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8 Collectors-Only Watches of 2025

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8 Collectors-Only Watches of 2025

January 2, 2026
12:50 pm

This year saw luxury brands re-engineer fundamental mechanics and design principles for both returning and new watch collectors.

By Florence Sutton

From new escapements and oscillators to radical chronograph architectures and unprecedented chiming complexity, 2025 revealed a shift in luxury watchmaking. If recent years were defined by consolidation, anniversary-driven releases and cautious evolution, 2025 saw brands increasingly willing to make visible, structural bets on the future of mechanical watchmaking rather than relying on incremental updates or archival reassurance — from industrial giants to high-complication specialists.

Rolex unveiled an entirely new escapement after a decade of development. Audemars Piguet reevaluated its chronograph mechanics from first principles. TAG Heuer replaced the weakest component of the traditional oscillator rather than refining it. Blancpain expanded the limits of chiming watches not by scale, but by acoustic ambition. Even Patek Philippe, long defined by restraint, presented a high complication designed for contemporary wear.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller

Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller 40

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller marks one of the brand’s rare full-collection launches and for collectors — that alone carries weight. Introduced in 2025, it pairs an integrated-bracelet case with a dial unlike anything else in the current Rolex catalogue, defined by a laser-sculpted honeycomb motif that gives the surface depth without sacrificing legibility. The timepiece’s design is deliberate rather than overtly nostalgic, extending familiar Rolex cues — the Flat Jubilee bracelet, ice-blue dial on platinum, fluted bezel — into a distinctly contemporary register.

What elevates the Land-Dweller into collector territory, however, is the Calibre 7135. Ten years in development, it beats at 5Hz and introduces the Dynapulse escapement, a newly engineered regulating system that reduces friction, improves energy efficiency and allows the movement to measure time to a tenth of a second. Combined with a ceramic balance staff, reworked Syloxi hairspring and visible finishing through a sapphire caseback — still a rarity for Rolex — the Land-Dweller signals a technical direction the brand rarely reveals so openly. As a new platform rather than a variation, it stands as one of the most consequential modern Rolex releases for collectors in 2025.

Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli

Zenith marks its 160th anniversary with the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli. Limited to just 50 pieces, it transforms the cosmos into a wearable masterpiece. Its openworked dial, crafted from deep blue lapis lazuli streaked with natural pyrite, shimmers like a star-studded night sky — no two dials are alike, making each watch uniquely personal. Powered by the El Primero 9004 calibre, it is one of the few mechanical chronographs capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, with dual escapements — one for time, the other for the chronograph — propelling the central hand around the dial every second.

The sculptural 45mm case pairs polished steel with a warm, matte gold dodecagonal bezel, reflecting Zenith’s bold, architectural design language. True to the Defy Extreme spirit, three interchangeable straps — steel, black rubber, and black Velcro — allow the watch to move effortlessly from formal to sporty settings. With its rarity and precision, the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli stands as one of 2025’s most exclusive collector-only watches.

Ulysse Nardin’s Freak [X Crystalium]

Ulysse Nardin writes a new chapter in the story of its Freak collection, this time devoted to material science and high-tech decorative arts. Fresh from Geneva Watch Days is the Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Crystalium], whose most distinct feature is its rotating hour disc made of Crystalium, which was so complex to manufacture that the Freak [X Crystalium] is presented as a limited production of just 50 pieces. The process of creating Crystalium took years to develop and perfect. Starting from ruthenium, a metal that is 10 times rarer than platinum and prized for its strength and shine, days of controlled crystallisation via vapour deposition methods result in shimmering, intricate and irregular fractal-like crystal structures, meaning each disc bears a unique pattern.

Underneath the Crystalium hour disc sits the automatic calibre UN-230, which provides 72 hours of power reserve and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, while above the Crystalium one finds the flying carousel and the silicon balance wheel and escapement, made by the brand’s silicon lab, SIGATEC, and suspended by a bridge that doubles as the minute indicator.

Audemars Piguet’s RD#5

The Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 is Audemars Piguet’s most technical statement of its 150th anniversary. Limited to 150 pieces, it introduces the entirely new Calibre 8100, marking the first time the Jumbo has combined a flyback chronograph with a flying tourbillon. The significance lies in the chronograph itself: traditional pushers and heart-piece mechanisms are abandoned in favour of a patented rack-and-pinion system that stores energy instead of dissipating it.

This allows ultra-short pusher travel, a lighter touch, an instant minute jump and a near-imperceptible reset — all while eliminating the friction spring that has defined chronographs for over a century. Achieving this within the Jumbo’s historic proportions required glass-box sapphires, a peripheral platinum rotor and lessons carried forward from earlier RD projects. For collectors, RD#5 is a chronograph rethought at a fundamental mechanical level and one that exists only because Audemars Piguet is willing to redesign complications from first principles.

