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Squall yacht anchored in Saint-Tropez

Squall

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258116/image/large-80cf027b0782d44fa14a40a2d24745ec.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258116">Seen here anchored off Saint-Tropez, France, last September is the 52-metre super sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Squall52.34m (171'9&quot;)Perini Navi2002">Squall</a>. Built in 2002 as one of the sportiest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi's</a> of her time, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Squall52.34m (171'9&quot;)Perini Navi2002">Squall</a> represents many firsts for the Italian yachting brand. The project was the first time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini</a> worked together with a naval architect outside the company itself, namely <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Yachts (Company)">Ed Dubois</a>, who brought to the table his racing knowledge and iconic styling touches. She was also the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini</a> to be built on an aluminium hull and was brought over for outfitting to the Viareggio yard from Tuzla, Turkey where the fast cruising ketch was constructed. Her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a> interior can be described as minimalistic and matches her race-oriented deck setup.

Super sailing yacht Squall in Saint-Tropez

The 52m super sailing yacht Squall, built by Perini Navi, is seen here anchored off Saint-Tropez, France.

When a young Paola Siniramed, freshly graduated - magna cum laude - from Milano University’s Law Faculty, met Salvatore Trifirò, already a brilliant young lawyer, the two ambitious Italians quickly fell head over heels in love. Salvatore, already a passionate sailor, was quick to introduce his soon-to-be bride to his love for the water, taking weekends to sail on his 7-metre sailing boat on Lake Como, close to their home city of Milan. Paola “quickly realised the wonderful possibilities that come with a life on the water,” and after undertaking some serious studying and training at sailing schools, included a tricky celestial navigation course, so began what would become a lifetime affair with yachting.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35586/image/large-4a6ec64c765293d03f407926cfcbcfcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35586">Specialising and practising family law for some years, once married Paola made the decision to dedicate more time to the couples’ quality of life, investing her energies into the practicalities of enjoying a busy schedule. “Salvatore does not have much free time, and this is the problem with all yacht owners,” she says. “Of course, they are yacht owners because they work incredibly hard, they have reaped the rewards of a high-intensity professional life. I optimise my husband’s time so that we enjoy our time together to the maximum level. Our beloved boats are always the most important objects in our lives. Work is our priority, our way of sustaining ourselves and our lifestyle, and the second most important is following our passion whenever we can.”&nbsp;Taking the traditional route of steadily climbing up the size ladder, following their passion is exactly what Paola did, and the next 20 years saw the Trifirò’s go from 7-metres to 21-metres in several stages, cruising the wonders of the Italian, French, and Greek coasts extensively whenever they could. The spirit of sailing had the Trifirò’s hooked, and as Paola explains, “Sailing is a dream. It allows you to really discover the world, to happen upon secluded beaches and coves that you can’t do otherwise. We’re always looking for hidden places to explore. It’s a fantastic experience.” <img src="/uploads/store/photo/35587/image/large-d553f303e8dc24360f32eb9acad829cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35587">The thirst for exploration eventually let the Trifirò’s minds wander to more distant shores, and with that, a boat capable of voyaging a little farther than the waters of their homeland. And so they made the jump to superyacht, with the purchase of the 25 metre Jongert-built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7580" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Happy Taurus II 26.6m (87'3&quot;)">Happy Taurus II</a>. This, Paola explains, was the first chance they had to really get out there and experience sailing in a way that harks back to the ages past. “We bought her from a German owner, and 25-metres was already much bigger than anything we had had at this time. Jongert built very strong, beautiful boats, so I told my husband that now, we can really pass Gibraltar and go out towards the world. Enjoying navigating as Columbus did, to acquire and better our knowledge, or to discover something new and exciting.”&nbsp;Exploring much of Europe, including the British coast, the rest of the world soon beckoned. “From Happy Taurus II, we went on to a semi-custom, 31-metre yacht, Anamcara in 2001,” continues Paola. “She was also a Jongert and just beautiful. With these two boats, still now in our hearts, we did some fantastic cruising all over the world, from Cornwall to Norway, and to the East Coast of the States. We touched Nantucket with a big emotion, we entered New York and Savannah, we passed Panama many times, and really enjoyed Baja California. We moored in Seattle and navigated the cold, unique waters of Alaska. It was fantastic.