Back in the early years following the ending of WWII, most large yachts that had been requisitioned for use in those difficult times were returned to their owners in a rundown state. Many were sold for scrap yet a few of the more notable were rebuilt/refitted to survive another day.Austerity and luxury are terms which do not sit comfortably with each other and those owners looking to build a new yacht were extremely limited in their choice of yards still operating on a near normal basis. The alternative was to consider the purchase of a former naval craft that may be suitable for conversion to a yacht. Most naval craft were kept in good working order if they hadn't been subjected to use at the battle front and they could be acquired for a very low price.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219384/image/large-a2596d960f9fcd4040c6fe60422bf837.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219384">Enter Mr. Felix Benitez-Rexach, an engineer and businessman of Puerto Rican origin who became a multi-millionaire through the development of ports and shipyards in the Dominican Republic. He was also responsible for the construction of the Hotel Normandie in Puerto Rico that was fashioned on the lines of the great French liner of the same name. He was also the designer/builder of many bridges in the country as well as the Avenida Jorge Washington in Santo Domingo. He met the French singer Lucienne Dhotelle, known as La mome Moineau "'Little Sparrow") in 1928 and they were married the following year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219380/image/large-33f9f707d0a8721e0dcb347180e13111.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219380">The first was the former US patrol craft /submarine chaser PC-1222, which was purchased in 1947 and converted to a yacht by one of Felix Benitez-Rexach's shipyards at San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. It was reported that the conversion cost US $1million and was completed in 1948. This motor yacht was named Gosse, measured 53.25-metre. by 7.04-metre and powered by twin Hoover-Owens diesels with a total output of 3500 horsepower providing a top speed of 18 knots and cruising at 14 knots. Her original builder was the Penn-Jersey Shipbuilding Corp.of Camden NJ, USA.Gosse was registered as owned by Madame Lucienne Benitez-Rexach until sold in 1959 to John Kallimnios of Venezuela and re-named Mar Jan. It was later sold to another Venezuelan in 1967 the year it was last reported.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219382/image/large-c972ff5261743be608842c4c1a72687b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219382">The second yacht was acquired in 1949 as Madame Benitez-Rexach required a larger vessel for entertaining.This was the former Canadian frigate HMCS Annan originally built in 1942 by Canadian Vickers at Montreal PQ. The vessel became the USS Natchez in December of that year upon completion. Sold to Louis Moore of Miami FL in 1947 it was re-named Juan Pablo Duarte of the Dominican Republic Navy in 1948. It ran aground in 1949 at Puerto Plata in November 1949 and was removed from service owing to damage sustained.Later sold to Felix Benitez-Rexach, repaired, converted to a yacht and re-named Moineau&nbsp;from 1950-1952. Length overall was 99.66-metre and the vessel was a sister to Aristotle Onassis' <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)Canadian Vickers1943">Christina</a>. Whereas <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)Canadian Vickers1943">Christina</a> cost around US $4 million to convert the figure for Moineau was about half that. Moineau was fitted with twin Canadian Vickers steam turbines with an output of 5000 horsepower. The yacht was reportedly sunk in 1957, ending the saga of the yachts of Lucienne Benitez-Rexach.Lucienne died in in 1968 at the age of 60 while Felix died in 1975 at the age of 89.To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Yachts owned by Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach

Gosse yacht owned by Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach

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Moineau yacht owned by Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach

Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach

SYT's in-house historian Malcom Wood takes a look at the yachts owned Yachts owned by Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach.

Yacht History: The yachts owned by Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach

A single-prop fishing trawler is not an obvious choice for conversion into a superyacht, but for the owner of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>&nbsp;it was the only one. We travelled to the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6228" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Maaskant (Company)">Damen Maaskant</a>&nbsp;shipyard near Rotterdam to find out more.&nbsp;The entrepreneur owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> grew up fascinated by tug boats and trawlers. A part of his family are fishermen from the island of Texel in northern Holland and as a young boy he would spend time sketching the workboats he saw there. At college he borrowed money from relatives to convert an old tugboat and lived on board for some years. In 1979 he emigrated to the US, set up three successful businesses and is now the proprietor of Richland Rum in Georgia. But his old love affair with trawlers never left him.“In the 1980s and into the ‘90s these steel-hulled boats represented the epitomy of Dutch shipbuilding,” he says. “They were very sturdily built, almost over-engineered, to deal with conditions in the North Sea. I’d been following the Dutch beam trawlers for years and when one became available as part of a decommissioning scheme in 2006 I decided to buy her, basically with a virtual handshake over the phone.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186402/image/large-a4c59cf2689848f16519a85a74d79425.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186402">The boat in question was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>, a 45.6-metre beam trawler launched in 1988. Beam trawlers are so called because they fish with a net on each side of the hull that is attached to a steel beam to hold them open. It is a method used for catching bottom-dwelling fish, including sole, plaice, turbot and monkfish, and their design owes much to the mainly Dutch shipyards that pioneered them.&nbsp;BUILT TO LAST<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> was the first of eight sisterships built by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6228" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Maaskant (Company)">Maaskant Shipyard</a> near Rotterdam, now part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Group</a>, which has over 70 years’ experience of building trawlers. He returned to the same yard to carry out an initial refit to remove all the fishing gear and upgrade some of the onboard systems. The project then ground to a halt for almost a decade as her owner was determined to come up with a work list and specs himself, mainly by spending time on other yachts, while juggling his business interests.Work resumed in 2019 when the shipyard began a full conversion by stripping back the hull to bare metal and removing the interior, decking and propulsion. After additional modifications to the hull and superstructure, all the metal surfaces were sandblasted, primed and sealed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260418/image/large-51cf50249cc0d30ead0ff0bbc84f77e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260418">“Basically what we’re looking at is a new-build yacht in an existing shell. My reason for doing that is the exceptional quality of the hull, not only in terms of seaworthy design but also engineering and construction.”By way of example he points to the stainless-steel piping instead of galvanised metal or PVC, the 40mm of West African iroko decking, and the steel hull plates that are 10mm above the waterline and 15mm below (although not Ice Class, the hull is more robust than most explorer yachts). The extra-thick plates also mean there is no ‘washboard’ effect when the positions of the frames are visible as is often the case with thinner plating, especially when combined with poor heat management during welding. As the hull was stripped completely on the inside, the yard took the opportunity to remove any dents, an inevitable consequence of the vessel’s former life as a beam trawler (the ‘run rails’ welded to the hull served as protection from the heavy steel beams when deploying and retrieving the nets). <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186704/image/large-365f81eb827adeff88362f4bd5632356.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186704">All modifications had to be approved by RINA in order to bring the vessel into Class. The original trawler was rated at 570GT and an early priority was to bring the volume below the 500GT threshold, principally by creating more semi-open areas. Another major modification was cutting out sections of the hull and bulwarks amidships on both sides with steps leading down to water level, which actually increased hull stiffness as there is a steel box reinforcement under each staircase.&nbsp;The interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> is utilitarian, but also comfortable and not in any way sparse. In keeping with the vessel’s original design, extra windows or portholes are limited in size and framed in brass. High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panelling provides enhanced durability and impact resistance. Floating interior floors and low-frequency insulation serve to minimise noise and vibration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260419/image/large-4bab6476d1f1f6b80312260f363886be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260419">Maaskant Managing Director Eric Moerkerk showed us around a brand-new fishing vessel the yard had outfitted to give us an idea of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> will look like when finished. Although below Dutch superyacht standards in terms of luxury materials, the high-quality finish was several steps above what you would expect to find on a working vessel.&nbsp;“We’re used to working with demanding commercial clients who require a high degree of flexibility,” says Moerkerk. “Owners and their reps are always here in the yard during construction requesting changes and we’re able to react to their needs. This is the nature of the fishing business today and that flexibility means we’re well prepared to handle conversion projects like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260414/image/large-ee06398dd29d70c784ae1c3b4a08326b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260414"> “A SUPER-SILENT, VIBRATION-LESS BEAST”By far the biggest upgrade is the hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. Stricter emission regulations meant the initial intention to keep the original 4,400-hp <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1448" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deutz AG (Company)">Deutz</a> MWM diesel engine, which was in excellent condition, had to be abandoned. Wabtech EPA T4/IMO Tier III engines, among the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient medium-duty diesels, were also considered before settling on a hybrid DE system. &nbsp;Driving the single 3.4-metre Van Voorden propeller is a 2,000-horsepower electric motor (1300kW @ 1000rpm) supplied by Marelli in Italy that the owner refers to as a “super-silent, vibration-less beast.” The motor is custom-designed with two windings that effectively provide two motors of 650kW each wound on one stator, which can be energised individually or together for virtually any combination of normal motor speeds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260408/image/large-f5fa5d4a66f21ca9c3ee0009b9c396d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260408">The electric motor is coupled to a ZF Marine reduction box and three Volvo D16 IMO III gensets (586kW @ 1800rpm). The EST-Floatech Lithium-ion battery bank (2 MW) provides a further level of redundancy and is mainly used to run a full hotel load overnight without generators and for peak shaving, but they can also power the 110kW Marelli bow and stern thrusters for silent, emission-free, electronic anchoring. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261481/image/large-d7fd8b61c1cecf54586a63582c013506.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261481">Maritiem Elektro Zeeland (MEZ), a tried and trusted local partner of Damen Maaskant, is the engineering firm responsible for integrating all the electrical installations, including the propulsion, power management, automation, navigation, communication, entertainment and lighting systems. The hybrid system based on an AC and DC (back-up) grid can be monitored remotely and basically provides four sailing modes: battery mode with limited power and hybrid mode with one, two or three diesel generators that are always running at constant loads. A Dynapilot system from Alphatron Marine and based on DP technology provides full navigational control in all modes via a single joystick. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261477/image/large-526305ff73094c1c4e0065008c41da68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261477">Unlike modern yachts, two-thirds of the hull is below the waterline and the vessel has a 40-tonne keel. During the conversion weight has been added (including over 20 tonnes of batteries) in order to maintain the design draft. All this translates into a stiff rolling moment, which precludes the need for stabilising mechanisms beyond the original bilge keels. &nbsp;The general arrangement is still in the last stages of refinement, but when finished the yacht will be able to accommodate ten guests on the lower deck in four double cabins and a full-beam owner’s suite amidships underneath the original hatch into the fish hold (the former hold also provides immense space for storage and a good-size laundry). The main deck features multiple interior, exterior and semi-open areas for relaxation. On the bridge deck the open wheelhouse is enormous for the size of vessel and the owner has reserved the aft section as a private office. The main tender will be stowed on the sun deck aft and there is a viewing lounge forward overlooking the foredeck.&nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> has been thoughtfully designed as a home away from home,” he says. “The purposing of spaces, the flow between them and the designation between the private and crew areas reflects that. I want to feel at home instantly and when stepping on board and specifically don’t want to feel like a guest in a hotel when on my own boat.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260412/image/large-52f95d726732c7afe779d9efb91ee2d3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260412">ASK THE EXPERTSThe owner is well aware that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> is a highly personal conversion project that is probably more suited to long-range voyages in northern waters than cruising the Côte d'Azur. But his business instincts also tell him that expert advice can make all the difference if he wants to commercialise his investment through chartering and eventual resale.&nbsp;So we were not the only ones visiting <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>. He had also invited William Molloy, head of charter at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a>; Roy Posthuma, charter and sales broker also with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moravia Yachting (Company)">Moravia Yachting</a>; and Pino Di Mora, senior project manager with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>. What followed was a lively and productive discussion about how the onboard amenities, especially the crew accommodation and services, could be optimised without incurring drastic changes to the existing layout. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260413/image/large-4df9e25eb2d9ea5c97209b9722616c15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260413">Some 16 years after her owner acquired her, the transformation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a> from beam trawler into luxury yacht is on track to be completed by spring 2023, which must be something of a record for a conversion project.&nbsp;“This has been such a long project primarily because taking everything I learned, both the good and the bad, and translating that into something approaching a spec list for the shipyard took an enormous amount of time,” says the owner. “But it’s been an unusual privilege to be able to do this at the yard where the boat was actually built, where there are still a number of people that built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10859" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scintilla Maris 45.4m (148'11&quot;)Scheepswerf Maaskant 1988">Scintilla Maris</a>. To have that intimate connection with the boat and these guys who have so much pride in their work has been an amazing experience.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261480/image/large-1662c33dc9992c94766b840b96d5daa9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261480">This article was originally published in September 2022 of Issue 1 of the How to Build It magazine. <a href="https://superyachttimes.com/api/download/how-to-build-it-issue-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">You can download the entire magazine for free here</a>.