A. Lange & Söhne Minute Repeater Perpetual 2025

The A. Lange & Söhne Minute Repeater Perpetual sits at the very top of the Saxonia line and represents one of the brand’s most technically concentrated releases of 2025. Limited to 50 pieces in platinum, it combines a minute repeater with a full perpetual calendar, powered by the new manually wound calibre L122.2. The repeater strikes hours, quarter-hours and minutes with no silent gaps, thanks to Lange’s pause-elimination mechanism, while a flying governor ensures controlled, quiet operation without residual buzz. The perpetual calendar is displayed across a four-part black enamel dial made in-house, with indications for day, month, leap year, moon phase and small seconds. Accurate to 122.6 years, the moon-phase display alone features 100 hand-engraved stars. At 40.5mm wide and just 12.1mm thick, the watch balances extreme mechanical density with restrained proportions, making it one of the most uncompromising collector-only complications released this year.

TAG Heuer’s Monaco Flyback Chronograph and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport

TAG Heuer’s TH-Carbonspring marks one of the brand’s most consequential technical developments in decades, addressing the weakest point of traditional oscillators through material science rather than incremental tuning. Developed over nearly ten years, the carbon-based hairspring is lighter than silicon or metal, impervious to magnetism and far more resistant to shock — qualities that directly improve long-term rate stability rather than theoretical performance. Its debut is deliberately restrained: two forged-carbon flagships, the Monaco Flyback Chronograph and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport, each limited to just 50 pieces. The spiral dial motifs subtly reference the hairspring itself, while the movements — TH20-60 and TH20-61 — retain familiar architectures to foreground the oscillator’s real-world impact. For collectors, these watches are not about novelty aesthetics, but about owning the first visible step in TAG Heuer’s post-silicon future.

Blancpain’s Grande Double Sonnerie

Blancpain’s Grande Double Sonnerie Ref. 15GSQ occupies a space so rare that even seasoned high-complication specialists may encounter only one or two in a lifetime. While grande and petite sonneries already sit above minute repeaters in both difficulty and autonomy, Blancpain complicates the complication by giving the wearer two fully realised chiming systems — a traditional Westminster sequence and a newly composed four-note melody — selectable at will. Achieving this required parallel acoustic architectures, independent energy management via a dedicated striking barrel and micron-level tuning of the governing components that control tempo and pitch.

Unlike historic sonneries built for clocks or safes, this is an integrated, wearable wristwatch with a flying tourbillon, perpetual calendar and a case engineered to be worn daily rather than preserved. Produced at a rate of roughly two pieces per year and assembled end-to-end by named watchmakers, the Grande Double Sonnerie is less a showcase of excess than a demonstration of what modern high watchmaking can still do when technical ambition, acoustic sensitivity and restraint align.

Patek Philippe’s 5308G ‘Quad Comp’

The reference 5308G represents a reorientation of Patek Philippe’s high-complication philosophy toward modern use. The reference 5308G is not Patek Philippe abandoning restraint so much as redefining it on modern terms. Where earlier grand complications prioritised lineage and continuity, the Quad Comp is built around contemporary use: a microrotor architecture to manage height, an instantaneous perpetual calendar to improve legibility, and a modular split-seconds chronograph designed for reliability rather than theatrical exposure. Its scale, dial graphics and serial production mark a clear departure from the museum-grade ideal of references like the 5016, positioning the 5308G as a high-complication meant to be worn, not revered at arm’s length. In doing so, Patek signals a future where maximal complication is no longer a historical exercise, but a living, evolving product shaped as much by modern collectors’ expectations as by the brand’s technical inheritance.

For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.

Double-handed Min River wins 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart

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Double-handed Min River wins 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart

January 2, 2026
3:32 am

Jiang Lin becomes the first female skipper to win the overall title at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Words: Quinag; Photos: Rolex

The 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race lived up to the event’s renowned and often fearsome reputation. The 628nm of ocean racing tested resilience, resolve and preparation to the limit. Time and again, an adage frequently heard in endurance sport sprang to mind: “to finish first, first you have to finish”. It is a well-worn but stark reminder that reliability, consistency and simply completing the course are prerequisites; a lesson often learned the hard way.

Conditions during the opening 36-48 hours were consistently described as brutal. Any weakness in equipment or crew was ruthlessly exposed by a sea that lifted bows clear of the water before slamming them back down moments later.

