<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southport Yacht Club Marina (Company)">Southport Yacht Club</a> in Queensland, Australia has opened a new superyacht berth. The pontoons, built by Eleven Superior Jetties, span 160 metres and can accommodate yachts up to 130 metres in length. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171529/image/large-59c6e88a5a3d7ec73aa8fbe883e71ede.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171529">Over 600 club &amp; community members, government representatives and industry leaders attended the milestone event, which is a key part of the Queensland Government’s superyacht strategy that aims to make Queensland the superyacht hub of the Asia-Pacific.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53010" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unpicking the Asian yacht market 'boom' (2021-05-25 11:45:00 +0200)">Unpicking the Asian yacht market 'boom'</a>Suzanne Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the Marina Industries Association, shared on LinkedIn that “John Hogan and his Superior Jetties team were on hand to celebrate and should be very proud of the result!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171530/image/large-80e97f616105bdecd9eee2f16e83e900.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171530">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southport Yacht Club Marina (Company)">Southport Yacht Club</a> first established in 1946 and is multi-award winning – most recently it was a recipient of the &nbsp;‘Hall of Fame Award’ from Keno &amp; Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence. The club has a range of restaurants, bars as well as sailing programs and events on offer to its members. It can also host hundreds of yachts, thanks to the onsite 300-berth Marina.&nbsp;

Southport Yacht Club opens new 130m superyacht berth

Southport Yacht Club Marina

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Southport Yacht Club has opened a new superyacht berth. The pontoons span 160 metres and can accommodate yachts up to 130 metres in length. 

QLD one step closer to becoming superyacht hub of the Asia-Pacific as Southport Yacht Club opens 130m superyacht berth 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8076" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Valencia (Company)">Marina Port Valencia</a> has announced that the inner marina, Marina City, is now complete as part of their phased transformation. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397349/image/large-033282147cabe8f5a2ddb1d15d41bc62.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397349">Led by the IPM-IMG Group and Ocibar, the project aims to revitalise the three marinas that previously hosted the 2007 America's Cup, while introducing a cutting-edge refit yard, a state-of-the-art dry dock and modern commercial spaces.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/62614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First renderings of new Marina Port Valencia development unveiled (2025-02-14 12:45:00 +0100)">First renderings of new Marina Port Valencia development unveiled</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397347/image/large-02f98e636005af30408a0493b3b9cb49.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397347">The Marina City is now ready to welcome its first customers for the summer season with a full range of premium services. Positioned in the most sheltered area of the port, it has been designed to welcome yachts between 12 and 130 metres and boasts an exclusive central pontoon with berths from 15 metres available for sale or rent for ten, fifteen or twenty years.Construction will soon begin at Marina Norte on a collection of new office buildings designed to attract leading companies and create a hub for networking, innovation and talent. Local residents will also be able to benefit from a restaurant that will open in the former Panorama building.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397346/image/large-ad9d771b5b626cd1085ee90660cd52f1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397346">The redevelopment of the marina will be completed in planned phases over the coming years, with local residents able to experience the marina’s new public spaces as each stage is completed.With landscaping designed by GM Paisajistas, in coordination with the architects at ERRE Arquitectura, the plan links Marina Norte, Marina City and Marina Sur through a landscaped ‘green corridor’, creating a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists lined by Mediterranean vegetation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397348/image/large-4ff447ed4895040fef35c2236798337f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397348">With this project, Marina Port Valencia will reconnect the city with the waterfront,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8076" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Valencia (Company)">Marina Port Valencia</a>. "In doing so, it responds to local leisure needs while providing businesses with an unrivalled waterfront environment, establishing Marina Port Valencia as a leading national and international destination built on the principles of sustainability."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/348287/image/large-0f4e8368c10bd6b34945367d123348e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/348287">

Marina Port Valencia completes Marina City development

Marina Port Valencia has announced that the inner marina, Marina City, is now complete as part of their phased transformation.