Build story of 45m Scintilla Maris

Justin Ratcliffe joins the owner of the 45m Scintilla Maris to discuss her conversion from trawler to yacht.

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The unlikely conversion of the 45m trawler Scintilla Maris 

Onboard 44m Hemisphere with owner 

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

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

The 51-metre Feadship motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has been enjoyed as a private yacht by the same owners for more than three decades. She was the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> designed with a comfortable range for Pacific crossings, and her owners took full advantage. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has made numerous circumnavigations, explored new destinations and travelled to many remote locations.Following the news that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> has joined the market for the first time, SuperYacht Times’ Alexander Griffiths caught up with Nick Spence, her first Captain and project manager, to hear more about how this unique and trend-setting vessel came to be.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254601/image/large-c33379c3537081822a5569b7d3ae84bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254601">What were the key elements in the design brief for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>?My clients had owned smaller cruising yachts, but their dream was to have a fully customised superyacht that was designed for cruising the Pacific Ocean and fitted out for diving excursions. They wanted a yacht that was a luxurious residence, while being able to reach the more remote destinations of the world, in comfort and safety for both guests and crew.Key elements were that she had to achieve the lowest sound and vibration levels possible. She also had to carry a large exploration and dive tender that could be launched and recovered in lively conditions. It was then also important that she could carry enough fuel and stores to sustain herself and those onboard for months at a time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254595/image/large-f6be9d2c862ba0410e7474fddcb98d92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254595">The design had to provide a private residential deck, without compromising the normal traffic flow for other passengers and crew. With an emphasis on form following function and multifunctionality, this yacht was to be ergonomically designed from the inside out. For example, one of our requirements was that from the main deck up you should always see the horizon, whether sitting or standing!A great deal of time was spent in the pre-bid design development stage for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>; can you share how these initial conversations went?Once we laid out our conceptual ideas, highlighting what we thought was essential and what would be nice to have, we then spent over 2 years scouring the used market while simultaneously interviewing the top builders in Europe, studying the evolution of their projects and their management.In the used market, we had a chance to see what worked and what did not! Sadly, we observed many design deficiencies in the used market and in new builds, the causes stemming mostly from rushed bid packages developed only to conceptual levels before going to contract.We heard horror stories of massive, expensive change requests and realised we had to do our homework to provide the builder with proven engineering and material studies. To ensure that both builder and clients could make informed decisions, the clients gave me the greatest gift of all…. time and a substantial research budget to develop the ultimate design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84699/image/large-ed1ed8d8fcbc309b2b132a68b9c1788b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84699">We could not find anything in the used market that even came close to the brief, so we commissioned a feasibility team of the top superyacht subcontractors in the areas of air conditioning, mechanical, electrical, structural and noise/vibration to provide us with the best design criteria.We were able to fully explore the options without the budget restrictions of a builder already working to a contract price. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/138" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Richard Hein (Company)">Richard Hein</a> orchestrated this detailed feasibility and engineering study with an overarching mandate for a highly ergonomic vessel. He was assisted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade Johnson</a>, who defined the materials and ergonomics of the interior and red flagged any departures from the interior brief.The feasibility team did an excellent job of providing well engineered solutions to enable us to prepare a fully developed design. So with that stage completed, we felt confident going ahead with a large and detailed bid package of specifications, drawings and a materials list that would compare apples with apples and give the bidding builders greater confidence in pricing and execution.Glade Johnson of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5618" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seattle Yachts (Company)">Seattle</a>&nbsp;was enlisted for the interior design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> – what drove this decision and what headed the design brief?The clients wanted a modern superyacht that was durable, elegant, comfortable, and easy to maintain. We knew that choosing the right interior designer was critical so as not to waste the clients’ time. We had shortlisted down to four top firms who, once briefed by the family, did compensated proposals for the owner’s deck and main lounge. Funnily enough, at that time Donald Trump was doing the same for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/297" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kingdom 5KR86.0m (282'2&quot;)Benetti SpA1980">Trump Princess</a>, but as a competition and without payment except to the winner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254597/image/large-10c6369bd6d32409887ca20611a1f650.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254597"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/42" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Glade Johnson Design, Inc. (Company)">Glade</a> and his team were absolutely brilliant, took copious notes and hit a home run in understanding our needs and preferences. He focused on how to make our vision a practical reality and not on his reputation or ego.What led to the ultimate decision to choose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> to construct the project?It was a process of elimination. We started with a short list of 6 yards. Feadship was not the cheapest but represented the least risk and we liked the DeVries Family. They were persistent. They were fair. We checked out their customers. There were few complaints. And many previous owners had second and third vessels built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. That, in itself, was quite an endorsement!&nbsp;So, after four years of extensive research and development, we presented our detailed bid package to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in 1991, signed the contract in July that year and saw her delivered in December 1993, for a maiden voyage to Antigua.&nbsp;How was the build process at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">DeVries Shipyard</a>?To be honest, I felt that I had died and gone to Shipyard Heaven! We had given them detailed engineering and interior design data that was called “contract guidance drawings” to enable these amazing builders and architects to have a complete vision of what the end product was to be from day one.For example, we had negotiated very stiff conditions if we did not reach quite challenging noise targets, so workers were fanatical about installing all sound and vibration equipment perfectly. At sea trials, we averaged about 4Db below contract noise targets with a promise to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">DeVries</a> never to disclose those excellent results. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235649/image/large-3bffed53467d17ee60de07c5603aebaa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235649">It turned out the build stage was quite anticlimactic, so I was able to focus on the nuances of the second and third level improvements, instead of dealing with basic design deficiencies that often lead to major change requests and stress!You must have some great stories from your times onboard as captain. Can you share some of your most memorable moments with us?As the owners have a real wanderlust, to say that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>&nbsp;travelled the world in her 30 years is not an exaggeration. Each destination was unique because <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> needed no base and rarely visited the same port twice. Japan was a phenomenal experience as we tracked the cherry blossoms from the South to the North of the country. From those remote islands and coastlines, we could enjoy the historical wonders of the Japanese seaboard and the energy of its thriving cities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235647/image/large-abd35b721c309042fb35e30a653cb2c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235647">In Europe we enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Continent, in the Americas we partied in Cabo San Lucas, circumnavigated Newfoundland, and fished for Atlantic bluefin tuna off Prince Edward Island. Diving expeditions in the Red Sea, Raja Ampat, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Micronesia were activities along with sportfishing, that I really enjoyed sharing with the owners.If I am going to rank my favourite destination, it would still be fishing in Alaska. It was a delight to be her captain for the first 8 years and to prove all our design ideas within the reality of wind and water.Have you considered or made designs for larger yachts in the past 30 years?&nbsp;Once you have built a successful yacht, if not physically, you certainly mentally are constantly building and rebuilding your next dream yacht. We actually went through a design study in 1999-2000 for a larger 79-metre vessel that could store a helicopter for remote cruising. However, the advantages of a 51-metre yacht that can dock in smaller marinas and our satisfaction with how well the crew and details of the existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> worked, could not justify going bigger. A decision we have never regretted!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254599/image/large-f684bac53f758e2a0c1e629f7338802c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254599">Has she undertaken any significant changes since her launch in 1993?It was important to us to keep <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a> up with the times; as technology changed, we continually improved her electronic systems to keep her state-of-the-art, in particular with digital technologies and home automation systems. Mechanically, her engines have proven to be outstanding and continue to serve her well. We change her generators on an as-needs basis while maintaining the highest regulatory classifications.How do you crew a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993">Double Haven</a>?When we are hosting guests, we have 14 dedicated crew. The owners have been able to retain many of our senior crew for more than decades at a time, including our Captains, Chief Engineer and Head Chef. The last captain was with the yacht for 20 years, and the new captain has been with the yacht since 2007, as has the Chief Engineer.&nbsp;The crew have a long history with the boat, so there is a strong team commitment to the yacht’s maintenance and the well-being of guests, that will be of great benefit and comfort to a new owner.What drove the decision to sell her after all these years?The needs of the clients have changed. The older generation has become less agile and the younger family members have other priorities.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1436" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Double Haven51.0m (167'4&quot;)Feadship1993"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254600/image/large-61c29357ab42bcac3787b67a2e334d8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254600">Double Haven</a> would suit an owner who wants a vessel designed with privacy and comfort in mind. She is designed for short and long excursions, entertaining and exploring locations that are harder to reach. She is designed for adventure, but without sacrificing creature comforts, and has proven herself to be deserving of all the design awards and accolades she won when first launched.This article was originally published in <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

51m Double Haven yacht 

SuperYacht Times caught up with Nick Spence, Captain of the 51-metre Feadship motoryacht Double Haven