Reputation and past performance offered no protection; several yachts expected to feature prominently were among those unceremoniously bounced from the course. More than a quarter of the fleet failed to finish. Against this backdrop, the winners of the race’s two principal prizes thoroughly deserve the plaudits reserved for those who achieve something truly special.

Min River, winner of the Tattersall Cup for overall victory on IRC time correction, and Master Lock Comanche, first to finish and recipient of the JH Illingworth Challenge Cup, stared down every threat the race could deliver.

Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in collaboration with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania since 1945, and with the support of title sponsor Rolex since 2002, the character of each Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is defined by its conditions. No two editions are ever the same.

Broadly speaking, the 2025 race was one of two halves: a desperate upwind opening, driving into tumultuous waves with heights of 3m or more, where survival was more important than speed; followed by periods of often sublime downwind sailing along the east coast of Tasmania under blue skies.

Even that summary is simplistic. Veteran navigator Adrienne Cahalan, completing her 33rd race, divides the course into five distinct segments, each with its own nuance, where outcomes depend entirely on timing. Storm Bay and the River Derwent once again played their familiar games, delivering experiences ranging from straightforward to utterly will-sapping as the wind switched on and off, frustrating and rewarding competitors without regard for size or pedigree.

Historic Overall Winner
Double-handed crews have only been eligible to participate in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race since 2020, and for the Tattersall Cup since 2022. The division has consistently attracted around 20 entries, reflecting strong global interest in this demanding discipline.

Sailing short-handed is tough enough at the best of times: all the same tasks must be completed as on a fully crewed yacht, and the same weather conditions endured. Unsurprisingly, the boats are among the smallest in the fleet, typically measuring 30-40ft.

In the southern hemisphere, Rupert Henry and Mistral had set the benchmark, winning the Double-Handed Division in the previous three Rolex Sydney Hobarts and finishing sixth overall in 2023. Henry’s 2025 campaign ended cruelly and abruptly on the first night, when Mistral joined the growing list of retirements after Henry suffered an injury that prevented him from continuing.

The mantle was taken up by the remainder of the division. As the weather gradually swung in favour of the smaller, less powerful yachts, those double-handers that survived the early ordeal began creeping steadily up the provisional standings.

By the close, seven double-handed entries featured in the overall top 10. Their progress was hard-won. After four days of managing challenging conditions, Storm Bay and the Derwent delivered a final sting, testing the crews’ last reserves of tactical acumen and physical endurance as the wind flicked between nothing and just enough.

The closing stretch evolved into a two-boat duel between the 33ft Australian entry Min River, sailed by Jiang Lin and Alexis Loison, and the similarly sized BNC-my Net from New Caledonia, co-skippered by Michel Quintin and Yann Rigal.

Both crews had sailed near-perfect races and were separated by only minutes on corrected time. Ultimately, an error of judgement proved decisive.

An inadvertent rule infringement by BNC in the closing miles resulted in a time penalty that pushed the New Caledonian boat into second overall, leaving Lin the distinction of becoming the first female skipper to win Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race outright and Min River to make history as the first double-handed yacht to win the Great Race South.

A relative newcomer to the sport, it is the fourth time Lin has competed. For Loison, a professional sailor from Brittany, this was a sixth Rolex Sydney Hobart, including finishing second overall as a crew member in 2015.

Loison’s full CV is outstanding. He and his father were the first double-handed crew to win one of the world’s 600-mile offshore classics, succeeding at the 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race, a feat Loison repeated in 2025. He has also won the Rolex Middle Sea Race and La Solitaire du Figaro.

Reflecting on the experience, Loison said: “The beginning was definitely pretty challenging, particularly the second night when the wind picked up. The last night was also strong wind, but we realised that we could get a good result, so we pushed really hard even though we had to hand steer the whole time because the sea state was so bad.”

On stepping ashore, Lin highlighted the relentless workload: “We didn’t think about much for the first 48 hours, we were in survival mode until today, when the weather was kinder going up the river. Even so the lack of wind was a pain. Don’t ask me how many sails we changed, how many spinnakers I packed.”

It may take a little while for the enormity of what she has achieved to properly sink in. “We never thought we could win overall,” she said. “It seemed too far a reach for our little boat when we think about all the other boats with such good sailors. I hope that more women can believe in themselves. If you try hard enough the dream can come true.”

Deserving Line Honours Winner
Five 100ft maxis charged off the start line on December 26, powering down Sydney Harbour under towering sail plans.

LawConnect, line honours winner for the previous two years, reached Sydney Heads first and exited into the Tasman Sea closely followed by Comanche, with the 88ft Lucky in a remarkable third. Their reward was to confront the tumultuous sea state sooner than the rest of the fleet.