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35588/image/large-b114551686e3a1d3cf862220c8ae049f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35588">Exploration kept the Trifirò’s occupied for an additional four years before they discovered the regatta scene, in 2004, in Porto Cervo at the renowned Rolex Cup. Paola soon had another project in which she could savour learning every aspect - all for the maximisation of their enjoyment of the prized possession. “We had never considered racing, but as soon as we saw the passion for racing, the thrill of the sport, we decided to go for a yacht that was thinner, quicker, and give racing a shot!”&nbsp;Paola was true to her word, and within the year the Trifirò’s were the proud owners of the 40-metre Dubois-designed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zalmon40.4m (132'7&quot;)">Kokomo of London</a>. Never one to do anything by halves, the first regatta the Trifirò’s competed in saw Ed Dubois himself at the wheel of Kokomo of London (“Ed was an extraordinary man and friend, we had a mutual understanding and my respect for him still remains strong today,” Paola says) taken over by serial yacht owner and influential sailor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48039" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neville Crichton: How an owner, sailor and entrepreneur sparked industry transformation (2018-01-22 12:00:00 +0100)">Neville Crichton</a> after a family emergency forced Dubois to hastily return to shore. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32201/image/large-4639d15e95caafce75c1dc0066d4644e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32201"> Always with an eye to the future, once the Trifiro’s racing appetite had been whetted the search for their next sailing boat began, which lead to the commissioning of the 49.7-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zefira49.69m (163'0&quot;)">&nbsp;Zefira</a> to be built at the New Zealand shipyard, Fitzroy Yachts. Choosing the exterior designer and naval architect was easy, Paola says, with Ed Dubois and the team at Dubois Naval Architects undertaking the project from the word ‘GO’. The interior, however, was a little more problematic. Having recently been on board the 52.3-metre Perini Navi ketch<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Squall52.34m (171'9&quot;)">&nbsp;Squall</a> where Paola was immediately taken aback by the high-quality of her Rémi Tessier designed interior, that, as they say, was that. It had to be Tessier. Tessier, however, was much more focused on residential design projects in Miami at the time, and having recently welcomed his fourth child into the world, was less than enthusiastic about the prospect of working on a new yacht on the opposite side of the world.&nbsp;So he answered a gentle ‘no’ to Dubois’ request. But, as a testament to the wonderfully Italian, persuasively charming lady that is Paola Trifirò, she would not take no for an answer. “I called him,” she smiles. “It was lucky for me that I speak French quite well as a second language. I convinced him to come to Milano, just for a short meeting. When he arrived, dressed all in white and looking every bit the handsome man, he started admiring our ultra-modern penthouse in the heart of the city, close to the Duomo. He stepped in, looked around and said, ‘Okay. I think we can work together.’ He sat down at the table and said, ‘Tell me what you want.’ One week later he sent us a design. For the first time in my life, I had nothing to say! He understood everything we wanted. I am not an easy lady at times, but we had such respect for each other. He is the best.” The perseverance for perfection paid off, and Zefira went on to win a number of awards upon completion in 2010, including Sailing Yacht of the Year 2011 and Best Sailing Yacht 45m+ at the World Superyacht Awards 2011.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35589/image/large-1f4a570d0b8ce86950c01c3b6c5ee296.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35589">The collaboration with Tessier continued onto the next new build sailing superyacht for the Trifirò’s, their current 32.6-metre Vitters-built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)">Ribelle</a>, completed last year. This time the Trifirò’s opted for a smaller yacht and, enlisting the help of Malcolm McKeon for her naval architecture and exterior design, managed to create another winning vessel with the awarding of Best Interior Design - Sailing Yachts in the BI International Design &amp; Innovation Awards.&nbsp;Looking at Ribelle’s interior, it’s certainly not difficult to see why she is a worthy winner, with a level of comfort, luxury and style that is unfortunately not often synonymous with sailing yachts. Paola agrees: “We have a very quick, ultra modern, all-carbon and titanium racing boat with a fantastic, luxury interior. By luxury, I am not referring to the shiny, expensive things on board. I’m referring to the big loves of life, what you want on the boat to ensure the best life experience onboard. It’s very ‘luxury’ to be surrounded only by the things that you love, to have the space, the light that we do. I did the layout with Malcolm, incorporating all the smart naval architecture tricks to get the very best result. He is a great designer - he always listens and never tries to impose ideas that are not suited to that specific owner. His suggestions, experience and competence are absolute.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35437/image/large-730f6cee9e57fa03113d6f91397d0e56.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35437"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/12888/image/large-2b89fcd856dc15dc1422fd97328a1a77.