Industry News

The adventure community is in mourning following the tragic news of Michael Holt, a 54-year-old British explorer from Porthmadog, North Wales, who was found deceased on his boat, Mynadd. Holt embarked on a formidable solo rowing voyage from Gran Canaria on January 27, aiming for Barbados. His journey was not only a display of extreme endurance but also a venture to raise crucial funds for Mind and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, emphasizing his dedication to supporting mental health and community aid.

Palm Beach, FL - The maritime world is set to witness an unparalleled spectacle at the Palm Beach Boat Show 2024, where J Craft Boats announces the debut of its latest masterpiece, the AQUILA III. This event, running from Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24, 2024, in the luxurious setting of Palm Beach, Florida, is anticipated to be a grand celebration of maritime innovation and opulence.

A New Era of Maritime Excellence

The AQUILA III, J Craft's first Torpedo crafted specifically for the US market, is the brand's commitment to excellence. Designed to meet and exceed US specifications, this vessel is a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance, promising to redefine standards in the yachting industry. Alongside her sister ship, NATALIA, AQUILA III represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance.

In the ever-evolving world of luxury yachting, few names command as much respect and admiration as Lürssen. The esteemed shipyard, renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative designs, and dedication to client satisfaction, is once again making waves in the industry. This time, its journey takes it to the heart of the Middle East for the Dubai International Boat Show, set to take place from 28 February to 3 March 2024.

Celebrating 30 Years of Maritime Excellence

The Dubai International Boat Show, a cornerstone event in the global yachting calendar, is celebrating its 30th edition this year. Since its inception in 1992, the show has seen exponential growth, becoming a pivotal gathering for yachting enthusiasts, builders, and industry leaders worldwide. Lürssen's participation in this milestone event underscores its significant role in shaping the luxury yacht industry's future.

March 21 - 24, Palm Beach, Florida

The Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the top events in the luxury yachting calendar, and this year's edition, running from March 21st to 24th, is set to be a spectacular showcase of nautical grandeur and luxury lifestyle. International Yacht Company (IYC) is thrilled to announce its participation, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the world's most magnificent yachts.

Discover the IYC Experience

IYC is set to captivate attendees with one of the largest yacht lineups both in the show and the surrounding area. Visit us at Dock E - Booth E207, where our seasoned team of Yacht Sales and Charter Consultants will be offering exclusive tours and sharing insights into the luxury yachting lifestyle. This year, IYC has curated a selection of awe-inspiring yachts, valued at a staggering $1.2 billion, along with premier accessories from top-tier yachting manufacturers.

In just six months, the sailing world will converge on Barcelona, Spain, for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, a prestigious event that combines intense competition with cutting-edge yacht design. This event, revered as one of the hardest sporting achievements, promises to captivate fans and participants alike with its historic significance and modern innovations.

The America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, has long been a battleground for the world’s top sailing and design teams. This year’s competition, starting on August 22nd, 2024, is no exception, with six formidable teams from prestigious yacht clubs across the globe vying for supremacy. Teams from New Zealand, Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy, the USA, and France are all in contention, making predictions difficult and excitement palpable.

In a recent triumph for the luxury yachting community, International Yacht Corporation (IYC) has successfully brokered the sale of the exquisite FOUR JOYS, a majestic 82'5" (25.1m) yacht, marking another significant milestone in the luxury yacht market. This sale was expertly facilitated by Sales Consultant Costas Dimopoulos, who represented both the seller and the buyer, operating out of IYC's Athens Office.

Constructed in 2014 by the renowned Italian shipyard Maiora, FOUR JOYS is a masterpiece of nautical engineering and design. The yacht's interior, masterfully designed by Roberto Del Re, exudes elegance and comfort, making it a floating sanctuary of luxury. The design philosophy behind FOUR JOYS seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with functionality, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both sophisticated and warm.

In an exciting development for luxury yacht aficionados, International Yacht Company (IYC) has proudly announced the addition of the splendid 145-foot (44m) TANZANITE to its global sales fleet. This magnificent vessel, represented by the esteemed Mark Elliott, epitomizes the pinnacle of yachting excellence. Constructed by the renowned Westship in 2004 and having undergone significant refits in 2019 and again in 2023, TANZANITE emerges onto the market in a condition that can only be described as pristine, mirroring its namesake gemstone in both rarity and allure.