Captain's insight: Nick Spence of Double Haven

For any passionate sailor worth his salt, sailing aboard a classic J-Class yacht would be the pinnacle of their maritime career. For some however, life aboard the mythic J’s is not just a dream, but an everyday reality, and at times, an adrenaline overload. One of those rare few, is the Suffolk born Englishman, Will Gibbon, who has had the fortune to sail, cruise and live aboard not one, but two of these extraordinary vessels. Will is now in his fourth year as First Mate aboard the original 1933 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> J-Class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, but he began his career in the Class aboard the 41.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/792" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Yachts (Company)">Danish Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>, a Spirit of Tradition J-Class which was built as an exact replica of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a>' Ranger, launched in 1937. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77147/image/large-d465539bc3e1937d189bed1804c5859f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77147">SYT’s Francesca Webster, caught up with Will, an old friend and wildly unsuccessful (on her part) first sailing coach, to talk about his entrance to the close knit world of classic yachts, his life aboard the sloops, and his all time best experiences.&nbsp;In his late teens, Will worked on the U.K.’s east coast for sailmaker John Parker at his loft OneSails GBR. The international team at OneSails cut cloth for some of the biggest names in the industry, designing sails for superyachts, as well as classics and dinghies. It was here that Will, already an experienced small boat sailor, began sailing and racing more frequently, eventually meeting English comedian Griff Rhys Jones and joining the race crew of his 1948 Bermudan <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a> yawl, Argyll. After three years as race crew, Will stepped up to the 19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife (Company)">Fife III</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariquita38.1m (125'0&quot;)William Fife & Sons1911">Mariquita</a>, joining the permanent crew as deckhand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21917/image/large-0b83c5c1372e2212f045eeb9db383f5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21917">In 2015, the news was announced that the entire existing J-Class fleet, minus <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s sister ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, would be coming together in a momentous event at the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. His passion for classic yachts already ignited, it was Will's firm ambition to join one of the Class and compete in the once in a lifetime regatta. Eventually his dream was recognised, with the invitation to join <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> as deckhand. “The mate at the time was promoted to captain, and he took me on and I worked through the ranks, which is the best way to learn these yachts. Even though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> has had a refit since I was last aboard, I am still familiar with both of the yachts, having spent so much time aboard.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195515/image/large-74bdf602eba6143a336b0fe716023033.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195515">For many sailors who witnessed the 2017 America’s Cup, the spectacular show of the J-Class competition stood out as a pinnacle of the event. Processing through Hamilton Harbour, gigantic flags billowing at their stern, the J-Class yachts truly put on a show, and for Will it was a top moment of his career. “Bermuda is definitely the highlight for anyone that has sailed aboard these yachts in recent years, it is easily the highlight of my career.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195513/image/large-ce1f6035c0d913dfafb3f22b12e18447.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195513">It was not all fun and games however, the regatta was a serious affair and every owner, captain and crew wanted to take the top spot during the races. Racing on a yacht coming toward its centenary isn’t without its difficulties, and Bermuda posed some additional challenges for the crew. With the water temperature considerably hotter than the Mediterranean, and the yachts being pushed to their limits, sometimes with only thirty minutes between races. There wasn't much time to catch your breath, “One day we did three windward-leeward courses, which for a J-Class is massive, especially in the small space within the reef in Bermuda. The legs were really short so you’re running everything as hot as possible and down in the engine room it got to about 45-degrees, everything was bubbling a fair amount!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195512/image/large-d61bcbf043ee8584ce98502e67664278.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195512">After Bermuda, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> wintered at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, and the following season, in 2018, Will joined the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, now as first mate. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is one of the busiest yachts in the Class, competing year in, year out, usually participating in four regattas annually. As Will explained, many of the Class’ take a year out after big racing seasons like 2017 because the investment of time means less time for cruising, the other hugely rewarding part of owning a J-Class. The owner of one of the newest J's to the fleet, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>, launched in 2015, fortunately shares the enthusiasm for racing clearly displayed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner, and the two yachts go bow-to-bow at almost every regatta. On the rare occasion that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is the only J in the regatta fleet, she stands her ground on handicap against her contemporary counterparts, and in 2019 took the top spot at Les Voiles de St Tropez against the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/799" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros Armon (Company)">Astilleros Armon</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler32.5m (106'8&quot;)Astilleros Armon1982">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaughy Boats</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79974/image/large-b99c0d0e6faa8dddb4ea6cd2c95239e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79974">Watching these iconic vessels sparring, be it in the Caribbean or off the coast of Southern France, one is struck by their grace; huge black carbon sails towering over hulls which look like pencils in the water. Despite their classic aesthetic however, these yachts are high performance beasts, as Will noted, “we are always pushing to get every last bit out of the boat, our rigger often reminds us ‘you only have to win by a second’.” Today the entire fleet features carbon masts and sails, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> has hydraulic winches and Future Fibres rigging, a big upgrade from a few years ago. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77148/image/large-2b46575ac18ba220f40e375346d82ea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77148">When they aren’t competitively racing, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner joins the yacht throughout the year, and cruising is some of the crew’s favourite time aboard. When asked if a particular moment had stayed in Will's mind, a cruise in Greece when they spotted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> 1934 J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, the vessel which lost to the American defender Rainbow&nbsp;by Vanderbilt, Herreshoff and Burgess, immediately came to mind. The two yachts were sailing along the same reach and the crew from both put their minds to a race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94598/image/large-1744f1ef1e5d64f42ace47e5920f5c88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94598">With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> almost never competing, and only the permanent crew of seven aboard, it was all hands on deck for their 20-minute spar, “that was a lot of fun, sailing short handed is some of the most fun you have and when we are cruising you go to some amazing places.” Sardinia is also a top spot for Will, and the Rolex Cup is one of his favourite regattas. Life aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> also has the additional benefit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>, a 42.18-metre superyacht that accompanies the J. The superyacht, which was built by JFA Yachts and launched in 2006, carries additional crew, support and supplies and provides the accommodation for the owner after a long day of racing aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/198077/image/large-07d8e02f9c2d3ccd509f5eda7c490c64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/198077">For any sailer who hasa spent time aboard the classics, it is impossible not to touch on the maintenance of these yachts, which is a constant hum going on behind the scenes. Unlike their modern counterparts, many of which are made of carbon and GRP with wooden veneers, classic yachts demand constant work to retain them in pristine condition. Last year, while the pandemic raged across the world, and regattas were set aside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s team took the opportunity to conduct her 25 year survey. When she was most recently rescued from the mud and restored, latterly in 1997, it was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Yacht Services Ltd (Company)">Southhampton Yacht Services</a> that conducted the work. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/69138/image/large-f16e6c423018d56133aed37ba823be08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69138">As for the future, Will has other dreams, but he can’t see himself stepping off of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> any time soon, the possibility of an America’s Cup season in New Zealand, or perhaps the United Kingdom, is too much of a draw. After all, once you’ve conquered some of the most coveted super sailing yachts in the world, how can you tear yourself away...This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with J-Class Velsheda First Mate

SYT sits down with Will Gibbon, professional sailor and First Mate aboard 1933 J-Class Velsheda. 

Velsheda: Life aboard a Golden Age J-Class

Despite being built in Indonesia, the 46-metre wooden hulled schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> has truly European roots. Constructed by a deeply passionate Dutch owner named Leendert “Leo” Van Oostenbrugge, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> was the realisation of a lifelong dream to build his own sailing yacht, himself, from the keel up. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226472/image/large-4247ffbfe622433e6a4766057a28472b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226472">Born in Rotterdam, Leo made his career navigating the oceans at the helm of cargo ships before swallowing the anchor and heading to shore to manage marinas back in the Netherlands. Locally he became well known for building small sailing yachts but on his retirement he and his wife moved to the balmier climes of Bali, where he set about the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> or “Pearl of the Sea” in Indonesian. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226486/image/large-7f27a5ee73386f900fff211d48768781.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226486">As the months went by, Leo began to struggle with his health and turned to a fellow Dutch expat Kees Groenendijk, who’d recently emigrated to Bali with his family. Together Kees and Leo ran the yacht, with Kees managing the charter sales and Leo overseeing the maintenance and management of the yacht. When Leo suddenly died only seven months later, Kees was left in a bind – to retain the yacht, or to sell… “I was thinking, what should I do? I didn’t know a huge amount about boats and had only really been involved on the business side for a few months but I’d loved the time I'd spent onboard and she had a lot of potential as a popular in the charter market so I thought, why not?” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226475/image/large-7c0799c70fc581484452ffd196c47d4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226475">Kees found some local people with yachting expertise to assist and began to work closely with the crew, many of whom had been with the yacht since her launch six years earlier. With seven staterooms and the capacity to sleep as many as 18 guests, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> was a clear win for the charter market, and as soon as he’d got to grips with the business Kees began advertising for charters again.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226481/image/large-3c6813894603256ccb5003ad4f51a74e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226481">“In the beginning we only did private charters, mostly adventure trips, sometimes with a dive instructor onboard. Then suddenly a dive boat company that had been working in the same office building lost their yacht but had already sold many charters for the coming months. We made an agreement with them and took over their charters and they provided dive masters and equipment to us. Of course it was no problem for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a>, she has a huge amount of storage and makes and has a big open deck which is perfect for diving charters – it couldn’t have worked more in our favour.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226483/image/large-8bde07fc3fc4d9ea133e2639dc309b74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226483">After the success of the season, the yacht’s popularity in the charter market only increased. In 2017 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> underwent a refit, and she will complete another this year that aims to modernise her interiors which have been only minorly modified since her launch. “Her current interior is very traditional which is lovely, but I feel she could use some additional colour. A designer came onboard in June and has already come up with some interesting designs and styling for her interior, which will be completed next year.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226482/image/large-a95a3a6602682dea76fa695e525b3d05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226482">With a true family feeling onboard, Kees often joins his charter guests and acts as a guide during their charter. Over the years many unique and familiar faces have stepped onboard, most notably for Kees was Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen who’d come out to Bali to witness a spectacular solar eclipse. The crew found a deserted island where they could relax in privacy and watched the solar eclipse just after breakfast – a truly once in a lifetime experience for Kees. “We woke them early at around 5am when we served them an early breakfast and then took them ashore to watch the eclipse. As soon as the eclipse had passed, two beautiful birds of paradise were spotted in a tree off the beach, which we almost never see here, it was incredible.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226479/image/large-e04f88146b02588ff80e41e6d140d58b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226479">Having an experienced, local crew onboard has been one of the most important things to Kees and his team. Many of them have been onboard since her launch in 2009 and know the yacht and the islands of Bali better than anyone, offering her guests more variety and exclusivity than many comparable yachts in the region. “The crew are brilliant, they do everything for the guests and they all have a real instinct for what guests are looking for. I do try and bring someone along that speaks the language of the guests because that can make people feel more at home and can save language barrier confusion and we also have a variety of dive masters from all over the world who work with us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226476/image/large-d770c0e518fc31edf196349f22b39975.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226476">When guests aren’t onboard, Kees and his family make the most of their yacht, cruising around Komodo Island and enjoying life on the water. Despite not having had much experience when he took on the yacht, he is now firmly passionate about her and even has aspirations to grow his fleet to offer a variety of vessels to his clients. Currently speaking with potential investors, we may even see a larger vessel cruising alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> in the future. “It would take as much as five or six years to build a yacht like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> in Indonesia, not only because of the skillset needed but also because of the materials you would need to build her.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> is a wooden hulled yacht but is also one of the last boats to have been built out of Indonesia Ulin, also known as Ironwood due to its high tensile strength and long growth time, with the oldest trees living for more than 1,000 years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22631/image/large-85921a98a8458371b3b28e40129f63b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22631">Ironwood originally came from Borneo, but now the exportation of it is illegal and the cost of any planked wood is extremely high. Kees has little interest in a steel vessel and so the most sensible choice will be to look into a used superyacht, and it is the Indonesian Pinisi which has particularly spiked Kees’ interest. Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> Pinisi’s are multi-masted wooden yachts with large deck spaces, and spacious interiors, making them excellent charter yachts. Whether or not <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mutiara Laut 46.0m (150'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2009">Mutiara Laut</a> is joined by a fleet in the coming years, however, it is certain that she will continue to offer unique and exciting experiences to her many guests and owners for years to come.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Ownership: The 46m yacht Mutiara Laut