Marina Port Valencia completes inner marina for yachts up to 130m

Just as physical tank test models are giving way to computational fluid dynamics, so another form of virtual modelling is coming to the fore – the digital twin. But what is a digital twin, and how can we use them to streamline superyacht design, construction and operation?Providing an exact definition of a digital twin can be tricky, not least because different people use the term in different ways. With conceptual origins tracing back to NASA in the 1960s, the truth is that digital twins come in a variety of forms and offer multiple applications – all of which have the potential to change the approach to design and enhance the operational effectiveness of superyachts.“I haven’t found a consistent way that people use the term,” says software developer Boudewijn van Groos. “For example, some call a simple 3D model a digital twin, even if it doesn’t make predictions. It might show live sensor data from the vessel, but it’s really just a portal into the actual ship. That is fundamentally different to a software model that mimics the behaviour of a system based on physical or statistical calculations. Yet people refer to both as digital twins.”Models created in a software environment are arguably the purest form of digital twinning. They are increasingly being used both to train AI and to enable systems developers to code the core parts of a yacht’s controllers while the physical yacht itself is still in build – a decisive factor when faced with tight construction and delivery schedules.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397081/image/large-c63a38ee887c535cd43a28154e353077.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397081">Virtual virtuesVan Groos is leading a team of software developers who are undertaking the coding of a multifaceted monitoring and control system aboard Project Zero, the renewables-powered sailing yacht under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a>. In collaboration with German company XRG Simulation, they have been building a virtual version of the yacht’s systems in Modelica, which allows them to write the code for the programmable logic controller (PLC) for the thermal harvesting and recovery system, for example, and test it before the physical system has been completed. While the team has also been using a current sailing superyacht as a test bed, creating a digital twin has brought additional benefits.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397079/image/large-c1ba2f94baf775740a49c5322a0b5621.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397079">“For everything we’re doing we first write the physical thing into code to form the digital twin,” Van explains. “That simulation can be very basic, or a deep mechanical simulation. It gives us an opportunity to prevent regression bugs and it means we can avoid having to run our code on a physical system that means needing the real machine every time, which is just a hassle.”Developing a digital twin not only creates a platform for virtual testing, it also provides an opportunity to explore or to train AI, which can have real-world applications in a finished project. Indeed, this is the approach that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3559" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Videoworks Group (Company)">Videoworks</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> took, in collaboration with the University of Pisa, to develop the systems on the 42.84-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12135" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf X42.84m (140'7&quot;)Rossinavi2024">Seawolf X</a> catamaran.“On a yacht you have a lot of very high-tech systems, each optimised and each with sensor actuators,” explains Maurizio Minossi, CEO and CTO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3559" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Videoworks Group (Company)">Videoworks</a>. “The idea is to create a sort of manager that grabs the data coming from the different subsystems and, thanks to the use of AI algorithms, gives it added value in terms of monitoring and control.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397078/image/large-3bbe7f4296cb60275d58eb400d1d5976.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397078">“AI algorithms need to train on something – you need a story,” adds Sergio Saponara, director of the Department of Informational Engineering at the University of Pisa. “But if the technology is new, how do you create that story? Creating a digital model of a yacht allows you to fill the AI with data. You analyse the chiller in a model, then you combine it with all the other models to create the whole ship.”The system they have developed, which has been designed to be modular for use across multiple yacht designs and configurations, integrates various network-connected sensors, smart plugs, and actuators, such as HVAC systems, lighting, and automated blinds, orchestrated by an advanced AI algorithm. The digital twin enables the simulation of different configurations and operational scenarios, generating virtual data that can be used to train AI models – a useful approach given the challenges of limited experimental data on energy consumption and passenger habits.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397077/image/large-efe714be9d6f415bcddaf70b66ca2da0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397077">Test rig&nbsp;It’s not just in systems design that digital twins are being utilised. For Dale Morris, Group Head of Global Design at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a>, the development of digital twins has enabled advanced, in-the-box testing before a rig is stepped – a serious advantage given the one-off nature and complexity of superyacht masts and sail plans.