The five 100-footers were quickly reduced to four when a series of rigging issues forced Wild Thing 100 to withdraw. Palm Beach XI, formerly Wild Oats XI and a nine-time line honours winner, was unable to repeat past dominance and gradually slipped away from the leaders. SHK Scallywag also struggled in the heavy conditions and lay fourth, behind Lucky but within striking distance.

Crossing Bass Strait on the night of December 27-28, a tricky transition zone awaited, marking the end of the strong southerly and the beginning of a steadier northerly. The leading maxis slowed almost to a standstill and were briefly caught by those astern.

For Matt Allen, co-skipper of Comanche, ahead at the time, it felt as though the race had to be won twice. He believed the critical decision was to remain close to Tasmania’s eastern coastline. The breeze eventually filled in from the land side, and the seasoned crew left the chasers behind to finish at six in the evening on December 28.

Allen, a four-time overall winner, was elated: “In all the years I have done this race, this is the first time I have finished first. It was really special to do so in the 80th edition, I love the history of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, and this was such an exciting race for line honours with so many boats so close for such a long period, and for the lead to change so often, even on the last morning.

“It was an exhilarating finish, with huge numbers of people in Hobart to welcome us. For the crew who have done so many races around the world it was something truly special.”

Co-skipper James Mayo paid tribute to the team’s determination and resilience: “It feels like we were out there for a week. It was exhausting, but it was all about teamwork. Together one achieves more, and when you have a great team, you can do anything in life. We sailed a faultless race, with everyone focused on the job in hand throughout.”

The story of this illustrious contest has humble beginnings. A casual invitation to join a cruise to Hobart in late 1945, led to a response of historic consequence. British Navy Captain John Illingworth’s simple reply of “I will, if you make a race of it” ignited a tradition that has endured for 80 remarkable years.

That the original adventurous spirit continues to resonate is apparent, as Dr Sam Haynes, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, made clear in his speech at the final prize giving.

“This 80th edition has reminded us why the Rolex Sydney Hobart is one of the world’s great sporting occasions. The race demands the very best preparation, seamanship and teamwork, and it is apt that we are celebrating some truly historic achievements,” Haynes said.

“Min River’s victory is a milestone moment for the race and offshore sailing more widely. For the first time, we have a female overall winner. And the victory of a double-handed crew is testament to our commitment to increase participation and diversity in this race.”

More than just a yacht race, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become a celebration of human endeavour, courage and accomplishment. A cornerstone of its near 70-year association with yachting, Rolex salutes the journey undertaken by all competing crews and the outstanding achievement of the winners.

rolexsydneyhobart.com

Gulf Craft Group grows Southeast Asia network

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Gulf Craft Group grows Southeast Asia network

January 2, 2026
3:16 am

The Middle East’s largest yacht builder has appointed Derani Yachts as the dealer for three of its brands.

Majesty 100 Terrace

Derani Yachts has announced its appointment as the Thailand and Malaysia dealer for Majesty, Nomad and Oryx, three leading brands from the Gulf Craft Group.

Abdul Gaffar Saiyed, Gulf Craft Group’s Regional Sales Manager, said: “Southeast Asia continues to be one of the world’s most exciting growth regions for yachting, and partnering with Derani Yachts allows us to serve these markets with the level of expertise and local knowledge they deserve.

“Derani Yachts’ reputation, professionalism and long-standing commitment to premium boating make them an ideal representative for Majesty, Nomad and Oryx in Thailand and Malaysia.”

Nomad 75

Majesty is Gulf Craft’s best-known brand, building yachts and superyachts ranging from the 60 to the flagship 175, with recent models including the 100 Terrace (click for Review).

The Nomad range of adventure-focused motoryachts spans the 65 to the 101 tri-deck, while Oryx’s recently refreshed fleet of cruisers starts from the 32FX and includes FX and LX versions of the 37 and 47.

Oryx 47LX

Håkan Lange, founder and Managing Director of Derani Yachts, stated: “We are thrilled to represent the Majesty, Nomad and Oryx lines in Thailand and Malaysia. These yachts and boats are exceptionally well suited to how people cruise in Southeast Asia – from family trips among the islands to extended passage making.

“Our team is committed to providing owners with the highest standards of service, support and guidance throughout their ownership journey.”