We caught up with the owner of 46-metre schooner Mutiara Laut, Kees Groenendijk

Ownership: Chartering yacht Mutiara Laut around Bali with her owner Kees Groenendijk

Many owner’s fall in love with boats as a child, and Luca Regusci, a semi-retired businessman and owner of the 31.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a>, is no exception. “I was practically born on the water!” he laughs, “As a Swiss, I was always near a lake, and next to the yacht rather than on it. So I've always had the passion to sail; since I was very young, I liked the water and the things that moved on top of it.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252378/image/large-9356e508d8f7b2180036b10fd95d2c4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252378">Luca started off boating on Lake Lugano, Switzerland in his family’s classic wooden runabout, before later owning a string of vessels which gradually went up in size. In 2012, he became the owner of the new-build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Tradition 105 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a>. Her name comes from Northern Italian dialect and translates to ‘not bad at all’, as well as being a play on the words ‘mi ama,’ meaning ‘he/she loves me.’<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252373/image/large-526ee7c09839e12b883c7a46dc10c392.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252373">And <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> is most certainly ‘not bad at all,’ as Luca Regusci and his wife Monica knew exactly what they wanted when they customised her. “The whole of 2011 was dedicated to the design and build process, and we were in Italy almost every week,” recalls Luca. “We worked with the yard and the designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roberto Del Re (Company)">Roberto Del Re</a>, to introduce a lot of modifications to the interior layout. This involved some structural changes, so we gave <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> 20 months to complete the build as opposed to the standard 15 months or so.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252364/image/large-089f5314c65fc229935f495abcbb4c74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252364">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Tradition 105 model was built to their specifications with changes made to the staterooms layout, and her owners got exactly what they were looking for in the end; a true second home that they can live comfortably on for months at a time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252363/image/large-0ec5277ec7e0d10f55c42cb0566fda17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252363"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> was launched in February 2012 in Viareggio, Italy and she spent her first summer cruising in Corsica and Sardinia. "I'm looking for what pleases me, which is the sea in fantastic locations with atmosphere; the countries, the people, it's all a bit of a discovery," comments Luca. The couple love to explore onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> and spend up to three months aboard each summer, racking up 5,000 nautical miles a year. “I really like being in locations that are almost unknown. This is what intrigues me. Every season we discover regions that we know already, but from a different point of view.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252359/image/large-2e5c549d38949889367b8eb5faee14e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252359">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> 105 yacht is the perfect vessel for Mediterranean style cruising– thanks to her moderate draft and compact proportions she is able to anchor close to shore, and dock in some of the most picturesque ports. Since her delivery, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> has cruised extensively between the Italian mainland, Sardinia, Corsica, the Aeolian Islands, Greece and Croatia with many more adventures planned!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252376/image/large-54b127e6351083b46a7f456e6aa5bab5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252376"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> also benefits from an attentive crew of four, headed by captain Andrea Segato, alongside chef Sergio Pellungrini, stewardess Paola Valenza and mechanic-come-deckhand Cristian Diez. “I was introduced to Andrea during the build and we hit it off from the start,” says Luca. “Enthusiastic yet responsible, for me he’s the ideal captain and early on we established that prevention is better than cure. In the winter, we deal with the snag list of jobs to put right, so that we start each season with zero issues.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252391/image/large-b76191944112616bbcc622c89d5b319f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252391">When you are spending weeks at a time onboard a large yacht, it requires a good relationship with the crew, and the close knit relationship they have on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> makes this a dream come true. “Our captain Andrea will arrange cultural and archaeological excursions well in advance, and our stewardess, Paola, who studied history and literature, also makes a great guide. By the end of the day we’re usually pretty exhausted and prefer to dine aboard, especially as we have an excellent chef. To enjoy the boat to the full requires trust, humility, compassion and understanding; you have to collaborate to make it work” says Luca.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252350/image/large-259df68a737e7af21fdb010f03ed3b4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252350"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> and her crew are well suited to the lifestyle needs of Luca and his wife Monica, and despite the fact that Benetti sometimes raises the subject, Luca is in no hurry to upgrade to a larger yacht. When he was designing his displacement yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a>, he was already determined to have a limit of 35-metres to suit all his requirements. “They say displacement yachts are for older people, but that’s not true: it all depends on what you want to do, where you want to go and the time you have available,” explains Luca.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252352/image/large-c66df3823383a4ba1f0d0fbe3733f911.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252352">The fact that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> is fitted with stabilisers allows for a quieter, more comfortable experience when cruising, and also means she can make transfers at night and in weather that would stop a planing yacht from leaving the harbour. “Sometimes I think it would be nice to have room for a separate office or possibly even a small gym, but there is a critical size at which the boat is no longer suited to your needs,” Luca points out.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252375/image/large-fe521e2052c09e44fb9d05c7f59e86c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252375">Luca Regusci certainly has a passion for sailing that has grown with him, alongside the size of the vessels he has owned. By gradually moving up in size, Luca has learnt more about the industry and its practices which make him truly appreciate his yacht Miamaa. “Coming back to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3891" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miamaa31.75m (104'2&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Miamaa</a> is like coming back to the security of a home, but a home that offers us something new every day. I realised what makes her so special is that you can always spot the smiles of all of those onboard.”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Owner Luca Regusci and his 32m Benetti yacht Miamaa

Sophie Spicknell spoke with owner Luca Regusci about his love of the ocean and his perfect semi-custom superyacht, Miamaa

A custom creation: Luca Regusci on his ownership of the 32m Benetti yacht Miamaa

In May of this year the Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> unveiled its latest yacht, the innovative SP110, the first model of the shipyard’s new Smart Performance range, which has been created with a vision for high performance and maximum efficiency. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250650/image/large-4992582486ae75d2255cf85e23c39445.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250650">Thanks to a fractional propulsion system, the boat is able to move around using just one engine, a pair, or all three; thus allowing great flexibility, low consumption and differential autonomy depending on the desired speed. Massimo Perotti, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, is the first owner to take delivery of an SP110 motor yacht and as he is always heavily involved in the development of new yacht projects, we caught up with Mr Perotti to find out more about the vessel, from the unusual perspective of both shipyard and yacht owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250646/image/large-18832677c619206548f392505500f566.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250646">How involved were you with the development of this yacht, both in terms of her design and the innovations she houses?I was very much involved, just as I am involved with all the new projects. Seeing a new yacht taking shape, sketch after sketch and then actually being launched gives me the utmost satisfaction. The team behind SP110 is the key factor to the success of this boat: under the supervision of Tilli Antonelli and Bernardo <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon</a> for the exterior lines and Piero <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/78" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lissoni Associati (Company)">Lissoni</a> for the interiors, they have been able to create the perfect balance between style, elegance and performance. Innovations are at the very core of this yacht but, as always, within the tradition of Sanlorenzo. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250645/image/large-8ae6e20199b978a44beb4b5161c8a31d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250645">With solar panels and water jet propulsion both featuring, how important are sustainable solutions to you, both as a builder and as a yacht owner?SP stands for Smart Performance, two words that perfectly embody the essence of SP110. As I have said before, thinking of a new yacht project without keeping sustainability well in mind is no longer possible or practical. We have been building yachts for many years in Ameglia, surrounded by beauty inside a natural park, therefore adopting a sustainable approach is the only possible way of building. As an owner, I want to do whatever is possible to minimise the impact of my boat on the environment so all the new solutions that keep the CO2 emission to a minimum level, if not to a zero level, are always not only our, but also my, personal goal.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250644/image/large-776c215b3f0568328dbf1b257688fa8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250644">Can you tell us a little about the hydro jet propulsion system and its benefits?Unlike propellers, hydro jet propulsion is not impacted by displacement and consequently it is an efficient propulsion form in all load conditions. This means that the yacht is extremely manoeuvrable, and the absence of noise and vibrations let me enjoy the rear cockpit in full comfort even at full speed. Last but not least, the very low draft (1.30-metres) which is necessary for hydro jet propulsion, allows the yacht to anchor very close to the beach especially in the Bahamas shallow waters<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245528/image/large-ead29d484c8201a4a5af48d9cb1d3127.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245528">With top speeds of 45 knots, how do you prioritise speed and comfort – how do you intend to use this superyacht?Due to the hydro jet propulsion, even at 45 knots, the boat is absolutely enjoyable and you really do not feel such a high speed. Therefore, there is no compromise on comfort. I will use the boat with my family and my friends; it is my place to relax and enjoy the sea in my element.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250641/image/large-1264cce612717da08819757377df20e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250641">What are your favourite features onboard this yacht?This is a difficult question. The generous transom is an area that gives me total freedom and enjoyment: you have your toys and your sun lounges where you can sit with your friends so close to the sea and enter the water with no barriers. But there is another area which has been a very pleasant surprise! This is my first coupe and, to be honest, I was afraid that I would miss the flybridge, with its panoramic views and open layout offering the best breeze. In fact I do not miss it at all because when you sit on the main deck aboard the SP110 you have this wonderful sensation of being at sea, with a breeze flowing through the open doors and windows which lower all the way down – it is just like standing on the flybridge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240059/image/large-4a02a81d9856eccea2a0589463177be8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240059">What about the SP110 are you most looking forward to enjoying?&nbsp;Sitting at anchor in a quiet Sardinian bay with my family, feet dangling in the water from the transom. I can not think of a better way to spend my evening.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250647/image/large-5a6ffa5576c4c03a4ff7c3c7815d038c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250647">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" target="_blank">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Massimo Perotti and his 33m SP110 yacht Almax 

Sanlorenzo CEO,Massimo Perotti talks to SYT about his 33m SP110 yacht Almax.