&nbsp;“The outcome is what’s on the water, but the model that came before it has been through all the conditions,” he says. “It starts with base mast properties, rigging pre-tension and tuning, but we add in the actual moulded sail shape and structural files from North Sails, and then we can assess the rig to a whole other level.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397082/image/large-2efc90f958531c34f23220a01c23ffdf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397082">This allows the team to see the effect of their rig design choices even down to its impact on the actual shape of the sails. They can go into a whole CFD loop, where the fluid structure interaction (FSI) loops back into the non-linear FEA – non-linear because the mast is flexible. That essentially means they can sea-trial the yacht before any carbon fibre even gets laid in the mast mould.“That also flows through into how we communicate the safe operation to the customer with all the sheet runs and all the load interfaces, so that boatbuilders can build-in the right safety factors,” &nbsp;Morris explains. “You can assess all that within the digital twin.”It also impacts the initial sea trial phases because, rather than the traditional method of stepping a mast and eyeballing the rig to tune it and ensure it is set up symmetrically, it can effectively be pre-set. Gone are the days where you put the rig in, go sailing and flop from tack to tack, make changes, rinse and repeat, which can be a two-day operation.“We are able to virtually go sailing before we even put carbon in the mast tooling, and for yacht designers, owners and crew that’s a huge benefit because it elevates confidence before you get further into the project,” &nbsp;says Vincent Guiot, Group Sales Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a>. &nbsp;Further, the applications extend to the operational phase. By using the information from the load sensors from specific conditions. If something doesn’t look quite right, the team can plug that data back into the digital twin and help someone on board diagnose the issue more efficiently.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397080/image/large-77d39333b2a17751661ad462a20fdfc0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397080">Practical magic&nbsp;As CAD has advanced, so 3D models have become commonplace, not only in terms of determining the underlying engineering layout of a vessel but also to ensure the vessel can be built as efficiently as possible. But when one superyacht project approached Dutch company Goltens to take that 3D model further, the potential for an all-encompassing digital twin quickly became apparent.“Normally we design, engineer and create 3D models, and during that process a lot of information on the components – size, material, capacity, make, model – is put into a database,” says Sandra Jutte of Goltens’ Green Technologies division. “But when the vessel departs, most of that information, which can number thousands of data files, stays behind. For this project, we were asked how we could collect all the engineering data in one place during construction and use it to make the yacht smarter in operation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397085/image/large-8490e120db5880a524554f471c7eb9b6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397085">To achieve that, the Goltens team combined ongoing 3D scanning during the build with CAD and engineering drawings to create a digital version of Project Zero that is a perfect match for the real thing. The result is that all the information on the build, systems and components is available for easy access – especially useful when it comes to fault-finding or in the event of a system alarm.&nbsp;“You need an exact copy of the yacht, so during the entire build our team has been on site with a 3D scanner capturing every stage of the build,” says Jutte. “We’ve scanned every detail, including 100,000 metres of cables and six kilometres of piping.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397086/image/large-39fff693692206113bdc5e36b8ec672b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397086">Every pump, pipe and system is connected and with e-sharing it’s possible to click into the engineering drawing and instantly jump to the same spot in the 3D model, and vice versa. All relevant details and spare parts listings are available with a click. What’s more, the digital twin will form the backbone for predictive maintenance and, potentially, AI-rooted energy efficiency and systems analysis during the operational phase – an aspect that could have huge impact for a project where every kilowatt counts.The potential goes further, however, because wherever the vessel goes, the digital twin goes too. This means designers can use the digital twin to experiment with new ideas or test layouts without ever touching the real vessel, while engineers can follow system performance and simulate improvements, and and owners can explore their yacht anytime, anywhere.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397087/image/large-8c4ef31785ce28bc95f037d27cf282ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397087">Such a comprehensive scan-based digital twin improves maintenance aspects – with all manuals and spare parts lists easily accessible, and with the potential to add predictive maintenance algorithms – but also aids efficiency in a refit phase.&nbsp;“Refits and repairs are no longer a guessing game,” says Jutte. “Because if a component needs to be replaced or a new component fitted, the digital twin already knows what’s there currently and if the new one will fit. It means you can order or prefabricate parts with confidence. It’s a complete feedback loop between design, operation, maintenance, fault-finding and improvement.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397089/image/large-cbdce16aec81ad92d4d28edb2f355442.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397089">