In November, Derani was announced as a representative of Marex, which joined a new yachts portfolio featuring Horizon, Fleming, Greenline, Axopar and Brabus Marine.

majesty-yachts.com

nomad-yachts.com

oryx-cruisers.com

derani-yachts.com

SUTL Enterprise set to acquire Marina at Keppel Bay

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SUTL Enterprise set to acquire Marina at Keppel Bay

January 2, 2026
2:54 am

If the proposed acquisition is successful, the marina will be rebranded ONE°15 Marina Keppel Bay and expand the brand’s portfolio in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Marina at Keppel Bay opened in 2008 and has 166 berths

SUTL Enterprise Limited, owner of the ONE°15 brand, has inked a put-and-call-option agreement to acquire Marina at Keppel Bay from Keppel Bay Pte Ltd for a consideration of S$40 million (about US$31 million). The proposed acquisition, which would include rebranding the facility as ONE°15 Marina Keppel Bay, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, SUTL Enterprise’s first and biggest marina, launched in 2007 and currently offers 270 berths on the east of Sentosa island. This year, the marina will again host the annual Southeast Asia Yachting Conference (April 21-22), Yacht Style Awards (April 22) and Singapore Yachting Festival (April 23-26).

Marina at Keppel Bay opened in 2008 and is located on Singapore’s main island, west of the Sentosa bridge and boardwalk. Set within the Greater Southern Waterfront and overlooked by the Reflections at Keppel Bay towers, the 166-berth marina can accommodate superyachts up to 85m (280ft) and serves more than 10,000 public and private housing units across the precinct.

Its proposed acquisition would make SUTL Enterprise the largest owner/operator of integrated marinas in Singapore, with a combined 436 berths.

ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove opened in 2007 and has 270 berths

SUTL Enterprise’s marina portfolio also includes ONE°15 Marina Nirup Island, which is located 8nm south of Singapore in Indonesia and opened in 2023. In April 2024, SUTL Enterprise announced it was developing ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket in Thailand. In April 2025, the company announced an agreement to manage ONE°15 Marina Desaru Coast, close to Singapore, on the southeast corner of Malaysia’s Johor province.

Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Enterprise, said: “We have been actively seeking opportunities in Asia-Pacific to grow our business. Once completed, the proposed acquisition [of Marina at Keppel Bay] will enlarge ONE°15’s regional footprint and strengthen our Group’s position as one of the largest marina operators in Asia.

“With Singapore as our flagship duo-marina base, we can offer our members and boaters the experience of a city marina at Keppel Bay and an island marina at Sentosa, both within close proximity. Our new addition will enhance the value of a ONE°15 membership, making it more attractive to members who will gain access to an expanded network, curated fresh experiences, as well as diverse lifestyle activities across all our marinas.”

If it acquires Marina at Keppel Bay, SUTL Enterprise plans to upgrade the clubhouse amenities, improve berthing infrastructure and services, and add new retail spaces. It also plans to invest in integrated lifestyle and wellness concepts, which are expected to improve the asset’s long-term value while expanding revenue channels across berthing, membership, hospitality and F&B services.

one15marina.com

Absolute adds to Generation 2026

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Absolute adds to Generation 2026

January 2, 2026
2:39 am

The Navetta 50 will be among the Italian builder’s three world premieres at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

Absolute – whose dealers in Asia include Absolute Marine – has revealed details of the Navetta 50, which will join the Navetta 58 and Navetta 66 as the inland Italian builder’s three world premieres at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival from September 8-13.

The three new models are part of a rapid upgrade of the semi-displacement Navetta line, which includes the Navetta 62 (Review, Issue 86) that debuted at Cannes in September 2025 along with the 70 Fly, the flybridge of the shipyard’s planing line.

The Navetta 50 is geared towards owner-operation and “a cruising experience in a compact, manageable format”, with an intuitive helm station, a side access door, and circulation routes designed to facilitate manoeuvring during navigation and docking. However, along with three guest cabins, there’s a single cabin aft that can be used for crew or an additional guest berth.

Like other new Absolute models, the cockpit features modular furniture and a glass parapet, allowing a clear view over the swim platform. The foredeck, reached by symmetrical protected walkways beneath the flybridge overhangs, includes an integrated sunbathing area and integrated lighting.

Starboard stairs from the cockpit lead up to a step-free flybridge featuring a C-shaped sofa wrapped around the aft end and a table, while to port is a wet bar with refrigerator, ice maker and barbecue. Forward, a single helm seat is flanked by companion seating on both sides that combine with a full-width sunbathing area forward of the helm station.

Inside, the Navetta 50 introduces the new Absolute aesthetic, defined by light-toned woods. The interior starts with an open aft galley positioned to serve both the cockpit and saloon. Up two steps, the impressive saloon features full-height glazing, a three-sided sofa and a table to port, and a two-person sofa-cum-daybed to starboard, aft of the two-seat helm station with side door.