Ownership: Massimo Perotti and his 33m SP110 yacht Almax

When it comes to assessing the psychology behind human decision making, it is safe to say that the vast majority of us like to think of ourselves as complicated, unique individuals who are more than capable of making our own choices. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224019/image/large-5808cfd75aa0a666e983e5a00dbb3df3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224019">Although there is some truth behind this statement, numerous studies carried out by social psychologists from 1956 to the present day have shown the important role which a phenomenon called ‘social conformity’ can have on our decision making. Putting it simply, deep down, we are all looking for approval from those around us, and are all influenced, whether we like to admit it or not, by the behaviour, opinions and preferences of those around us.The invention of social media in recent years has served to widen both the sphere and impact of this influence – we are in contact with a far wider pool of other people than has ever historically been the case, meaning that we can have a considerable impact on those we have never met before through a well-timed tweet or Instagram post. Whether that is convincing them to undertake a new wellness regime, to travel to far-flung parts, or even to become involved in the world of yachting. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224025/image/large-adef3838a42095d631979ce6e8b16f73.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224025">And this is where Tarek Khalil comes in. Proud owner of the 2021-delivered 29-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE29.1m (95'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">ACE</a>, the Egyptian-born businessman boasts an impressive 675k followers on Instagram for his @ace_of_egypt account and uses it to spotlight eye-catching and pictures and videos of his vessel in diverse locations all around the world which he has relished sharing with his family and friends, from El Gouna in the Red Sea, to Bonifacio in Corsica, to Portofino in the Italian Riviera to the Greek islands and many more. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224021/image/large-1d9e30977d32b55681a1a8b9f3a4e379.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224021">As he explains, the purpose of his account is to showcase the best of the yachting lifestyle to the uninitiated, especially those in the Red Sea region: “A lot of people love boats, but they don’t see many of these destinations properly, as you can’t access many of them by plane. Most people who visit Italy or Greece don’t get to see the islands from a yachting perspective, so that’s where I come in. I love visiting capital cities like London, Rome and Paris, but they do not represent the only beauty in the world.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224009/image/large-a5575be25ca52d830789ed3baf059b76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224009">It is clear from talking to Tarek that his Instagram has played a key role in helping to develop the nascent superyacht industry in the Red Sea region. As he explains: “The Red Sea is a natural paradise, with its numerous islands, protected bays and coral reefs. Over the years, I have seen the number of local yachting enthusiasts grow substantially, and I would love to see more international yachting enthusiasts coming to visit our amazing locations such as Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm el-Sheikh and to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer during winter.”He continues, “Many boat owners in the area were excited when they saw all of our adventures and wanted to do the same, so I helped them get in contact with good, reliable charter companies to make it happen. Some owners also wanted to buy new boats and start using them in the Mediterranean, because although the Red Sea is a fantastic destination, it gets very hot in summer.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224024/image/large-5d855f4571f86bf11e6da9ddcfffe111.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224024">In the interests of full disclosure, it is worth noting that Tarek has the role of Managing Director and owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a> Egypt and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Egypt – and thus has clear motivation for aiding the industry’s growth in the region. However, when speaking with this owner, it quickly becomes apparent that his passion for boating runs deep, and is personal, not just professional. Indeed, when Tarek came to buy his first boat – a 48-footer (14.6 metres) back in 2007 – he was working in other businesses, including the food industry, only adding yachting to his portfolio in 2009. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224022/image/large-2807cbf953a43bbdb4f301b79ab0bf68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224022">Notwithstanding the rosy image of yachting splashed across Tarek’s Instagram, he is refreshingly frank about the less glamorous sides of superyacht ownership. “I’m a mechanical engineer by background. Things do go wrong on boats, so in order to be able to skipper my boat myself, and to take full responsibility for it, I also need to be able to resolve the problems which are associated with this hobby. Speaking personally, it actually adds to my passion for yachting.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224020/image/large-ad3259e6b210fdfd58ee4c5445818ed8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224020">Alongside his social media presence, Tarek’s influence in yachting is also evident in more subtle ways. As he explains, “I always pay a lot of attention to the crew quarters in the design phase of a new boat, as these can sometimes be compromised in the process of laying it out. I make sure these are as large as possible and have the most comfortable possible seating areas.” He continues, “Designers and shipyards design and build great boats, but they don’t use them, they only test them – and that’s the key difference. In my case, as I drive the boat myself, I am both captain and owner, so I know both what the crew wants and how to optimise the layout to make it fit. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> has always appreciated the value of these layout changes, and has sometimes even considered including these as standard options for their future builds!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224023/image/large-5816ae8a52434cf33c370d8521a31fb2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224023">That said, to quote the ever-wise Uncle Ben from the Spiderman films: “with great power comes great responsibility”. This is an adage which is taken seriously by Tarek, who makes a point of promoting sustainable and responsible yacht ownership.“I always tell potential owners, both friends and customers, to start with a small boat, then there is no major loss if you decide that this isn’t the hobby for you and don’t end up tied to a large asset. Start small and develop from there. Despite the cost, I think of yachting as an investment in pleasure. There are not many hobbies out there which you can do with all of the family – from kids to grandparents – and all the generations can have the most fantastic time together on board.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224011/image/large-c61cbc88175510bff8118008fa703c68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224011">Furthermore, Tarek also ensures that he dots every ‘i’ and crosses every ‘t’ when it comes to owning and operating his fleet. He has obtained the necessary qualifications and certifications for every boat he owns, allowing him to operate the vessels independently and travel safely to far-flung destinations. He explains: “I want to promote the message that anyone who wants to take on owning and operating a boat should get the proper yacht licences and certificates first. This will add to your confidence at the helm and make your experience on the water even better!”Looking to the future, Tarek has one more <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE29.1m (95'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">ACE</a> up his sleeve, with a 33-metre yacht under the same name currently in build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> which is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2023. As for where he’ll be taking the yacht on her first outing, it is clear that social media has also worked its magic on this particular owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224006/image/large-f8bb364e7abb848d16ff34eae4d7cdf7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224006">“I always feel jealous when I see all of these pictures of the white sands and the beautiful little islands of the Caribbean, so I am determined to get there myself. I’ve only ever seen it on Instagram and in the movies, and so it will be an absolute dream come true to be able to take <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ACE29.1m (95'6&quot;)Sanlorenzo2021">ACE</a> there in 2023.”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Sanlorenzo yacht ACE owner Tarek Khalil

Georgia Tindale discovers how owner Tarek Khalil is driving the Red Sea’s rise in yachting

Acing it: Tarek Khalil on his ownership of the 29m Sanlorenzo yacht ACE

It is an important moment in the history of yachting when a languishing classic yacht is saved from destruction by a passionate owner with the – arguably crazy – dream of rescuing the vessel. After spending a number of years rusting and deteriorating at a mooring in Palma de Mallorca, Richard Sykes set eyes upon the classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odyssey III33.0m (108'3&quot;)Benetti SpA1967">Odyssey</a> III in 2016. The canoe stern and romantically traditional hull form immediately struck a chord with Sykes, who’d already owned a number of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>s, “The 1960s design and hull form really ticked all of the boxes for us, that sense of charm and romance that really epitomises yachts from her era.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/175497/image/large-a3635b7cc0cca8938d7f41a70b3b483e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/175497"><a href="#managed-by-system" title="Odyssey III33.0m (108'3&quot;)Benetti SpA1967" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/229" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odyssey III33.0m (108'3&quot;)Benetti SpA1967">Odyssey III</a>, originally coined Admiral Bolitho, was delivered to her first owner in 1967 as hull number FB67 of the Italian shipyard’s original Motopanfilo series, one which was so key to the history of the yard that it has now been reborn for the 21st century.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236913/image/large-ab1097619d9e5457e1a2b5694eb4ad33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236913">Despite the historical significance of the yacht, trading in a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> for a dilapidated classic is no mean feat, but for Sykes, classics are a passion. “I have collected classic cars for many years and owning something with history has always been important to me, I'd just never found the right classic yacht that offered the long term refurbishment dreams I had.” In fact, restoration and salvation is clearly in Richard's blood as he is now the Managing Director of Grantley Hall estate in Yorkshire that his family purchased and spent a number of years restoring to its current glory.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236963/image/large-ce17cf2252ead83f57fcd2c8389d791e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236963"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odyssey III33.0m (108'3&quot;)Benetti SpA1967">Odyssey III</a> certainly offered the project Sykes had been looking for. Despite an extensive refit in 2005 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> in Falmouth, the yacht had suffered from the years in Palma and the steel hull was in an advanced state of deterioration. After the purchase of the vessel, with her engines inoperable she was towed from across the bay and installed aboard a freight that delivered her back to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> where Sykes had commissioned her restoration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236968/image/large-89f06f3d221b9fd0b2e5971f2647f360.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236968">With grand plans for the transformation of the yacht's deck spaces, crew quarters, and refurbishment of the interior, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> was certainly a strong choice. With a history of exceptional classic yacht restoration, the team in Cornwall set about the exacting task of restoring her entire hull and superstructure, before revisiting the interiors and mechanics.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236967/image/large-1a2bdbc4d35656059d2a689c0f4fb7b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236967">“Some people would be daunted by the task of working on a yacht with her heritage and in honesty the condition of her hull had not been immediately clear and so that part of the restoration was particularly extensive. Realistically she wouldn’t have lasted another year in the water and around 60% of the hull steel had to be replaced due to corrosion. But with classic boats, like classic cars, they have that quirky identity and part of that comes from the additional care they need, but for that reason they have heart and soul.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236969/image/large-ce05b6f3d2827c5476b74e6929e31d4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236969">While the mechanics of the yacht were pulled out and refurbished, the two-stroke diesel engines which had been onboard when the yacht was launched, remained firmly in place. “When you have a love for classic cars you learn to respect the provenance of an engine on anything from yachts to planes. If you remove the original engine it loses that original charm, and even though the yacht herself was in dire straits, the engines just needed a thorough overhaul, and now they work like new.” With a unique sound and character, Sykes understood that a modern engine would have changed the DNA of the vessel and retaining her original qualities was of utmost importance for the entire restoration. “In a way the restoration could better be called a resurrection, we brought what was there back to life, retaining much of the panelling, woodwork and marble.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236919/image/large-c935b8a19cd41d9266f942532dba7ff9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236919">One major change was the addition of the side passerelle. Canoe sterns, though beautiful, can be particularly impractical, especially when stern to in a marina. The side passerelle has added a level of safety and practicality to the vessel but visually it is a seamless addition. “The passerelle with steps that lower into the sea has worked exceptionally well and that and the zero speed stabilisers are probably the main modern additions, offering guests much greater comfort when onboard.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236918/image/large-9d1075c5ef648ef27de81c63078d89be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236918">With aims of chartering the yacht in the Balearics, ensuring comfort onboard for her guests was at the forefront of Sykes mind during the refit. Since she left <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> in 2019 the yacht has been a very popular charter boat, and one that stands out from the usual yachts cruising the region. “She might be a little more restricted in terms of internal volume and speed, but for clients that want to ease into a slow and relaxed pace of life, she is the perfect charter vessel.” The majesty of the yacht certainly appeals to many charterers, and the Sykes Family offer the vessel to clients of Grantley Hall, which is itself a 5* hotel and spa. “If you want a martini while watching the sun go down, she really is that sort of boat, it is also special arriving somewhere in such style.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/175492/image/large-eb56aeb2fbbec9496ceeebf54f358eb1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/175492">It wasn’t only charter guests that were important though, Valeria Sykes, owner of Grantley Hall privately funded the purchase and worked tirelessly with Son Richard and two grandsons Tom and Will for over two and a half years to complete the project. The plan was always to spend more family time together on board. While the dream for the Sykes family had been to spend more time onboard, travel restrictions over the last two years have curtailed some of their plans. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236921/image/large-077965318fdaf36660c10870d461e5a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236921">One particularly memorable week onboard occurred last year however, when the family found a week to escape from the responsibilities in Yorkshire and make the most of their old lady of the sea. “We invited a local Mallorcan band to join us for dinner onboard one night and sat on that upper deck, ate a fantastic meal and the band played as the sun went down. That was a true life memory moment for all of us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/236916/image/large-a1735cfd641ecf17c19d0f9b24ea8291.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/236916">Despite <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odyssey III33.0m (108'3&quot;)Benetti SpA1967">Odyssey III</a> currently being on the market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>, it is clear from Richard that he’s extremely fond of the yacht and that he is ever eager to carve out more time aboard the vessel that he invested such time and effort into saving!This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

