880/image/large-dfc93c451caf676a96be1d4ae8baf3ab.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400880">Oyster Ocean is also reported to control a fleet of more than 20 vessels, although details of the group’s ownership structure have not been publicly disclosed. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships &amp; Docks</a>, part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodman (Company)">Grupo Rodman</a>, is one of Spain’s leading shipyards for repair, refit and specialised vessel construction. The Vigo-based yard operates a 162-meter floating dock and has completed projects including the sailing cruise vessel Sea Cloud Spirit, the fishing vessel Regina C and offshore support vessels such as North Sea Giant.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships</a> has also undertaken complex refit and maintenance projects on large yachts visiting the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. This includes the 59-meter superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maybe59.0m (193'7&quot;)Metalships & Docks S.A.2016">Maybe</a>, launched in 2016, which was reported at the time to be the largest yacht designed and built in Spain.Neither Eric nor representatives of Oyster Ocean, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodman (Company)">Grupo Rodman</a> or <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metalships & Docks S.A. (Company)">Metalships &amp; Docks</a> have publicly commented on the acquisition or the reported industrial strategy.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt acquires Metalships & Docks 

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is reportedly leading a project to acquire Spanish shipyard Metalships & Docks.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt linked to Spanish yard Metalships & Docks bid

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/400943/image/large-801d0d64a13d01102bd317b4146d81fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/400943">Spotted cruising along the East River off Roosevelt Island in New York City was the 74-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6128" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Casino Royale74.0m (242'9&quot;)Amels2018">Casino Royale</a>. According to AIS data, she departed Port Jefferson last Saturday and is currently en route to Harbour Point in Palm Beach.&nbsp; Delivered in 2018 as Universe, the yacht features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood</a>. &nbsp;Her interiors, created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, offer a warm and elegant atmosphere for guests. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6128" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Casino Royale74.0m (242'9&quot;)Amels2018">Casino Royale</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across six staterooms, including a main-deck master suite with panoramic views and two spacious VIP suites. &nbsp;Moving outside, the yacht’s main-deck aft area serves as a 180-square-metre entertainment space. Designed for socialising, it features a dance floor, bar and a 6.5-metre infinity pool. &nbsp;In terms of propulsion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> Limited Edition 242 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, providing her with a cruising speed of 15 knots and a top speed of 16.5 knots. &nbsp;

Amels yacht Casino Royale in New York City

Spotted cruising along the East River off Roosevelt Island in New York City was the 74-metre Amels superyacht Casino Royale.

74m Amels 242 superyacht Casino Royale in New York City

The 29.6-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/4286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rat Pack29.57m (97'0&quot;)Marlow Yachts2011">Rat Pack</a> has been sold. Mordy Miltz of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6348" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts360 (Company)">Yachts360</a> introduced the buyer, while Drew Offerdahl of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> represented the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/352613/image/large-92382b32459df8fbd867f4b7d8504379.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/352613">Delivered in 2011 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marlow Yachts (Company)">Marlow</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rat Pack29.57m (97'0&quot;)Marlow Yachts2011">Rat Pack</a> is a Marlow 97E, previously named Due Process&nbsp;and Kakawi.&nbsp;She features exterior design and naval architecture crafted in-house by her builder. The 117 GT motor yacht most recently underwent a refit in 2026, following extensive upgrades completed in late 2024.Outside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rat Pack29.57m (97'0&quot;)Marlow Yachts2011">Rat Pack</a> features an open flybridge arrangement with upper and lower helm stations. Her exterior refit included new paint, a full teak deck replacement and updated electronics.&nbsp;Built with a GRP hull superstructure, she has a beam of 6.4-metres. Accommodation onboard is arranged for up to eight guests across four staterooms, including two full-beam staterooms.&nbsp;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, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rat Pack29.57m (97'0&quot;)Marlow Yachts2011">Rat Pack</a> has a cruising speed of 20 knots and a top speed of 25 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rat Pack29.57m (97'0&quot;)Marlow Yachts2011">Rat Pack</a> had a last known asking price of $2,999,000.

30m Marlow motor yacht Rat Pack sold

The 30-metre Marlow 97E motor yacht Rat Pack has been sold with a last known asking price of $2,999,000.

Italy

Columbus Yachts

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Marco Casali Too Design

Marco Casali Company Profile Photos

Header photo Marco Casali Company Profile

Giuseppe Sole

Palumbo Superyachts

Monaco

The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) returns to Port Hercule from 25-28 September 2024, marking its 33rd year as the ultimate gathering for superyachting enthusiasts. Renowned as the premier showcase of luxury and innovation in the maritime world, MYS brings together over 120 of the world's finest superyachts, including 39 brand-new vessels over 30 meters. With a total fleet value exceeding €4.6 billion, this year’s show highlights both cutting-edge designs and timeless classics. The yachts on display boast an average length of 48 meters and a combined total length of 5.6 kilometers, epitomizing sophistication and state-of-the-art technology. Representing 12 build countries, 63 renowned superyacht builders will showcase a diverse range of yachts, including 51 available for sale. With an average volume of 735 GT and an average build year of 2020, these floating masterpieces reflect the grandeur and innovation of modern yachting. &nbsp; Set against the glamorous backdrop of Monaco, MYS offers an unparalleled environment where buyers, charterers, and yachting professionals can explore the latest trends and connect with industry leaders. The Monaco Yacht Show remains the world’s premier platform for discovering the future of the superyacht industry. &nbsp;

Owner Experience

Owner insight: Maria Francesca Angelini on her 50m Columbus custom yacht Anjelif