How is virtual modelling transforming superyacht design and operation

From rig testing to predictive maintenance, digital twins are reshaping how superyachts are designed, built and operated.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida has dismissed the entire complaint brought by Export Yacht Sales (Brill Maritime), which alleged that Boats Group illegally monopolised the US online boat-listing market through YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/355047/image/large-0bd8f332392990f5a08cac6ea37b81d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/355047">The lawsuit was filed on 14 August 2025, with Brill Maritime alleging that Boats Group controlled approximately 75 percent of the market for listing and marketing recreational boats and used subscription agreements that either bar or discourage brokers and dealers from listing vessels on rival platforms.Read more: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64073" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="US boat dealers bring antitrust class action against Boats Group (2025-08-21 13:00:00 +0200)">US boat dealers bring antitrust class action against Boats Group</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/355053/image/large-d4b378b0bbe9bf56a1926a2d570b4fd5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/355053">According to Brill Maritime, competing platforms had been unable to achieve the scale or inventory to grow their services effectively, leaving brokers and dealers with limited options.The court found that Brill Maritime had plausibly alleged that the relevant market could be defined as an online boat listing and marketing service in the United States and that Boat Group may possess monopoly power in that market.&nbsp;Brill Maritime also alleged that Boat’s Group claimed 75 percent of the global share, reasonably supporting an inference that it has a dominant position in the US market. As a result of this, the judge did not dismiss the case because Boats Group lacks market power.However, the judge said that Brill Maritime had failed to show that Boats Group engaged in illegal anticompetitive conduct and under US antitrust law, being a monopoly is not illegal by itself.The court repeatedly emphasised that monopoly power is legal, but using that power through anticompetitive behaviour to exclude rivals is illegal.&nbsp;The judge found that Brill Maritime’s three main allegations were insufficient including that Boats Group became dominant by acquiring competitors such as YachtWorld.com, boats.com and YachtCloser.com.The judge said that acquiring competitors is not necessarily illegal and that Brill Maritime had not explained how these acquisitions had harmed competition. The complaint had described the acquisitions as “strategic” suggesting it was more of a successful business move than illegal conduct. The judge explained that Brill Maritime had shown that Boats Group bought competitors, but not that these acquisitions were unlawful. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/355039/image/large-513a0ee840e10e5371f647093bba58d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/355039">Brill Maritime also claimed that Boats Group's subscription agreements stoped brokers from listing boats elsewhere. The judge examined the contract language and concluded that the provision merely prevented brokers from implying that a YachtWorld or Boats Group listing originated somewhere else. He therefore concluded that you can advertise on YachtWorld and on other sites and the contract simply prevented you from pretending a Boats Group listing came from another platform, meaning the clause is not an exclusive dealing arrangement.Finally, Brill Maritime argued that Boats Group had dramatically increased its prices. The judge responded that high prices alone are not an antitrust violation. The court cited multiple precedents saying a legal monopolist is generally allowed to charge whatever prices it wants. To prove monopolisation, Brill Maritime needed to show that the higher prices resulted from illegal exclusionary conduct.In conclusion, the judge accepted that Boats Group may hold monopoly power in the US online boat-listing market, but ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show that Boats Group acquired or maintained that position through illegal anticompetitive conduct.United States District Judge, Roy K. Altman dismissed the complaint without prejudice, meaning the plaintiff is able to resubmit an amended complaint, with a deadline of 30 June 2026.&nbsp;The lawsuit also contained claims under Florida law, with the federal court declining to hear the state claims as the federal antitrust claims were dismissed. These were also dismissed without prejudice, allowing for them to also be refiled.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times will continue to follow this story and will provide updates where necessary.

US court dismisses antitrust lawsuit against Boats Group

The US District Court for the Southern District of Florida has dismissed the antitrust lawsuit brought by Export Yacht Sales against Boats Group.

The 24.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H224.6m (80'9&quot;)Princess Yachts2022">N2H2</a> has been sold, with Joe Hill of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Brokerage International (Company)">Princess Brokerage International</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/377303/image/large-e9f5ee62744476943f9773dd48e429fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/377303">Delivered in 2022, the yacht features interiors penned in-house by her British builder. Meanwhile, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2740" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olesinski Ltd. (Company)">Olesinski</a> took charge of her naval architecture and exterior design.At a volume of 78 GT, she can sleep up to eight guests across four well-appointed staterooms. Guests can enjoy communal areas such as the foredeck and aft deck fitted with sunpads and the flybridge with shade.Propulsion-wise, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H224.6m (80'9&quot;)Princess Yachts2022">N2H2</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, giving her top speed of 39 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16575" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2H224.6m (80'9&quot;)Princess Yachts2022">N2H2</a> had a last known asking price of £3,175,000.00.Courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Brokerage International (Company)">Princess Brokerage International</a>.

Princess yacht N2H2 sold

Princess yacht, N2H2 sold, Princess yacht N2H2, Princess yacht sold, N2H2 sold.

25m Princess motor yacht N2H2 sold

The 35.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l. (Company)">Cantiere Valdettaro</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> has been sold with Yannis Stratis of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Broker House (Company)">Yacht Broker House</a>. The sale was concluded directly with a private buyer, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Broker House (Company)">Yacht Broker House</a> acting as both owner and central agent in the transaction.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/98550/image/large-7470442e827fa639586e6fb0099778c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98550">The sale was completed in spring 2026 at Yacht Broker House's home base in Corfu, Greece. Since changing hands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> has departed Greece and is now cruising European waters under her new ownership.&nbsp;Delivered in 1992 by Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/602" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l. (Company)">Cantiere Valdettaro</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> most recently underwent a refit in France in 2024. She features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/357" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects (Company)">Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects</a>, while her interiors were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/618" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Garroni (Company)">Studio Garroni</a>.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> has a beam of 7.95-metres and an interior volume of 171 GT. Accommodation onboard is arranged for up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration, while dedicated quarters house up to a crew of six, including her captain.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engine that delivers a cruising speed of 9.7 knots and a top speed of 12 knots.&nbsp;At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unplugged35.4m (116'2&quot;)Cantiere Valdettaro S.r.l.1992">Unplugged</a> had a last known asking price of €900,000.

