Industry News

Les Sables d’Olonne, June 8, 2024 - The prestigious New York Vendée Les Sables d’Olonne solo transatlantic race is drawing to a dramatic close. With skippers battling fatigue, changing weather conditions, and intense competition, the final stages promise excitement and high tension. Here's a detailed look at the latest developments in this grueling maritime contest.

As the leading contender, Charlie Dalin aboard MACIF Santé Prévoyance is poised to clinch victory. Expected to finish first between 2300 and 0200 local time on Saturday night, Dalin’s arrival is eagerly anticipated. However, celebrations are temporarily on hold until sufficient water levels in the famous Channel of Les Sables d’Olonne allow his yacht to dock safely.

Sunday morning should see Dalin making a triumphant entry around 0900hrs, basking in the early summer sun and the welcoming scents of freshly baked bread and croissants from La Chaume’s boulangeries and cafes. Conditions are set to be ideal, making for a picturesque return to the Vendée Globe pontoon in Port Olonna.

IYC is excited to announce its new role as the Exclusive Commercial Agent for Sunreef Yachts in the United Kingdom. This partnership highlights IYC's dedication to delivering unparalleled yachting experiences and strengthens its leading position in the luxury yachting industry.

IYC CEO, Raphael Sauleau, expressed his enthusiasm: "This appointment marks a new chapter of excellence for our team in the United Kingdom. Known for its superior craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability, Sunreef Yachts stands at the forefront of luxury catamaran manufacturing. This partnership not only underscores our London team's dedication to leading in luxury yachting but also enhances our portfolio with some of the most forward-thinking and environmentally conscious yachts available today. We are proud to represent Sunreef Yachts' unmatched blend of luxury, sustainability, and innovation. We very much look forward to working with the Sunreef Yachts team of professionals."

Treasured Tools. Refined Resources. Turning Intellect, Math, Nature & Science into Beauty

San Diego, CA – The Maritime Museum of San Diego, renowned for its dedication to preserving and presenting the rich maritime heritage of the Pacific world, is delighted to announce the opening of its new Art of Navigation exhibit. The exhibit, housed in the Gould Eddy Gallery aboard the 1898 Victorian-era steam ferryboat Berkeley, will be available to visitors starting this summer. Admission to this intriguing exhibit is included with the general museum entry.

The Art of Navigation exhibit is a captivating exploration of the tools and techniques used by mariners during the great voyages of European exploration. This period, beginning in the mid-sixteenth century, marked the dawn of the Scientific Revolution when oceanic navigation became one of the rare disciplines applying mathematics and instruments tangibly and usefully. The exhibit highlights an array of period instruments, charts, and voyage accounts, beautifully illuminated by the work of documentary maritime artist Gordon Miller.

The annual "ocean tribute" Award, a prestigious accolade dedicated to marine conservation, has opened its call for entries for 2025. Jointly organized by boot Düsseldorf, the Prince Albert II Foundation, and the German Ocean Foundation, this award recognizes innovative initiatives and associations that significantly contribute to marine conservation. The winning project will be honored with a €20,000 prize during the world-renowned boot Düsseldorf, scheduled from January 18 to 26, 2025.

Application and Selection Process

Interested parties can submit their applications through the official boot Düsseldorf website until the deadline on August 31, 2024. An expert jury will evaluate all submissions, selecting five standout projects that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Key evaluation criteria include the project's effectiveness, the extent of public participation, and the initiative's potential to inspire and connect with other conservation efforts.

In a significant discovery, the WWII submarine USS Harder has been located in the South China Sea at a depth of 1140 meters (3750 feet). Tim Taylor, CEO of Tiburon Subsea, announced the find, marking the ninth WWII submarine he has discovered. This brings closure to the families of 452 servicemen lost in battle. Taylor's efforts are part of the Lost 52 Project, which aims to locate 52 US submarines lost during WWII.

The USS Harder, entombing its 80 servicemen, earned the Presidential Unit Citation for six successful war patrols. These included sinking five destroyers and rescuing a special forces team behind enemy lines. Taylor's team documented the gravesite using advanced 4D modeling photogrammetry, creating detailed historical archaeological records.

 The NY-Vendée made its mark on the Big Apple with glamorous trials, haute cuisine, and big thinkers while previewing the Vendée Globe form book.