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/12888">Did you ever consider building a motor yacht, I ask? “Well, the dispute between sailing and motor yacht owners is long and without an end. As far as I’m concerned, since I had the honour to be called as a Judge in the BI World Superyacht Awards since 2011, I was presented with the task of visiting many boats, the majority of them motorboats. So I started getting to know them better, and I must admit that many are splendid creatures, unbelievably perfect machines with many possibilities to enjoy life, starting from the elegance of the interiors, to the magnificent swimming pools, to the cinema saloons. But let me say, sailing for us ‘addicts’ is also about experiencing the taste of the sea, to glide on the water, and just to listen to the wind and the swish of the sail. It is a totally different way of yachting.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35417/image/large-9b9840006081896eaf81f943de278d87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35417">Demonstrating their fierce passion for the sailing way of life, as soon as Ribelle was ready to go the Trifirò’s took her on three back-to-back regattas. The aim? To show the world that it is indeed possible to create a performance-orientated sailing yacht that is beautifully designed both inside and out. “In 2017, the first year for Ribelle, we won the Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo,” Paola tells me proudly, “so we proved our idea of a very fast boat with a fantastic interior which looks like a luxury superyacht but is, in reality, a racing boat. People may think she is severe because she is a racing boat, but she is not only so. I am a passionate sailor, and I love to have the best interior on what many consider a severe vessel. The most beautiful thing is to stay on your boat and love every second, breathing in the sea life. It doesn’t have to be such a contrast between the performance boats and luxury boats, and that is very important to me.”&nbsp;With Ribelle still relatively new to the Trifirò’ fleet, what’s the next project for Paola and Salvatore? Despite that fierce loyalty to sailing, the ultimate dream is the rebuild of a 1930s classic yacht. “I have a dream to find a narrow, sleek motorboat of the 30s, and to refit it perfectly. The 1930s was a period of yachting I very much admire, so I would love to refit it and take it around the Mediterranean. Perhaps I am glamorising the idea, thinking of a movie style cruise around the Med on this glorious classic yacht, but I would really enjoy that refit process. One of my favourite things to do with boats is to think about the every aspect of the construction of my dream.” If Paola’s previous dreams are anything to go by, this could certainly be one to watch out for in the future.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/35436/image/large-099b1fd1102eeaabe2d40515c53f0b5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35436">Paola Trifirò on...BUYING VS CHARTERThis is another long dispute between yachties. We have friends who think that a boat - sailing or motor, doesn’t matter - is complex and difficult to run… not to mention expensive. So they feel happy to charter a yacht, the size and the type they prefer, in the part of the world they like. They say to me: ‘what can be better?’ Of course, the boat owners feel their boat as a creature, whom to dedicate time and passion into as they do with their home. They like to cross the seas among their own familiar objects, pointing their prow where they want and when they want and feeling at home. It is another taste, they say. For me, that is worth the investment.&nbsp;BUILDING IN NEW ZEALANDThe distance was an issue, but of course I knew I would have to travel far and accepted that. My husband only came once at the beginning, and another time at the end. I went down every month! It was a long way, but I had a nice flight with Emirates and a lady friend who came with me from time to time to help with the hard times. It was a great experience.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23560/image/large-cb4b92eeb7ccfa1407fdc6f996979967.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23560">I’m so sorry for the condition of the New Zealand shipbuilding industry today. I hope that the America’s Cup will give New Zealand a boost, because the quality of the work is just fantastic. The people there are just as high a quality. They are so open-minded. They were looking at me at first like I was from another world, but after two days, everybody knew me and I made a lot of friends. Competent and serious people, fantastic land, full of blue agapanthus flowers and thousands of rainbows. I miss them a lot!&nbsp;FAVOURITE CRUISING GROUNDS We’ve sailed all over the world, and it would be reductive to name favourites. Every moment is special onboard. Of course something like cruising in Baja California in May when the whales have their small little calves is more impressive than navigating between Corsica and Sardinia, but I do love both! Sailing is a big occasion of knowledge and emotions.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/30823/image/large-7238e480d179f5ab2e595392bf3fa910.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30823">There are spots in which I was particularly delighted with the people I met - like in Alaska, where I had a fantastic, very interesting afternoon meeting people who were astonished we could have decided to leave sunny Italy to head to Alaska’s cold waters! Also when we were cruising just off Fiji, we were invited for tea with the village chief. These are very special moments for &nbsp;us when sailing, moments when we feel immensely proud to be sailors.