35m Cantiere Valdettaro sailing yacht Unplugged sold

  The 35.4-metre Cantiere Valdettaro sailing yacht Unplugged has been sold with Yacht Broker House

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/392305/image/large-86c88e62c5d466ff1f840f9818dce38b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/392305">The 29.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> has been sold. Ferhat Kanbur of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Data Marin (Company)">Data Marin</a> introduced the buyer, while Ilker Bicaco of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5001" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Talia Marine (Company)">Talia Marine</a> represented the seller.Delivered in 2010, the yacht features naval architecture penned in-house by her builder. Meanwhile, her interior and exterior designs were crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Design</a>.Inside, her design is distinguished by light coloured woods that give the yacht a contemporary feel. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> can accommodate up to ten guests across four well-appointed staterooms at a volume of 177 GT. Moreover, a highlight of the yacht is a relaxation area on her flybridge, where guests can enjoy panoramic views.&nbsp;In terms of propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, giving her a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 27 knots.At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Yaz29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2010">Lady Yaz</a> had a last known asking price of €2,990,000.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5001" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Talia Marine (Company)">Talia Marine</a>.

Custom Line yacht Lady Yaz sold

The 29.7-metre Custom Line motor yacht Lady Yaz has been sold.

30m Custom Line motor yacht Lady Yaz sold

The 57-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts (Company)">Trinity</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar</a> is on the market, with Rob Newton of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> benefitted from a 2025 refit that refreshed her interiors and modernised her systems.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397161/image/large-157dd31b806639942ec6e7d2aeb4801c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397161">With a deck design built around guest flow, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar</a> features naval architecture and exterior design penned in-house by her American builder. Meanwhile, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/111" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evan K Marshall (Company)">Evan K Marshall</a> took charge of her interior design which is distinguished by Italian marbles, Lalique glass, silk carpets and rich wood in birch, vavona, and bur.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397220/image/large-a05b27ee4abd4103f48fae88e6afdaf3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397220"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397195/image/large-5eb0377176736d577315088431b690c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397195">At a volume of 782 GT, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/elis-et-mar" target="_blank">yacht Elis Et Mar for sale</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms. Her full-beam master suite is found on the main deck. This area can be accessed via a private office and is fitted with a king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, and his-and-hers bathrooms with a soaking tub, separate rain shower, and mirror TVs. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397199/image/large-86d7a9b383706d0176d50ebc3a5183fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397199"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397208/image/large-d05e1e5f38e5dc5c8b79aa56962db52a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397208">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" target="_blank">motor yacht for sale’s</a> VIP suite located on the bridge deck also showcases a king-size bed, elevated views, and a spacious ensuite. Four guest suites on the lower deck, all with fixed king beds and ensuite bathrooms, complete the accommodation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397214/image/large-27ec017e7e73699f2a44df284651fc7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397214">Moving outside, guests aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar</a> are spoilt for choice between adventure and relaxation. Her sundeck plays host to a large Jacuzzi, generous sunpads, a full bar, and an outdoor entertainment system. For those looking to keep active, a fully enclosed, air-conditioned gym is also on offer, equipped with a Pilates Reformer, treadmill, free weights, and audio-visual facilities. A portable ice bath is also available upon request.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397235/image/large-cd87a31b555950b9bd569392e9918873.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397235"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/364" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elis Et Mar57.0m (187'0&quot;)Trinity Yachts2012">Elis Et Mar’s</a> bridge deck sky lounge provides a relaxed indoor retreat, complete with plush seating, a full-service bar, and alfresco dining for up to 12 guests aft. Guests may choose between a formal indoor dining space or an aft dining area with optional climate control, offering flexibility to suit any occasion, on the main deck aft.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397231/image/large-98b1ee45ae88293202adcd95833904d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397231">Moreover, an impressive array of water toys ensures no shortage of thrills for the more adventurous. On the water, guests can make use of four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3030" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cayago AG / Seabob (Company)">Seabobs</a>, two Lift E-Foils, an Awake Ravic electric surfboard, three Jet Skis, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5777" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yamaha (Company)">Yamaha</a> Superjet, inflatable towables, and full snorkelling and fishing gear, alongside two foldable e-bikes for exploration ashore. The entire guest experience is overseen by a professional crew of 13.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397191/image/large-7c46a1b67dc6f3193229d237bca28a4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397191">In terms of propulsion system, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=trinity-yachts" target="_blank">Trinity yacht for sale</a> 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, giving her a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 20 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397192/image/large-e9dc6c5d43d791366dd8c886a1767f06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397192">

Trinity yacht Elis Et Mar for sale

The 57-metre Trinity motor yacht Elis Et Mar is on the market, with Rob Newton of IYC.