The lower deck features the owner’s cabin forward with a bed aligned diagonally and large, sea-level windows, walk-in wardrobe, custom storage units and a starboard en-suite bathroom with a separate shower. Midships is a VIP cabin to port with forward-facing bed and a twin cabin to starboard, while the day head to port includes a separate shower.

absoluteyachts.com

ICOMIA Market Insights: Pathways in Asia

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ICOMIA Market Insights: Pathways in Asia

January 1, 2026
6:15 pm

Su Lin Cheah, Asia Pacific representative for ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations), summarises the ICOMIA Market Insights: Pathways in Asia report in a Column for Yacht Style Issue 86.

Archipelagos of Asia: Southeast Asia is home to much of the Coral Triangle, the world’s most biodiverse marine region, where destinations include Raja Ampat and Komodo in Indonesia, and Palawan and El Nido in the Philippines; Commentary: WWF-Singapore; Infographic: ICOMIA

Asia’s leisure boating industry operates in a complex environment, requiring a clear understanding of the region’s unique characteristics to identify opportunities and address challenges.

With over 60,000km of coastline, thousands of islands and favourable climates, Asia supports year-round recreational boating. Its strategic location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, along with expanding infrastructure, makes it a key waypoint for global yachting.

Asia’s maritime heritage has shaped global history through centuries of seafaring, trade and advanced shipbuilding. This legacy enabled early globalisation, fostering trade and cultural exchange across the region.

Mastery of maritime sciences and strategic sea routes continues to influence modern maritime law and diplomacy. Key waterways, such as the Straits of Malacca, remain vital to regional economies and are expected to face capacity challenges, underscoring their ongoing importance in Southeast Asia.

HOME TO GLOBAL ECONOMIC POWERHOUSES

Asia is experiencing strong economic growth, especially within ASEAN, which has nearly 630 million people and recent annual GDP growth of nearly 5 per cent. The ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030 aims to make the region the world’s fourth largest economy. Despite global political challenges, ASEAN is focusing on job creation, education, digital economy, infrastructure and integration.

However, maritime disputes and declining fish stocks present coastal challenges. Prioritising local economic development and exploring green and blue economy opportunities are essential for sustainable welfare.

Su Lin Cheah at Penang’s Straits Quay Marina, Malaysia

China is now the world’s second-largest economy, with a nominal GDP over US$19 trillion, contributing about 30 per cent to global economic growth. It leads in manufacturing and exports, shipping goods valued at over US$3 trillion annually. China’s financial strength is evident in its large foreign exchange reserves, while the services sector offers further growth potential.

India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is expected to sustain rapid growth between 6.3-6.8 per cent through FY 2025-26. Its youthful population and digital transformation, combined with ongoing industrial development and initiatives like ‘Make in India’, position India for significant future growth.

BOATING IN ASIA’S BLUE ECONOMY

Boating plays a key role in Asia’s blue economy, supporting coastal tourism, economic growth and local prosperity. Stakeholders face challenges in measuring boating’s economic impact and advocating for supportive policies. National collaboration is essential for engaging regulators and improving reporting accuracy.

Although the leisure marine industry is fragmented, leading yacht manufacturers are investing in offices and partnerships in major hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore. These efforts help them navigate new markets, enhance customer service and succeed despite infrastructure challenges.

Meanwhile, Asia’s engineering and manufacturing sectors are advancing, focusing on innovation to address environmental challenges.

At the China International Boat Show 2025 in Shanghai, Chinese companies showcased new propulsion and sustainability technologies alongside established brands. Asian firms are actively expanding globally and participating in major trade events to build new business connections.

China is pioneering eco-friendly technologies, as displayed at the China International Boat Show; Photo: Su Lin Cheah

Asian markets are aligning with global standards and enhancing compliance through regional standards and certification organisations such as the China Classification Society (CCS), with a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Regional governments are updating regulations and investing in green technologies to meet global sustainability goals, which will affect water access and leisure boating infrastructure. While growth potential is strong, the industry must adapt to an uncertain environmental landscape.

Regional governments are implementing policies to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency. These changes require owners and managers of infrastructure (such as marinas) and services to upgrade facilities and adapt procedures to comply with new regulations, including alternative energy and waste management.

More than ever, industry stakeholders at all levels need to engage with the relevant authorities through their respective national Marine Industry Associations (MIAs) so any implementation will be inclusive and supportive of a sustainable industry.

Key fundamentals existing within the ecosystem of all leisure marine markets in the region include – in varying degrees of priority and development – Government Advocacy, Access to Water and Financial Infrastructure, as well as initiatives like Grow Boating.