Love every second: owner insight with Ribelle

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/14499/image/large-26d75895ff5147ddd0da6915db057713.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/14499">Squall&nbsp;in Florø, NorwayBuilt in 2002 as one of the sportiest Perini Navis of her time, Squall&nbsp;represents many firsts for the Italian yachting brand. The project was the first time Perini worked together with a naval architect outside the company itself, namely Ed Dubois, who brought to the table his racing knowledge and iconic styling touches. She was also the first Perini to be built on a aluminium hull and was brought over for outfitting to the Viareggio yard from Tuzla, Turkey where it was constructed. Her Rémi Tessier interior can be described as minimalistic and matches her race-oriented deck setup. She was seen in Florø, Norway earlier this summer before returning to her usual cruising grounds in the Mediterranean.&nbsp;Photo by SuperYacht Times

The 52m sailing yacht Squall in Florø

What started in 2004 as a family gathering for owners and friends, the Perini Navi Cup has become one of the highlights of the international regatta calendar. The next edition will take place September 2-5, 2015 in Porto Cervo, hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and SYT will once again be attending the event.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154879/image/large-f3faa37b175a7e67da2415f4d0534a91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154879">Approximately 15 Perini Navi yachts will challenge each other in the emerald waters of North- East Sardinia following the new ORC SY handicapping Rule with a full race program organized by the YCCS international race committee.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154880/image/large-2ceb847395e9cf3db0d1fc141d830aa0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154880">Perseus^3 and Seahawk, both recent deliveries by Perini Navi, will be joined by yachts such as Aquarius, Bayesian, Clan VIII, Elettra, Ellen, Jasali II, P2, Spirit of the C’s, Squall, and Xnoi.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154881/image/large-9842c7df7659e44ab40bed965e6e2258.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154881">The famous Maltese Falcon, which has been chartered for the occasion by a Chinese guest, will also attend the event.The race will be accompanied by a busy social program of post-race events.By Maarten Janssen

15 Perini Navi yachts to take part in Perini Navi Cup

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/128276/image/large-353672812284c3c8a398da9bf6d2b225.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128276">Superyachts in MalaysiaThe 42 metre Feadship explorer yacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/720">Andiamo</a>, the Perini Navi <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/821">Squall</a> and the 92 metre Lürssen <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669">EOS</a> pictured in the Sutera Harbour Marina in June 2009. The Sutera Harbour Marina is located in Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo, Malaysia.Photo by the Sutera Harbour Marina.By Merijn de Waard

Superyachts in Malaysia

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127609/image/large-b00fd76a829ac82c17bb9a14437acc9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127609">Squall<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/547">Squall</a> is a Dubois designed fast cruising ketch, built by Italian superyacht builder Perini Navi. Compared to other Perini Navi's, Squall stands out because she does not have the usual Perini flybridge. She does have a stunning interior by Remi Tessier, and has won several design awards.By Maarten Janssen