57m Trinity superyacht Elis Et Mar for sale

The 23.27-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13810" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spirit of Ponant23.27m (76'4&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2024">Spirit of Ponant</a> is on the market, listed with Pierre Vezilier of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/397239/image/large-f1bb937cf0476fd3bcdc5812056e6442.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20260617%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20260617T063333Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=262c295532260cfc74c32458fc7618902efd698bf345fdbf0eacd0c8ba9d3ec2" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397239">Delivered in 2024, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6073" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Le Quément (Company)">Patrick Le Quément</a>, interior styling 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 Design</a>, and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/39" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VPLP Design (Company)">VPLP Design</a>. She was conceived with a large sail plan and an optimised hull, delivering efficient open-water performance and stability at sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397254/image/large-5dd6261e35858f970d81b928ddaa7e07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397254"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397252/image/large-c8d1bd1bbc866600bfd48dd91c2cdf50.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397252">The interiors onboard the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/of-type=motor" target="_blank">motor yacht for sale</a> are laid out with a strong emphasis on privacy and generous communal areas. Warm shades of brown, blue and neutral tones run throughout both the private and shared spaces, creating a cohesive atmosphere.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397249/image/large-dba320035103ae5c7f72055143b1b08b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397249"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397242/image/large-6501bd710eba06086f0cd2e755663aab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397242">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/spirit-of-ponant" target="_blank">yacht Spirit of Ponant for sale</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests across six well-appointed staterooms, with a gross tonnage of 135 GT. On deck, guests may dine alfresco in the aft area, while a hydraulic swim platform provides easy access to the sea.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397255/image/large-1b4072cb4b8f209c2ca62d359f3ddbeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397255"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13810" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spirit of Ponant23.27m (76'4&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2024">Spirit of Ponant</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nanni industries (Company)">Nanni Industries</a> engines, giving the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/directories/yachts/for-sale/built-by=lagoon-yachts" target="_blank">Lagoon yacht for sale</a> a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 18 knots.Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>.

catamaran yacht Spirit of Ponant for sale

The 23.27-metre Lagoon sailing yacht Spirit of Ponant is on the market.

23m catamaran Spirit of Ponant for sale

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397150/image/large-843519c5d1eee2588222c47260858dee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397150">The 73.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautilus73.3m (240'6&quot;)Perini Navi2014">Nautilus</a> has been spotted making her second visit to Guernsey, having first called at the island on 2 May 2016. She was seen in St Peter Port yesterday and is now en route to Gibraltar, according to AIS data.Previously known as Grace E, she was delivered in 2014 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> under its Picchiotti brand in Viareggio, as the largest motor yacht ever built by the shipyard. The 1,876 GT vessel features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/53" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Briand Yacht Design (Company)">Briand Yacht Design</a>, with interiors originally conceived by French designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>. She underwent a refit in 2023 with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/681" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Marine (Company)">Monaco Marine</a> at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7074" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Safe Harbor (Company)">Safe Harbour</a> La Ciotat.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautilus73.3m (240'6&quot;)Perini Navi2014">Nautilus</a> 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> diesel-electric engines, affording her a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of 16.5 knots, and a range of 7,500 nautical miles.