A labour of love: The resurrection of the 33m Benetti yacht Odyssey III

SYT talks to owner Richard Sykes about the resurrection of the classic Benetti yacht, Odyssey III.

In mid-2021 the South African shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> announced a new sailing yacht concept, one that went beyond a single vessel and focused on a fresh new approach to semi-custom yacht design – ‘Smart Custom’. Created to enrich the process of yacht design and construction, the Smart Custom concept was unveiled alongside the first model which would feature the approach; the hybrid SW108. With exteriors and interiors 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/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr Yacht Design</a>, the SW108 began with a formidable platform and it is no surprise that the first owners of the series signed on the dotted line before the end of the year. The husband and wife duo are enthusiastic sailors and they shared their experience of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> and the Smart Custom approach first hand with SuperYacht Times.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234872/image/large-025093b4ddaefc9a769457d01401b36c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234872"> The SW108 is your first yacht, what encouraged you to go with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>?Aside from a Laser dinghy I had as a child, she is indeed our first yacht, but we have been chartering with the children for around eight years in various parts of Europe and have become enthusiastic about sailing as a family.&nbsp;We had previously chartered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freebird30.25m (99'3&quot;)Southern Wind2011">Freebird</a> and Southern Star but had also sailed several yachts from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> which gave us a feel for the differences in character and execution between shipyards. What we liked about Southern Wind is the ability to reconcile strong performance with blue water cruising capabilities as well as the strong commitment to quality and reliability.&nbsp;My husband is an engineer by training and did a huge amount of research before we made the decision to build the yacht. Our brief was to build a fast race-cruiser that is exciting to sail but could also cruise comfortably and safely around the world. We then evaluated the construction of a full custom yacht with other yards against semi-custom options, in particular with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>.&nbsp;The Smart Custom approach of Southern Wind felt like an opportunity to benefit from all the lessons learned from previous successful series and to help shape an ambitious modern platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234058/image/large-0002322be99c7a3c3ee5b96a5255ef19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234058"> Why did the Smart Custom approach suit your desires?&nbsp;We realised in conversations with other sailors that a full custom build is not only more expensive, but also comes with increased risk. As first time owners we were concerned about getting the balance right between performance and blue water cruising and between innovation and reliability.&nbsp;When we studied the SW108 concept we realised that she was already quite close to what we were looking for. She is in many ways an evolution from previous successful designs like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9111" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taniwha32.27m (105'10&quot;)Southern Wind2021">Taniwha</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Morgana30.5m (100'1&quot;)Southern Wind2020">Morgana</a> and SW96#04 and incorporates those learnings which gave us a sense of security. The Smart Custom approach then allowed us to customise the boat where it mattered to us. &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234063/image/large-b2e00a4c178f6972a0b0c070a491fdf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234063">Your yacht is the first SW108 with an hybrid propulsion (system), was sustainability a motivator in you choosing her?The SW108 is available both as a hybrid and with standard diesel propulsion, but it was obvious to us that hybrid propulsion will be the future of sailing. The idea of being able to be self-sufficient when there is enough wind and have a very quiet boat is why people fall in love with sailing in the first place – being immersed in their surroundings, in the sea and the wind.&nbsp;We both drive electric cars, which we love for their silence and efficiency and of course because of the reduced emissions. I think hybrid propulsion will become the standard for sailing boats once the technology is more established and proven. We took comfort from the fact that the BAE system on SW108 has been deployed in countless buses and a number of commercial vessels for many years.As an early adopter we expect to prove the reliability and performance of the technology in the yachting context and hope that this will encourage many others. Either way, it wouldn’t feel right to us to build a sailing yacht today without a sustainability edge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234057/image/large-ecea89fe07d5429da460d24052160370.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234057">When you talk about that balance between performance and blue water cruising, what is it that you were looking for specifically?We primarily wanted a yacht that is fast and exciting to sail but also wanted to have the option to compete in the future regattas. Jim Schmicker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr</a> led us through numerous design loops to find the right balance between a substantially increased sail plan and righting moment on one hand as well as stability and overall seaworthiness on the other.&nbsp;Our kids are also avid sailors and have been doing their crew qualifications. We loved the idea of building a boat that is fun and allows the whole family to participate and enjoy themselves on board. That is why the SW108 seemed like the perfect balance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234056/image/large-9daf8669c1dcae2e4d9fcaf657de2545.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234056">When it came to the customisation of the yacht, how did&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>&nbsp;apply the Smart Custom approach?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> has been very open to input and extremely accommodating. The process was so much more than just choosing the fabrics, colours and some features.&nbsp;I already mentioned that we adapted the naval architecture with Farr to our brief. &nbsp;We very much liked the original deck design, but then worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">SWS</a> to refine various elements including changes to the coach roof and a new transom.&nbsp;We had particularly big ambitions for the design and quality of the interiors. Massimo Gino and Patrick Pigoni at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> developed a completely new design for us that is light and airy and will showcase the workmanship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> is capable of. The entire process was very creative, stimulating, and a lot of fun. The collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>, the yard and us has been very fluid and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> were incredible in translating our ideas into a coherent design. Their guidance on aesthetics and practical considerations was invaluable and gave us confidence while we tried to push the envelope. &nbsp; &nbsp;Since this is the first boat of the new series, it would be lovely to see some of these new ideas finding their way in future yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234053/image/large-589cef8222b6c7dd712decdfa2751c36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234053"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234051/image/large-3ccbc6fbf6e892adce1cf2000bbdd439.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234051">When it comes to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>, did the community have an impact on your choosing the yard?The superyacht sailing community is surprisingly open and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> do an outstanding job creating a sense of family among their owners and crews. We very much enjoy the prospect of becoming part of the family and this was a factor in our decision making. &nbsp;For instance, the Rendezvous Regattas <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> organises give owners the opportunity to compete and enjoy their yachts without the extreme competitiveness and costs that can come with some of the larger races. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/82537/image/large-80c60b0f4243afd1fd451e877cc26a1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82537">Finally, she’s due for delivery in June 2023, what are your plans once she is in Europe?Well, before she gets to Europe we look forward to sailing her for part of the journey from Cape Town. There are not many yards that have confidence to put their yachts through a 6,000 NM shake down trip after launch. That will be a fantastic passage and one we are really excited about.&nbsp;Find out more about the Southern Wind Smart Custom approach <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/southern-wind-smart-custom-video" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">by watching our video here</a>.

Southern Wind Smart Custom approach

The owners of the first Southern Wind Smart Custom design approach.

Owners of the first SW108 Hybrid on the Southern Wind Smart Custom approach

The 57.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a> superyacht C125 has been sold. Construction began on the superyacht in 2020 as a speculation project and the hull was first seen in August 2022. She is scheduled for delivery to her owners this summer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215992/image/large-a74ab5b9a8c0727150091015036cf585.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215992">The yacht C127 features a design from her builder in collaboration with Italian studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5407" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="m2atelier (Company)">m2atelier</a>. C127 features a fast displacement hull optimised to reach top speeds of 21 knots, and has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She will be powered by twin <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/caterpillar-inc" target="_blank">Caterpillar</a> engines.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215991/image/large-6c56e8b98b106b675ad14f4003634c69.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215991">She has accommodation for up-to 12 guests across one master suite and five additional staterooms. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/codecasa" target="_blank">Codecasa</a> C127 superyacht will be equipped with a lift to easily access all of her decks, a large stern beach area with a folding door to open into a swim platform, a gym, and a swimming pool on her sun deck.

Codecasa yacht C127 sold

The 58m Codecasa superyacht C127 sold and will be delivered this year.