These are intertwined with cross sectoral dependencies, underscoring the challenging complexity of the regulatory and operating environments in the region. Yet, more importantly, they collectively hold the development potential and growth opportunities of boating in Asia.

icomia.org

SU LIN CHEAH

As ICOMIA’s Regional Representative, Asia Pacific, Cheah leads ICOMIA’s initiatives and programmes while supporting the interests and activities of ICOMIA’s members in the region. An advocate of collaboration, cooperation and the strength of the collective, she continues to build upon 30 years of experience in the industry, bringing local-global-local perspectives and strategies in this dynamic region of diverse cultures and business practices.

ICOMIA Market Insights: Pathways in Asia is part of a research initiative of the ICOMIA Asia Working Group. This report, together with an extensive appendix comprising unique market reports by ICOMIA Members in Asia, is available as a complementary supplement with every purchase of ICOMIA Recreational Boating Industry Statistics 2023.

info@icomia.com

Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous keeps Phuket in spotlight

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Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous keeps Phuket in spotlight

January 1, 2026
6:06 pm

More than 300 guests attended the 10th annual Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous, organised by Infinite Luxury.

The Kata Rocks resort hosted its 10^th annual Superyacht Rendezvous in December 2025

Yacht Style was among guests at the 10^th Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous, which maintained its role as one of the opening events of Phuket’s high season for yachting.

Richard Pope, CEO of Kata Rocks and organiser Infinite Luxury, reflected: “For 10 years, the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous has signalled the start of the yachting season in Phuket. Once again, it was nice to see old and new faces reconvening at Kata Rocks.”

Yachts arrive at Yona, the first stop for The Kata Rocks Poker Run

Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the annual invitation-only event is one of the most significant for the superyacht community in Southeast Asia. Kwanchai Aswawongsonti, Executive Director of Infinite Luxury and Kata Rocks, described the rendezvous as “an event that has become a key feature on the Phuket calendar”.

The three-day event began with the Kata Rocks Poker Run on the first day, with 16 speedboats and 100 participants involved in an afternoon on the water followed by celebrations on shore.

Yachts gather in Bangtao Beach after cruising from Kata Rocks to Solis Beach Club

The second day, organised by Boat in the Bay and DCH Marine, was focused on more leisurely cruising, with the fleet exploring Phuket’s west coast.

There was also a presentation of several new yachts making their first appearances in Phuket, which included a Sunseeker Ocean 90 and a Princess S72, while the Leopard 43 powercat Estrella 43 added to the diversity of the fleet.

Camus Cognac unveiled its premium range to a hand-selected audience in the Kata Rocks Wine Cellar

The event’s third and final day included a showcase of water toys and product tastings, and culminated in a James Bond-themed closing party. More than 300 attendees in total were present for the closing festivities, including superyacht owners and UHNWI guests, alongside yachting industry professionals and media from the region and beyond.

The event also raised more than THB100,000 (US$3,150) for Phuket Has Been Good To Us, a local foundation that supports underprivileged children and families across the island.

The event ended with a James Bond-themed Closing Party attended by over 300 guests

Tim Sargeant, Director of Marketing at Infinite Luxury, commented: “The Closing Party is always a statement moment, but it is equally important that the event leaves a positive legacy. It is also our way of thanking our loyal Kata Rocks patrons and guests for their continued support, while supporting local causes that remain an integral part of what the Rendezvous represents.”
katarockssuperyachtrendezvous.com

Ferretti Yachts launches first hull of new 720

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Ferretti Yachts launches first hull of new 720

January 1, 2026
3:14 pm

The first unit of the next generation Ferretti Yachts 720 is the first Flybridge yacht to be launched at the new Ravenna facility.

The first hull of the next generation Ferretti Yachts 720 has been launched, becoming the first unit from the brand’s Flybridge range to be built at the Ferretti Group’s new 100,000sqm shipyard in Ravenna, Italy.

Designed by Filippo Salvetti with interior styling by IdeaeItalia, the Ferretti Yachts 720 has an overall length of 22.5m and a beam of 5.6m. This new version of the popular model revises and enhances the design both inside and out.

The redefined exterior profile features additional glazing in both the lounge and the master cabin, providing the interiors with more natural light than its predecessor. The updated hardtop on the flybridge is designed to increase the shade provided, while the redesigned gunwale accentuates the connection between interior and exterior.

Inside, IdeaeItalia has reconfigured the contemporary interiors to enhance volume and storage areas, as well as create a more seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The most noticeable new feature is the introduction of a sliding glass door and optional electronic hi-lo windows for a clear separation between the main saloon and the wheelhouse and galley, resulting in greater privacy.