Dive into the majestic seascape of luxury yachting with Assouline's latest coffee table book—a literary vessel that navigates through the 150-year legacy of Benetti, one of the most storied shipyards in nautical history. Crafted by the esteemed yachting journalist Kevin Koenig, the book is an odyssey that delves deep into the Italian marque's dedication to tradition, innovation, and maritime excellence.

The Genesis of Modern Luxury Yachting: Benetti's journey, rooted in Viareggio since 1873, has been one of relentless pursuit of excellence. The book illuminates this path by showcasing the shipyard's seminal moments and pioneering spirit. The archival photographs not only serve as visual anchors but also narrate the transformation from the early days of wooden yachts to the era of the 'motopanfilo'—a term coined by Benetti that embodies the fusion of luxury and maritime engineering. The 1960s marked the inception of this concept with the Delfino, Gabbiano, and Mediterraneo lines, setting a new standard in yacht design that has stood the test of time.

Galeón San José: Colombia's Ambitious Quest for a Sunken $15 Billion Treasure˝

Cartagena, Colombia - A monumental chapter in maritime archeology and treasure hunting is unfolding off the coast of Colombia. The government has announced an ambitious expedition to explore and potentially recover treasures from the Galeón San José, a 62-meter-long Spanish galleon sunk by British pirates in 1708. The ship's cargo, believed to include over 11,000 gold coins, emeralds, and other valuables from the Spanish colonies, is currently valued at over $15 billion.

The Galeón San José, which set sail from Cartagena de Indias carrying wealth destined for King Philip V of Spain, met its watery grave with at least 500 people on board. Its discovery by the Colombian National Navy and the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History on November 27, 2015, sparked a frenzy of excitement and international disputes over the ownership of the sunken treasures.

Iceland recently experienced a dramatic natural event that captured global attention. The eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, following intense seismic activity, has led to significant geological changes and raised concerns about the impact on various sectors, including sailing.

Volcanic Eruption in Iceland: A Geographical Overview

The volcanic eruption, characterized by a 3.5km long fissure, unleashed a substantial magma flow, marking it as a considerable eruption in the area. The Icelandic Meteorological Office's data suggested that the magma was moving southwest, potentially towards the town of Grindavik. In response, nearly 4,000 residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Volcanologists have highlighted the eruption's unique nature - it's not explosive but instead features magma fountains, contributing to extensive lava flow. This type of eruption, while visually spectacular, usually doesn't produce the ash clouds that disrupt air travel. This has been a relief for aviation, with the Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik remaining open.

A Closer Look at the Majestic Marine Giant

Exploring the Intriguing World of Fin Whales in Light of the Recent Tragic Event on Kodiak Island

In a startling discovery that has captured the attention of marine biologists and conservationists alike, a fin whale, the second-largest whale species on Earth, was found dead near Kodiak Island. This incident brings fin whales into the spotlight, prompting a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures, their behavior, habitat, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.

A Glimpse into the Glitz and Glamour

The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation as Rockstar Games teases the release of its latest trailer for the much-awaited "Grand Theft Auto VI" (GTA VI). Known for its immersive worlds that mirror and sometimes satirize real-life scenarios, GTA VI is expected to take players on a thrilling ride through a virtual rendition of Florida, a state synonymous with luxury yachting and opulent lifestyles.

Foretelling a New Era of Private Performances at Sea

The luxury yachting world, a symbol of elegance, privacy, and unparalleled entertainment, recently played host to a unique event that captures the essence of this exclusive lifestyle. Pop icon Selena Gomez, in a departure from her usual grand stage performances, was seen enjoying a casual singing session with friends aboard a luxurious yacht. This intimate gathering, though not a formal performance, has sparked conversations about the potential of luxury yachts as venues for private, exclusive entertainment.