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Codecasa 58m superyacht C127 has been sold

The 82-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> will go to auction if still unclaimed by the end of tomorrow. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/19769/image/large-f3ff428285955c4cde5cfee0f37ddbf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19769">The announcement was made by Antigua Port Manager Darwin Telemaque earlier this week, as the government made a final drive to clear the superyacht, which has been left “abandoned” in Falmouth Harbour in Antigua for more than a year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4163/image/large-6e92b74af61093e73b2f894af3c51b1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4163">The superyacht was believed to be owned by the sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev, yet, according to Bloomberg, his lawyers and legal representatives have denied these claims. “As we have informed the Antiguan authorities Mr. Guryev neither owns nor controls the Alfa Nero and has simply used the vessel from time to time under commercial charter since 2014,” Guryev’s representatives explained to Bloomberg. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4152/image/large-6bd7e17f6430c1a7ea478ccf7494d776.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4152">Bloomberg goes on to report that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> has cost the marina more than $500,000 in costs, covering fuel, electricity and food bills for the five-person crew.&nbsp;(Update 03-03-2023 17:30) Antigua and Barbuda Government moves to sell 82m superyacht Alfa NeroAccording to Caribbean Loopnews, The Antigua and Barbuda Government is taking steps to auction the 82-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> which, according to Information Minister Melford Nicholas, has been “abandoned” in Falmouth Harbour since February 2022.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84288/image/large-49a73b04ae3761415076e0fafa0af537.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84288"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> is believed to be owned by a sanctioned Russian oligarch and was blocked and subject to an official search last August, to determine who her ultimate beneficial owner is. The search was unsuccessful and allegedly&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> has since been deemed a risk.&nbsp;Nicholas explained the Government is “trying to prevent a future hazard since the luxury vessel is not being maintained by its owner.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84285/image/large-152b2c43cd20092c4fd4ac30f6a9bcbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84285"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84284/image/large-f864ab48d0634ae138e75dc4ea015da4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84284">Caribbean Loopnews reports that the sales notice will be placed in the media for 10 days to satisfy the requirements under the law for a forced sale. &nbsp;The note stated, “If the owner fails to claim the vessel within that time period, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, having declared the vessel a hazard to shipping and to the harbour where it is moored, will sell it to the highest bidder.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84289/image/large-7cf65094f9ef1d594510586a81c6d50c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84289">Antigua and Barbuda would have consulted with the US authorities prior to taking the action. But whether the money raised from her sale stays with the Antigua and Barbuda Government is unknown, Nicholas explained. &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> was delivered in 2007 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> and features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. The task of curating her 2,500 GT of interior volume was entrusted to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/19" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Pinto (Company)">Alberto Pinto</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84293/image/large-687c3fe7ccd6b0fd8e4e18db14cf3119.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84293"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84294/image/large-290998123199d82be0b140fac2a68b5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84294"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/84295/image/large-fdfafdcea1e7b5a2e20cbfc7aa9c7db9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/84295">She was sold in 2011 to her current owner with a last known asking price of 115,000,000. Prior to her being “abandoned”, she was well maintained undertaking many refit and shipyard visits over the years. She returned to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands in 2020. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/57566/image/large-fe016568ff8ea3fc88d2dfc89cb3ddcd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/57566">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Update on Russian yachts seized: US imposes sanctions on 89m Russian-owned superyacht Nirvana (2022-12-21 14:15:00 +0100)">Update on Russian yachts seized: US imposes sanctions on 89m Russian-owned superyacht Nirvana</a>The superyacht offers accommodation for as many as 12 guests across six suites, comprising a master, two VIPs, two doubles and a twin. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alfa Nero82.0m (269'0&quot;)Oceanco2007">Alfa Nero</a> can also host 28 crew. She has a long list of key features that include a hydraulically operated pool and a helipad on her aft deck.

Antigua and Barbuda Government to sell 82m superyacht Alfa Nero

The Antigua and Barbuda Government is making steps to auction the “abandoned” 82m superyacht Alfa Nero.

Update: Sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev denies ownership of 82m Alfa Nero superyacht

For the past eight years, SuperYacht Times has been publishing <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The State of Yachting</a> the industry's foremost market report, which tracks the yachting industry through our data intelligence system SYT iQ. Excitingly, we will deliver our first installment of The State of Yachting 2023 via a live stream the with expert guidance by our Head of Intelligence, Ralph Dazert. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvH71Q4Abd4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Tune into the live steam at 4pm CET on the SYT YouTube channel.</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263654/image/large-af88c626b8a5e3f49541f2b67d0e8d06.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263654">With an in-depth analytical presentation and a reflective analysis, the SuperYacht Times team presents their opinions, highlight key trends, and makes informed observations on different segments and events in the superyacht industry. We will conclude with our forecast for future sales and completions of superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263659/image/large-9ec5557bc4bf836a930a175ba12b89d3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263659">We are also offering viewers a unique opportunity to ask compelling questions during the presentation, where we will host an interactive Q&amp;A with Ralph, who will answer your questions.Throughout the presentation, viewers are advised to download the free copy of The State of Yachting 2023, which can be found here. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263658/image/large-a9e7c9fa669b3dce060cbfe549fd0531.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263658"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvH71Q4Abd4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Tune in live to The State of Yachting 2023 here.</a>

The State of Yachting 2023

 Join The State of Yachting 2023 live stream and Q&A with Head of Intelligence, Ralph Dazert. 

Tune in for The State of Yachting 2023 Live Stream 31st March 4pm CET

Diego Luca, the Miami-based yacht broker, influencer and Founder of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6698" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DIEGOLUCA Yacht Group (Company)">DIEGOLUCA</a> has joined forces with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5812" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FGI Yacht Group (Company)">FGI Yacht Group</a>, which was founded by Frank Grzeszczak Sr in 2020. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225537/image/large-c569369845a176d8f2eeeb2da7e0eafb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225537">Diego Luca started his career in the yachting industry 14 years ago in a private membership club in California, where he focused on providing exclusive access to luxurious cars, helicopters, jets, and yachts to discerning clients. However, it was a transformative experience aboard a yacht in the Sea of Cortez that ignited Luca's true passion. He realised that the vehicles he was selling were merely a means to an end - the real excitement lay in the world of yachts.Today, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6698" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DIEGOLUCA Yacht Group (Company)">DIEGOLUCA</a> caters to private clients in Miami, Mexico, Monaco, and beyond, where he brokers charters, sales, new-builds, and refits. Over the past three years he has also hosted renowned events for superyacht owners at the Miami Formula 1 and Miami Art Basel. In announcement by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5812" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FGI Yacht Group (Company)">FGI Yacht Group</a>, the team announced;"We are excited to join forces with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6698" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DIEGOLUCA Yacht Group (Company)">DIEGOLUCA</a>. With our industry rapidly changing and a younger generation of Yacht Owners joining the World Of Yachting, it was the perfect time for us to look and find the influencer shaking our industry. Diego Luca dominates the forefront of Social Media Marketing, Yachting, Lifestyle, and Formula 1 Events in Miami &amp; Monaco.""<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5812" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FGI Yacht Group (Company)">FGI</a> has a hard-earned reputation for breaking the mould and striving relentlessly to keep our clients fully informed and up-to-date on the latest market trends and opportunities. By joining forces with Diego Luca, we're taking forward thinking to an entirely new level, connecting with virtually untapped markets, which is, of course, to the tremendous benefit of our clients," says Frank Grzeszczak Jr., Vice-President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5812" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FGI Yacht Group (Company)">FGI Yacht Group</a>.&nbsp;Diego Luca's success lies in building lasting relationships: "Take care of clients, they’ll take care of you"

Diego Luca joins FGI Yacht Group

The yacht broker and influencer Diego Luca has joined FGI Yacht Group.

Broker and influencer Diego Luca joins forces with FGI Yacht Group

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show - 2023">Dubai International Boat Show 2023</a> has reported that they welcomed over 30,000 visitors and industry players from across the globe to the Dubai Harbour from 1 to 5 March. The Middle East’s premier marine event highlighted the global appeal of the UAE and the rapidly growing success of the local yachting industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263619/image/large-2705c61d7fe4c2cf84f39adeec5275dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263619">Al Rubban Marine, IMG Boats, Invincible Boats, Ocean Boats, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Craft (Company)">Gulf Craft</a> and Victory Yachts were among the exhibitors that showcased their latest creations at the five-day event, with a focus on incorporating sustainable solutions.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263616/image/large-98b445d9d5316fc307e1d9a69b228e3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263616">The show saw local manufacturers and distributors exhibiting alongside brands from 60 other countries, highlighting the diverse range of international markets.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263617/image/large-500eb4686d5d92355e4fbc7ae4ab2c2b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263617">Paurush Farouk.H, Sales Manager of IMG Boats commented that there is a strong market for Middle Eastern products outside the region; “In previous years, we primarily had interest from across the region, but this year we are receiving more serious leads from international markets, particularly Eastern Europe, and Australia.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260515/image/large-6aac2a26376d23359d610e39eee5c84a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260515">The global boat building market is expected to reach over $47 billion in 2027, at a CAGR of 7.5 percent, and the increasing demand for recreational boats in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a significant factor driving growth.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260516/image/large-c027e70c598eed031d7d0f45d0a31ab4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260516">Abeer Al Shaali, Deputy Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Craft (Company)">Gulf Craft</a>, said: “At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Craft (Company)">Gulf Craft</a>, we understand that clients prioritise sustainability and durability, and we are committed to supporting the path towards a sustainable future. We are committed to making our yachts more efficient, lightweight, and practical, always with the user’s perspective in mind.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260048/image/large-4c6fdce012228ba70e2f6767d71a3f71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260048">UAE-based builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Craft (Company)">Gulf Craft</a> were a prominent exhibitor at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show - 2023">Dubai International Boat Show</a> where they presented the brand new 30.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nomad 101/0130.8m (101'1&quot;)Gulf Craft 2023">Nomad 101</a> and debuted the 34.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Majesty 111 #134.1m (111'11&quot;)Gulf Craft 2023">Majesty 111</a>.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57039" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nomad 101: Gulf Craft presents new 31m motor yacht at DIBS (2023-03-01 11:15:00 +0100)">Nomad 101: Gulf Craft presents new 31m motor yacht at DIBS<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261521/image/large-34a23f7e6532b2874722c262f6f7de53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261521"></a>The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show - 2023">Dubai International Boat Show</a> annually continues to champion the UAE’s position as a top destination for marine enthusiasts and professionals and attracts leading brands and industry leaders from around the world. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263618/image/large-67b838dfebbf4eb3da6b1f94dcebbb80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263618">The event plays an essential role in providing a platform for the industry to present its excellence to the international market. SuperYacht Times was a media partner for the event and a number of representatives attended the show.You can find the full roundup of everything you may have missed from this year’s show here.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57084" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Everything you may have missed at the Dubai International Boat Show 2023 (2023-03-06 16:30:00 +0100)">Everything you may have missed at the Dubai International Boat Show 2023</a>