The wind gods only partially delivered for the NY-Vendée fleet competing in the Vendée Liberty exhibition speed trials on Upper New York Harbor. Puffs of breeze decided the fortunes of the fleet. Battling north and south winds gave the 60-foot IMOCA sailboats opportunities to lay down their rails and charge along the one-mile course in front of the Governor’s Island audience, while others ran out of luck and slid along at pedestrian speeds.

The introduction of the Maiora 82-foot luxury yacht, El Pecado, to the IYC global charter fleet marks a significant enhancement in the realm of luxury yachting experiences. With a build year of 2014 and maintained in top condition, El Pecado promises unparalleled sea voyages for discerning clientele. Managed by experienced Charter Manager Lydia Barmpadimou, this yacht epitomizes elegance and operational excellence.

The excitement is palpable as we edge closer to the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, particularly with the recent unveilings of the new AC75 boats by four competing teams. Each team has approached the design and mechanics with unique strategies, emphasizing the innovation race that defines this prestigious event.

The design variations are especially intriguing. For instance, the hull design and control systems optimized for the specific sailing conditions in Barcelona demonstrate a blend of creative engineering and strategic foresight. Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli are initially using legacy foils, suggesting a gradual unveiling of their full technological prowess. In contrast, Alinghi Red Bull Racing's use of full-span bespoke foils has notably enhanced their performance, showcasing the significant impact of foil design on speed and agility.

In the serene waters of Barcelona’s Port Vell, a remarkable event unfolded that would catch the fancy of sailing enthusiasts and yacht aficionados alike. The Swiss-based Alinghi Red Bull Racing team officially unveiled their latest marvel, the AC75 yacht, destined to compete in the 37th America’s Cup. The launch event was not just a ceremonial christening but a showcase of cutting-edge naval architecture and teamwork that resonates with the pioneering spirit of yachting.

The AC75 yacht's introduction by Alinghi Red Bull Racing marks a significant chapter in competitive sailing. Named amidst the vibrant echoes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' anthem, "Don’t Stop," the yacht represents a fusion of heritage and innovation. Chiara Bertarelli, representing the lineage of sailing enthusiast Ernesto Bertarelli, had the honor of christening the yacht, signaling a hopeful resurgence in Switzerland's America’s Cup aspirations.

A Beacon of Sustainability at Milano Design Week 2024

Unveiling Innovation and Artistry in Yacht Design

Milan, a city synonymous with high fashion and groundbreaking design, has once again turned heads, but this year with an unexpected twist at the Milano Design Week 2024. Azimut Yachts, in collaboration with the visionary minds at AMDL CIRCLE and renowned designer Michele De Lucchi, introduced a spectacle that blends the boundaries between nature, technology, and artistry through the “Mooring by the Moon” installation at the iconic Bagni Misteriosi del Teatro Franco Parenti.

Musto's Revolutionary MPX Impact

Musto, a leading brand in the sailing apparel industry, has unveiled its latest innovation, the MPX Impact GORE-TEX Pro sailing jacket and trousers, designed to offer unparalleled protection for offshore sailors. The launch of this new gear marks a significant advancement in the use of impact protection technology within the sailing world, utilizing the renowned D3O material—known for its efficacy in high-risk environments such as combat helmets and high-performance motorsports.

Developed in partnership with D3O, the new MPX Impact gear incorporates custom-designed pads to safeguard against the harsh impacts frequently encountered in offshore racing. The elbows, hips, and knees—critical points of vulnerability—are equipped with D3O pads that combine lightweight flexibility with formidable shock absorption capabilities. This innovative approach to sailor safety is a pioneering move by Musto, setting it apart as the only sailing brand currently leveraging D3O technology.

On March 25, 2019, Feadship, a globally recognized leader in luxury yacht manufacturing, made a strategic move that would shape the future of sustainable yachting. The introduction of the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) at the De Voogt offices marked a groundbreaking moment in maritime history. YETI was conceived as a joint industry project (JIP) under the auspices of the newly formed Water Revolution Foundation, signaling a robust industry-wide commitment to environmental stewardship.

The genesis of YETI can be traced back to the innovative mind of Bram Jongepier, Feadship’s Senior Specialist Design. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable practices, Jongepier championed a data-driven, scientific approach to measure and enhance the environmental performance of yachts. YETI employs a unique scoring system that utilizes fleet Average Operational Profile based on AIS data, enabling a transparent comparison of yachts based on their environmental impact.