73m Perini Navi superyacht Nautilus in Guernsey

The 73.3-metre Perini Navi superyacht Nautilus has been spotted making her second visit to Guernsey.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a> have announced the delivery of the 23.96-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> Gentleman 24M yacht. The yacht was officially christened <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> at the shipyard in La Spezia and delivered to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a> Chairman Tommaso Chiabra as she joins their charter fleet. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397262/image/large-69463179651c336f45f621e2a3eab461.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397262">Designed 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/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> Centro Stile, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> brand was relaunched in 2022, just six months after the acquisition of the company by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>.&nbsp;Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55685" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group relaunches Picchiotti brand with a new Gentleman yacht line (2022-08-03 12:00:00 +0200)">The Italian Sea Group relaunches Picchiotti brand with a new Gentleman yacht line</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397263/image/large-9d2b1e1afb8a57386a11c5c8c4b07162.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397263">“We are proud to acquire this exceptional asset and to contribute to the revival of one of the most historic names in Italian shipbuilding,” commented Tommaso Chiabra, Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a>.Inspired by the silhouette of the American yachts of the sixties, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> boasts timeless classic lines and is produced entirely in aluminium. She showcases glossy mahogany details and polished plating on her bow and the sides of her stern.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397261/image/large-601aad94946cbee604189de94508e6a8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397261">Spanning 149 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> can comfortably accommodate up to six guests across a three stateroom configuration on the lower deck, with her full-beam owner’s suite situated amidships.&nbsp;“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> Gentleman 24M has a rare quality: she feels immediately familiar, elegant and beautifully Mediterranean,” added Chiabra. “She has substance, warmth and personality; she belongs to a lineage of yachts conceived for private life at sea, while speaking naturally to the expectations of contemporary charter clients.”Conceived for Mediterranean cruising, she features plenty of open-air spaces, with a large beach club for charter living. Perfect for clients seeking privacy and charm, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12325" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gentleman23.96m (78'7&quot;)Picchiotti2025">Gentleman</a> gives the feeling of a private residence on the water. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397264/image/large-c0669bf9240500ea4ff1be1400818b85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397264">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> carries the spirit of Janus: one gaze turned towards centuries of seafaring knowledge, the other towards those who will define the next codes of yachting,” added Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>.“She offers a measured threshold into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Picchiotti (Company)">Picchiotti</a> world: time onboard becomes a first form of belonging, and that first encounter may quietly mature into something deeper and more personal.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397265/image/large-817d20ffb7d4c6c57e79117b435352b2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397265">(Images courtesy of The Italian Sea Group and Royal Yacht International.)

Gentleman: Picchiotti Gentleman 24M yacht delivered

TISG and RYI have announced the delivery of the first Picchiotti Gentleman 24M yacht, which has been christened Gentleman. 