Perini's Squall in Villefranche

Azzura Marine proves its commitment to quality, innovation and superior service following the successful launch of two superyacht projects at its shipyard in Newcastle, Australia. Boasting a sparkling paint job and new name, Azzura Marine released the much anticipated 45m MY Ilonka into the water after ten months in the group's purpose built refit shed. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126219/image/large-9554e80ea6097f7f901ee7fae16fc520.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126219">Over 100 specialist technicians were involved in the major refit of MY Ilonka. Her main engines were rebuilt, substantial structural modifications were made to her exterior and a new air conditioning plant and interior ventilation system was installed, amongst other items. Azzura Marine's in-house design team managed the extensive refurbishment of Ilonka's luxuriously appointed interior whilst electronics experts fitted a new and upgraded audio-visual package. With its impressive site features and vast technical experience, Azzura Marine has established a solid reputation as the superyacht refit and repair centre of choice for yachts visiting the Australasian and South Pacific regions. After recently spending six weeks at the Newcastle facility SY Squall Captain Richard Le Quesne stated he has "no hesitation in recommending the yard" to other superyacht captains and crew. He praised Azzura Marine for their efficient service and highlighted the "excellent" quality of services available at the facility. The 52m Perini Navi SY Squall departed Azzura Marine Newcastle en route to Bali after spending down time at the facility. With her mast reaching a dizzying height of 57m, Azzura Marine lifted Squall via its 900T synchrolift and onto the dry dock. Azzura Marine's dedicated refit and repair specialists conducted anti-fouling, general repairs, painting and mechanical maintenance works. “The Azzura Marine team have been enormously helpful and the shipyard facilities here are second to none,” commented Squall's First Officer Tom Hood. Azzura Marine enlists the services of world class contractors including paint, electrical and electronic professionals. In addition to providing a complete refit and repair service, Azzura Marine builds custom motor and sail yachts up to 74m under the internationally acclaimed Azzura Yachts brand. Prior to Squall's departure the crew held a dock party at the facility. Azzura Marine personnel and key contractors were invited to attend the event to celebrate the successful completion of the project. Azzura Marine presented each crew member with a commemorative T-shirt of the time spent at the facility.

Azzura Marine completes refits of Squall & Ilonka

Azzura Marine is fast establishing a solid reputation as the premier superyacht facility in the South Pacific region. Azzura Marine Newcastle is the group's fourth and most recent addition to its growing shipyard portfolio. Capable of building both custom motor and sail yachts up to 74m, the impressive new 49,000m2 facility also provides a complete refit and repair centre for yachts up to 120m.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125806/image/large-2f2a2efdb758ae471ca5c674abd9ec3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125806"> Photo courtesy of Francolini/Azzura Marine The 52m Perini Navi SY Squall was recently hauled out of the water via the facility’s large 900T synchrolift and is presently undergoing extensive maintenance works. During a six week period Azzura Marine will service her engines, generators, navigation systems and tenders in addition to her hydraulic systems, valves and hull fittings. She is also scheduled to receive anti-fouling treatment amongst a variety of other works to be carried out by the highly skilled Azzura Marine team. SY Squall Captain Richard Le Quesne complimented Azzura Marine on its professionalism and efficiency. “The haul-out was, from my point of view, a complete success; the yacht was hauled on time, without drama and without any damage at all. What more could a skipper ask? “I have been enormously impressed by the time and effort that Azzura Marine has put into the haul-out of Squall. Both the owner and I are reluctant to haul the yacht with a sling type of hoist because of the high risk of damage to the topsides paint and I am very happy that Azzura Marine were able to accommodate Squall on its railway,” commented the experienced Captain. With a mast height of 57m, Azzura Marine’s Newcastle facility is the only facility north of Sydney capable of lifting a vessel of Squall's size. Azzura Marine Newcastle Managing Director David McQueen says: “We set very high standards for our work and strive to deliver exceptional service beyond expectations to each and every one of our clients.” Captain Le Quesne praised Azzura Marine for their commitment to quality stating: “The structure Azzura Marine built to support Squall is, in my opinion, certainly better than anything I have seen in other shipyards.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125807/image/large-9a514ae86562a76e64131db02a6bfe3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125807"> Photo courtesy of Francolini/Azzura Marine Conveniently located just two hours drive north of Sydney, Azzura Marine Newcastle is currently managing three other major refits including the ten month refit of a 45m motor yacht and the refit of the world’s largest all-carbon multi-hull yacht as well as completing the build of a 93ft high-performance trimaran. With the number of superyachts visiting the South Pacific growing at an exponential rate, the demand for quality providers of refit and repair services within the region is set to increase. Given Azzura Marine’s wealth of experience in the marine industry and renowned commitment to quality, there is little doubt that the group is set to become a key player in the global refit and repair market.