The International Yacht Company (IYC) is excited to welcome AQUILA to its global charter fleet, a 135-foot Baglietto yacht that epitomizes luxury, comfort, and adventure for those eager to explore the enchanting Greek islands. Crafted in 2004 with a significant refit in 2022, AQUILA stretches over 41.4 meters, providing accommodation for 10 guests across five beautifully appointed cabins. A dedicated crew of nine ensures a seamless and personalized onboard experience, highlighting IYC's commitment to excellence in service.

The prestigious 5th Superyacht Chef Competition, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and Bluewater, once again celebrated yacht cuisine's exquisite and often underappreciated art. This event, part of the YCM's La Belle Classe Academy training center, highlighted the exceptional culinary skills behind the galleys and underscored Monaco's commitment to advancing yachting excellence.

Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary, emphasized the event's role in showcasing the talent and dedication of chefs accustomed to the unique challenges of yacht kitchens. The competition attracted top-tier professionals, united by their passion for gastronomy and innovation, ready to demonstrate their skills in the compact yet demanding spaces of superyacht galleys.

In the exquisite realm of luxury yachting, introducing a new vessel into the sales fleet marks a significant event, reflecting both the evolution of design and the embodiment of advanced technological integration. The recent announcement by the International Yacht Company (IYC) regarding adding the Sanlorenzo SAL to their prestigious sales fleet heralds a noteworthy moment for discerning yacht enthusiasts and potential owners alike. This detailed exploration delves into the essence of SAL, a 90-foot marvel of engineering and design, showcasing its unique attributes and positioning within the luxury yacht market.

Constructed by the esteemed Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo and delivered in 2023, SAL represents an exquisite blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. This fusion underscores Sanlorenzo's unparalleled expertise in yacht building and aligns with the evolving expectations of luxury yacht owners who seek heritage and innovation in their vessels. With a length of 27.43 meters, SAL emerges as a prominent contender in her category, distinguished by her pedigree and forward-thinking design.

The luxury yacht market has witnessed an exhilarating addition with the introduction of White Knight into the prestigious sales fleet of International Yacht Company (IYC), a titan in the yachting industry known for its unparalleled service and vast international reach. This magnificent Maiora yacht, spanning an impressive 130 feet (about 40 meters), epitomizes elegance and sophistication and marks a significant milestone in the luxury yacht sales domain, symbolizing a blend of high-end luxury and impeccable craftsmanship.

In the heart of Amsterdam, amidst the serene backdrop of its famous canals, a new chapter in the boating industry's storied history is about to be written. May 2024 marks the inaugural World Boating Day, a groundbreaking initiative that promises to reshape the future of the global boating community. Spearheaded by The Superyacht Life Foundation, this event stands as a testament to the industry's unyielding spirit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

In the realm of luxury yachting, innovation and elegance often sail together, charting courses toward new standards of luxury and design. In this spirit, IYC (International Yacht Collection) is proud to announce its latest foray into the pinnacle of yachting excellence, unveiling its third new-build project in 2024, the semi-custom Admiral Panorama 50. This remarkable vessel is a testament to IYC's growing portfolio and marks a significant addition to the luxury yachting landscape.

In an exciting update for luxury yachting enthusiasts, IYC (International Yacht Collection) proudly announces the inclusion of the magnificent Mangusta yacht COSMOS into its prestigious global sales fleet. At 108 feet (approximately 33 meters), this luxurious vessel represents the pinnacle of luxury and engineering finesse. COSMOS, now listed with IYC's Monaco Managing Partner, Kevin Bonnie, is offered at an asking price of €3,500,000, marking a significant addition to the luxury yacht market.

In the heart of Monaco, the anticipation builds for an event that marries the luxurious world of superyachting with the pinnacle of culinary expertise. The 5th Superyacht Chef Competition, set to dazzle on April 4, 2024, is not merely a contest; it's a global celebration of culinary artistry on the high seas. Organized by the esteemed Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) in partnership with Bluewater, and championed by YCM's La Belle Classe Academy, this event underscores the importance of gastronomy in the yachting profession.

Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary, encapsulates the essence of this gathering, highlighting its role in reinforcing the 'Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting' philosophy. It's an international stage where chefs from diverse backgrounds converge, ready to push the boundaries of taste and presentation, proving that the finest dining experiences are not confined to terra firma.