First Picchiotti Gentleman 24M yacht delivered and christened Gentleman

A buzz topic in the superyacht industry as of late is that the superyacht market in Asia has been booming. Claims of increased superyacht sales and a growing enthusiasm for yachting have led to what some are calling a ‘boom’. Curious about the true current state of the Asian yachting market, Kayla Dowling of SuperYacht Times spoke to yachting professionals across the vast region to unpack the current sentiment. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196283/image/large-09d0302703270e4566d1a98eb6d35790.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196283">Our first finding is that data from our intelligence system SYT iQ supports the general trend that there is an overall increase of sales in the Asian yacht market at the moment. This upward trend is occurring at two different ends. The first is new builds by shipyards in countries such as Taiwan and China, who are expanding their market share from a collective 6% to a combined 10% between 2019 and 2020. The other end is an increase in yacht sales to countries in the region. SYT’s data reveals that the Asian market is on an upward trajectory. In 2019, eight new build sales and four used yacht sales over 30-metres to Asian buyers were recorded in SYT iQ. In 2020 the number of new yacht sales remained stable, while the number of used sales over 30-metres to Asian clients grew to seven. It is likely that number of new yachts over 30-metres sold to Asian buyers is higher than what the data reflects, as the buyer is often not revealed at the time of the sale of a new build. A sneak peek at the data of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachting-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">upcoming SYT market report</a> ‘The State of Yachting 2021' reveals that Asian ownership of superyachts over 40 metres in service now stands at 5.8% of world’s superyacht fleet over 40 metres. The percentage share of Asian ownership of the over 40-metre fleet has remained steady over the past five years, but the world’s fleet of these yachts is constantly growing. This means that the number of Asian-owned yachts over 40 metres has grown steadily, from 91 at the start of 2016, to 109 as of the beginning of 2021. Yacht brokerages like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>, established originally in Hong Kong with offices located all over the continent, are experiencing this growth firsthand. The company sold more than 112 new and used yachts in 2020. This phenomenon, appears to be strongest in Hong Kong, “Undoubtedly, Hong Kong is the strongest and most active market in Asia and this has been the case since the 1800s when the region's first yacht clubs opened, and now, all the major brands are represented here”, comments Mike Simpson, owner and founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52370" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quick Q&A: Mike Simpson on the Asian market boom (2021-02-10 12:15:00 +0100)">in an earlier interview with SuperYacht Times</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/82262/image/large-771ce8877081c8451dd256c07350167d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82262">However, this trend is not unique to Hong Kong and is occurring throughout the region. Joshua Lee of <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> in Thailand explained, “When I came to Thailand in 1997, there were a couple of sailing boats. Now, it’s full of production yachts from builders such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>.” Additional signs of growth throughout the region are evident, such as in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>’s 2020 financial report, which stated that the Asian market comprised 23.5% of the Italian shipbuilder’s total global sales in that year. But, why now? Hong Kong based Eric Noyel, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia Marine (Company)">Asiamarine</a> and representative of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser Yachts</a> in Hong Kong, explains that the upward tick in the market comes as a result of several factors. These include the Covid-19 pandemic and its accompanying restrictions, and the fact that there are more than 260 islands surrounding Hong Kong – a logical location for yachting. He commented, “In Hong Kong, you have a very wealthy population who are used to travelling and spending their money in ways that are no longer possible, due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. Now, you have a lot of people, forced to stay home, who have discovered their beautiful natural surroundings.” This sentiment is echoed by yachting professionals at another one of Asia’s budding hubs: Thailand. Joshua Lee said, “In the past Thai people didn't really know what they had at their fingertips, just an hour away by boat. But now, with travel restrictions – Thai people are not allowed to leave the country and they have reacquainted themselves with the natural beauty of their own country. Instead of travelling outside, they are out there on the water and enjoying themselves.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171369/image/large-acc26a1c4e884b19d82a3734ffb42550.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171369" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The pandemic, however, is not the only reason that the yacht market has flourished. The concentration of wealth, he noted, is also one of the largest contributors to the increase in yacht sales: “Hong Kong is the only place on earth where a yacht is cheaper than a house. You don’t get much for your money here, in terms of real estate. So with extra cash and no travel, Hong Kong’s wealthy have honed in on yacht purchases.” Though there has been a cultural shift towards the yachting lifestyle, local regulations and restrictions, as well as a lack of infrastructure, have undermined the yachting industry’s potential, a point echoed by yachting professionals throughout the region. For example, Eric Noyel notes that he foresees somewhat of a hindrance to yachting’s potential in Hong Kong, due to restrictions that serve as a roadblock for larger superyachts: “We’ve seen an increase in the amount of berthing space available, due to the addition of the Lantau Marina. So now we have more space, but due to local restrictions, such as gaining access to permits for yachts around 30-metre plus, I don’t think that we are going to see 60-metre plus superyachts because there are too many limitations.” However, Eric Noyel pointed out that the restrictions on superyachts that exist in Hong Kong do not necessarily reflect the rest of the region. Ian Hewitt of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derani Yachts (Company)">Derani Yachts</a> in Thailand, explained that some progress has been made in accommodating yachts in Thailand: “The Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA) has pushed for several years to allow superyacht charters for non-Thai flagged boats in Thailand. With the removal of this restriction, in combination with the recent measures to allow foreign superyacht visitors to come to Thailand and quarantine on their yacht, we hope to see an increase in charter traffic.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196280/image/large-269d006a3d93b8e36b3d825911b3930c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196280">To what extent the superyacht market is truly booming throughout Asia remains unclear. But one thing is for certain: that the vast region has acquired an affinity for yachting. Joshua Lee described Asia as the yachting industry’s “sleeping giant”, which is currently going through an awakening. The real boom, Eric Noyel claims,“ is happening in the 18-40 metre range, those are mostly people who have upgraded from a smaller boat.” The real boom has come as a result of the entrance by novices to the yachting world: “The first time buyers, who we are seeing a lot of right now, are not buying superyachts, but I foresee them making the jump to larger vessels down the line.” The rationale is that once people have a taste for yachting they will go down the proverbial rabbit hole, in search of all that yachting has to offer: “I think we’re at a tipping point where you will see the shift of people going into new build, customisation and, eventually, the aficionado customer who goes through the whole range”, explained Joshua Lee. This is not dissimilar to what has been seen in the Russian market, where many owners begin their life on yachts with smaller vessels able to cruise on inland waterways and the Black Sea. It was recently noted in our <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52940" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broker Insight: 5 questions with Julia Skoptsova (2021-05-17 10:30:00 +0200)">interview with yacht broker Julia Skop</a>, that many of her clients gradually increase the size of vessel, eventually purchasing yachts in the 40-70-metre range once they have got a taste for yachting. This might suggest that in the coming years, we will see an even further increase in yacht sales to the Asian market, and a continuation of this gradual increase in interest from the region.

SYT dives deeper into the current Asian yacht market

A buzz topic in the superyacht industry as of late is that the Asian yacht market is booming. SYT unpacks the current sentiment.