Dubai International Boat Show 2023 puts UAE on the global yachting stage

The Dubai International Boat Show 2023 has reported that they welcomed over 30,000 visitors to this year’s show.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7078" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Foiling Organization (Company)">The Foiling Organization</a> have announced a new partnership, launching the first ever Foiling Technology Pavilion. The pavilion will showcase manufacturers of foiling hardware and technology and will be featured during <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2023">Metstrade 2023</a>, taking place in Amsterdam RAI from 15 to 17 November. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263602/image/large-c9f3b7e2d0d75fc5e3c81017f5be0648.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263602"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> is the world’s largest trade exhibition for equipment, materials and systems for the global leisure marine industry. Its new partner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7078" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Foiling Organization (Company)">The Foiling Organization</a>, is part of the We Are Foiling events ecosystem as an international association for the foiling industry and its professionals.During <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2023">Metstrade</a>, the Foiling Technology Pavilion will showcase the impressive progress made with high-end racing technology across yachts and boats, with confirmed exhibitors such as Caponnetto Hueber, Foil Chemy and Vakaros. The pavilion will also provide helpful information to boat builders and designers, educating them on what is involved in employing foiling within sail and power yachts of the immediate future. The Foiling Technology Pavilion will also host a knowledge stage for discussion on all the trending topics in the sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263601/image/large-96234016a46ac7f684836bb26af48df8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263601">“Foiling is changing the water mobility system. The decarbonisation targets set by the EU, the UN and the IMO, make foiling an almost obligatory choice for new leisure and commercial applications. The astonishing number of projects for the transport of people, goods and containers is there to prove it.” stated Luca Rizzotti, Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7078" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Foiling Organization (Company)">The Foiling Organization</a>, and Founder and President of We Are Foiling events ecosystem. “I am confident that the Foiling Technology Pavilion will provide a major boost to accelerate innovation and economic growth in the foiling segment to the satisfaction of all of those who will have the opportunity to take part in this showcase.”Niels Klarenbeek, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> Show Director, added, “With the Foiling Technology Pavilion we cannot wait to unveil the latest of our forward-thinking feature areas and we anticipate wide interest from visitors and exhibitors alike. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE (Company)">Metstrade</a> has been at the forefront of providing a significant knowledge platform to highlight the developments that will move our industry’s essential decarbonisation efforts from ambition to reality. It is a logical progression for us to take a leading role in partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7078" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Foiling Organization (Company)">The Foiling Organization</a> to encourage the mainstream adoption of a technology that has such great potential to reduce energy consumption while increasing the pleasure of those who go afloat.”

Metstrade 2023 launches new Foiling Technology Pavilion

Metstrade and The Foiling Organisation have announced the launch of the first ever Foiling Technology Pavilion at Metstrade 2023, Amsterdam.

events-retrospectives#1

Brand new Foiling Technology Pavilion to launch at Metstrade 2023

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EKKA Yachts (Company)">EKKA Yachts</a> has announced the sale of Hull 570 in the 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> SL82 motor yacht series. The yacht sold with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EKKA Yachts (Company)">EKKA Yachts</a> representing both the buyer and seller during the transaction.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177460/image/large-2eace56fecc0b156f80630ed0aac1827.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177460">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> SL82 was delivered in 2011 by the Italian shipyard which penned her interior, exterior and naval architecture. Standout features on board include her spacious saloon and her bridge deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237723/image/large-e7f6e1f521b37754363e110a8588cac9.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237723"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237721/image/large-6a3a4101ca5e3f689dcd7863f226fe53.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237721">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> SL82 is able to accommodate up to eight guests across four well-appointed staterooms, located on the lower deck. These include a master stateroom, VIP forward suite and two twin guests staterooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237725/image/large-9ec455946c3ffe52bd8504e04aadd2b7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237725"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237728/image/large-ba3f73d3851e482ae835a8f6ee1f7e1e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237728"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237727/image/large-5a535145a5f9aec95c7915f230d7df0e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237727">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> SL82 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> diesel engines that provide her with an incredible top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots. At the time of her sale, she had a last known asking price of €1,890,000.

25m Sanlorenzo SL82 motor yacht sold

Ekka Yachts has announced the sale of hull 570 in the 25-metre Sanlorenzo SL82 motor yacht series.

Brokerage firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> has announced the appointment of Rebecca Cutter as Charter Manager. Rebecca, originally from England, brings over two decades of experience in the yachting industry to her new role. Rebecca will be based out of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">N&amp;J</a>’s Antibes office.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263552/image/large-efd17b872091b7ae39a1f7a3d2b08ca1.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263552">Rebecca's career in the yachting industry began in1996 while living in Antibes, France. She is now responsible for managing and promoting the booking calendars for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> European charter fleet. Her primary responsibilities include liaising with fleet owners, captains, and retail charter brokers to provide exceptional yachting experiences to both new and existing clients.Rebecca spent 22 years with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/336" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Bluewater</a>, learning everything she knows about the industry, and is excited to embark on a new challenge with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>’s European team. As a Charter Manager, one of Rebecca’s favourite aspects of her job is being able to interact with yacht crew, who she holds in high esteem and believes play a crucial role in every successful yacht charter. Her diverse background instilled in her a drive to work hard and aim high, which she brings to her work at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>.

Rebecca Cutter joins Northrop and Johnson

Rebecca Cutter has joined Northrop & Johnson as Charter Manager.

Rebecca Cutter joins Northrop and Johnson as Charter Manager

The 57.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/418" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cammenga (Company)">Cammenga</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meserret II57.2m (187'8&quot;)Cammenga1978">Meserret II</a> has entered the market. Built in 1978, the <a href="http://yacht%20Meserret%20II%20for%20sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Meserret II for sale</a> is currently located in Istanbul, Turkey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263520/image/large-5eab5baaddd9934193f4351641d4e461.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263520"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meserret II57.2m (187'8&quot;)Cammenga1978">Meserret II</a> has been meticulously maintained since her delivery, enduring a series of extensive refits and rebuilds in the past two decades. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/11" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Vries Lentsch (Company)">De Vries Lentsch</a> was responsible for her exterior design and naval architecture, while her interior was originally penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell Design</a> and restyled by Dimitri Koutoukos in 2004.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263501/image/large-7e467d520a3865ea8e7a5216157671a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263501"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263500/image/large-315bd95fba45dcf3488267fe9abdb6bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263500"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263503/image/large-96b1068b83780f03087d90010caf98e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263503"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meserret II57.2m (187'8&quot;)Cammenga1978">Meserret II’s</a> interior is classic and tasteful, offering a large main saloon with sumptuous seating and vibrant decor. The saloon’s walls are covered in artwork and her tables and cabinets feature fun sculptures, bringing life to her interior. Separate to the saloon is a formal dining area that comfortably seats 12 guests. Guests can venture up to the beautiful sky lounge, where they can enjoy evening cocktails at the bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263505/image/large-c03e27797f05982db56653563903f550.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263505"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263511/image/large-6e2efdfaf2e3b91be4bdb6566f30e13f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263511"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263512/image/large-51de8e36cb005a7c318b261081de1012.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263512"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/431" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meserret II57.2m (187'8&quot;)Cammenga1978">Meserret II</a> provides flexible accommodation for up to 16 guests across ten luxurious staterooms. The generously-sized master suite benefits from a private study, a dressing room, and a marble bathroom with a spa pool. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> also has space to accommodate 19 crew to ensure guests have a comfortable cruising experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263506/image/large-0bbf37515a0b42eb44aff2358e41c3fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263506"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263508/image/large-ac1b528aecc7916aa2c9376b578e502d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263508">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/cammenga/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Cammenga yacht for sale</a> offers all the necessary amenities for longer cruises thanks to her extensive outdoor spaces. Guests can dine alfresco at one of the outdoor tables, sunbathe on one of the sunbeds, or wind-down in the Jacuzzi following an intense training session at the gym. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263499/image/large-d5da1ba66b58c1e2c427936a64c6fa40.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263499"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263510/image/large-10a9e6c66aefaf804ad016db54a41394.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263510"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263514/image/large-3662207badd077c1a59c6a9d4c798876.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263514">Performance-wise, the 683 GT <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1629" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Paxman (Company)">Paxman</a> engines, giving her a top speed of 17 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 13 knots.&nbsp;

57m Cammenga yacht Meserret II for sale

The 57.2-metre Cammenga superyacht Meserret has entered the market.

57m Cammenga superyacht Meserret II for sale

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Otam (Company)">OTAM</a> has sold its seventh bespoke version of its 25.5-metre 80HT model. Prized as the “most extreme and advanced 80-HT yet” thanks to the client's specifications. The sold <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Otam (Company)">OTAM</a> yacht has an expected delivery in 2025.&nbsp;The owner, who is not just “an expert owner but also has experience as a captain,” supplied the Genoa-based shipyard with customised specifications, including expansive windows to envelope the boat with natural light and a “detailed list of technical and aesthetic requests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263522/image/large-77da9293d81bfb2529b9c143f8a9323d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263522">The custom-built 80HT comprises a hull and deck, which will be laminated in full Kevlar, while the superstructure is constructed from carbon fibre. The result is an exceptionally strong and rigid structure, which is also lightweight for higher performance in terms of top speed and fuel consumption. Although the hull lines by Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design &amp; Services and the twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 2,600 horsepower engines coupled to Arneson drives are unchanged, nearly everything else has been re-engineered according to the experienced owner-specific technical specifications giving her an impressive top speed of 48 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263521/image/large-19c50839e7cbb2383f2f7ee5612acbfc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263521">“We’re always ready to introduce engineering and design modifications, but I can honestly say that this time we’re looking at the most extreme and advanced 80HT yet,” says Matteo Belardinelli, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2612" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Otam (Company)">OTAM</a> sales &amp; communication managerOther highlights of this innovative 80HT design include the increased side windows, which will provide additional ventilation and can be opened electronically. This additional design feature is complimented by a one-piece windscreen and reconfigured sliding sky roof.&nbsp;“The client came to us because he wanted to create something unique and exclusive and knew we would do what it takes to not only meet but also exceed his demands,” concluded Belardinelli. “From our point of view, we’re always looking to push our own boundaries, so you could say it’s a relationship made in heaven!”SuperYacht Times will be following the 80HT#007 project.&nbsp;

OTAM sold seventh version of its 80HT

OTAM has sold the most extreme version of its bespoke 80HT model thanks to the owner's customisations and experience as a captain. 

Owner Experience

Yacht History: The yachts owned by Felix and Lucien Benitez-Rexach