A Trendsetting Venue

Selena Gomez's choice of a luxury yacht for a personal gathering with music highlights a growing trend. Celebrities are increasingly seeking the serenity and privacy that yachts offer. The tranquil backdrop of the sea, coupled with the bespoke luxury of a yacht, provides an ideal setting for artists to enjoy and share their art in a more personal, intimate setting.

On a serene Monday afternoon off the coast of Singapore's opulent Sentosa Island, Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer's $40 million super yacht, 'Australia', found itself in an unforeseen predicament as it ran aground, drawing attention away from its usual allure of luxurious features like jacuzzis, bars, and a VIP suite, to a scene of a maritime misadventure​. The 56-meter vessel, stuck less than a kilometer from the shore, became an unexpected spectacle for the locals and raised questions on the proficient navigation of such opulent vessels in the bustling Singapore Strait.

At the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, one of the largest boat builders in Europe, ARES Shipyard, unveiled its new superyacht brand: ARES YACHTS. With a long tradition of shipbuilding and sailing, ARES Shipyard has already built a solid reputation for its naval, utility and support vessels, having delivered over 230 vessels to more than 15 countries to date. Now, the shipyard is looking to expand further into the luxury yachting arena.

ARES YACHTS will benefit from its parent company's exceptional facilities, which include carpentry, composite, metal, and electric workshops, all of which are equipped with the latest advanced technology and machinery. The combination of using both this existing production site alongside ARES Shipyard’s skilled workforce gives the newly established yachting brand a major advantage.

The Ultimate Luxe Experience in the Maldives Unveiled

The world of luxury travel has been enchanted once more, with the unveiling of the long-anticipated Soneva Secret resort. A three-decade dream now turned reality, this paradisiacal destination is nestled in the heart of Dhipparufushi, a shimmering gem in the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll.

Pushing the boundaries of bespoke luxury, Soneva Secret offers not just pristine, azure waters teeming with marine life, but 14 exclusive villas, each unrivaled in privacy and opulence. Among these is the Maldives’ first-ever floating villa, promising unobstructed, mesmerizing ocean vistas.

Andalucía, Spain - In a major coup for the world of sailing, renowned Spanish sailor Alex Pella has announced his intention to challenge the Elcano Oceanic Trophy record in early 2025.

The Elcano Oceanic Trophy is a new competitive round-the-world sailing challenge trophy inspired by the first-ever circumnavigation of the planet, which was achieved by Spanish sailor Juan Sebastian Elcano over 500 years ago.

The westabout course, which will start and finish in Andalucía, Spain, follows in the wake of Elcano, who completed the first circumnavigation in September 1522 after taking command of the expedition originally led by Ferdinand Magellan who died during the 1,082-day voyage.

Miami's marine community was left in shock with the recent passing of Lolita, the Miami Seaquarium's beloved orca. Often referred to by names such as Toki, Tokitae, or Lolita the orca, her death after five decades of captivity prompts a deeper dive into the circumstances that encapsulate the life and plight of captive sea mammals.

Lolita's story began more than 50 years ago. She was captured from her native waters in Washington state at an estimated age of four. This Lolita whale soon became an attraction at the Miami Seaquarium, where she remained until her demise. Her capture alone set the stage for decades of controversy, especially as she hailed from the Puget Sound region. Orcas from this area were recognized as endangered species in 2005. Yet, the rights and protections that come with such a label have eluded orcas like Lolita in captivity.

Camper & Nicholsons is renowned for the exquisite yachts within its sales fleet, each bearing a distinct mark of craftsmanship and luxury. But today, there's something even more special to share - the recent addition of Eurus to their sales fleet. This hull #10 of the successful Benetti Mediterraneo 116' is represented by the esteemed sales advisor Tommaso Bilotta, and it represents a golden opportunity for discerning yacht lovers.

The Eurus, delivered in 2021, boasts striking exteriors designed by Cassetta Yacht Design, a well-renowned name in luxury yachts. Its sleek design is accentuated by floor-to-ceiling picture windows spanning three meters. These windows clearly distinguish the yacht's four decks in their architectural brilliance, allowing breathtaking, unobstructed views from every nook and corner of the interiors. But there's more to Eurus than meets the eye.