The layout of the lower deck has also been rethought. The new Ferretti Yachts 720 features four cabins, comprising a master cabin with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, together with an en-suite VIP cabin and two twin cabins. There’s also a double crew cabin with a private bathroom, directly accessible from the cockpit.

Powered by two 1400hp MAN V12 engines, the superyacht can reach a top speed of 32 knots with a cruising speed of 28 knots. The model has also been equipped with a Seakeeper NG10 gyroscopic stabiliser and the WatchIt anti-grounding system.

ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Sanlorenzo APAC marks year of significant growth across Asia-Pacific

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Sanlorenzo APAC marks year of significant growth across Asia-Pacific

December 24, 2025
3:40 pm

Sanlorenzo APAC and Simpson Marine report on a year defined by strong momentum, strategic expansion and cultural engagement.

Fleet of yachts at Singapore Yachting Festival 2025

From major yacht arrivals to strengthened presence in new markets including Australia, Japan and Vietnam, and a strategic partnership in Thailand, the year reflected an evolving landscape of discerning yacht owners seeking exceptional craftsmanship, service and sustainability.

Throughout the year, the company has been sported by Sanlorenzo’s global reputation for refined Italian engineering and bespoke yacht-building, resonating strongly with the recent launches of iconic yachts such as the contemporary heritage cruiser SHE and the superyacht flagship 74Steel, as well as new premiere models unveiled in Cannes including the Sanlorenzo SL110A, SX120 and composite flagship SD132.

The first SP110 in Hong Kong

The synergy between global heritage and regional expertise and dynamism was evident across APAC, where customer interest continued to build in parallel with new marina developments, expanding service infrastructure, and regional governments endorsing boating.

One of the defining themes of 2025 was the arrival of several significant yachts into the region. The first SP110 yachts arrived in Hong Kong in spring and winter, a landmark smart-performance design embodying Sanlorenzo’s philosophy of rethinking intelligent, efficient design and onboard living. They were joined by the arrival of the first Bluegame BGM75, a game-changing power multihull developed by Bluegame, part of the Maison.

Bluegame BGM75 Asia-Pacific Premiere in Singapore

Meanwhile, the delivery of several tri-deck SD118 yachts across different markets highlighted the growing momentum of the semi-displacement superyacht segment, a category increasingly embraced by APAC owners seeking long-range comfort and safety while exploring the region’s 30,000-plus islands across various archipelagos in North and South Asia.

These deliveries form part of a broader rise in interest for larger superyachts, with more units currently under construction for the region. The company’s order book for 2026 and beyond features an expanding collection of Alloy, Steel and SD models, reinforcing Asia-Pacific’s emergence as a key contributor to Sanlorenzo’s global success story. As the region continues to mature, yacht owners are gravitating toward more personalised, architecturally inspired vessels that reflect their lifestyle ambitions.

Sanlorenzo SD118 in Thailand

Supporting this growth is a continued investment in the service network. In 2025, the company expanded its technical, customer care, and yacht management teams, ensuring an elevated standard of ownership support.

Main service hubs in Hong Kong and Phuket oversee the network of 10 regional service points and support a strong, more responsive foundation for yacht owners across diverse markets – from established hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore to rapidly developing destinations such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. This focus on after-sales care remains central to Simpson Marine’s identity and customer promise and a cornerstone of its partnership with Sanlorenzo.

Hong Kong Ballet private studio visit

Beyond the commercial milestones, the year also brought a deeper alignment with Sanlorenzo’s global cultural and environmental values. The brand’s longstanding relationship with the contemporary art world, expressed through collaborations with prominent institutions, found resonance in Asia.

The company hosted exclusive art-led gatherings, long-term partnerships with prestigious local institutions such as Hong Kong Ballet and M+ museum that reflected the shared sensibility between craftsmanship and artistic expression. These initiatives bring the yacht owner community together and allow for more dialogue linking art with craftsmanship and vision, an exchange globally championed by Casa Sanlorenzo, an artistic institution for exchange and dialogue, located in the heart of Venice, and officially opened in June 2025.

Casa Sanlorenzo, Venice

Sustainability remained a parallel priority, echoing Sanlorenzo’s commitment to responsible innovation. The APAC division started working on initiatives inspired by the shipyard’s ESG vision, including the increased environmental training across regional teams and standardisation of reporting in line with EU directives.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of the past year, Daniele Lucà, CEO of Sanlorenzo APAC/Simpson Marine, remarked: “2025 has been a defining year for Sanlorenzo in Asia-Pacific. The arrival of new flagship yachts, combined with our deepened presence in key markets, shows the strength of the brand and the trust placed in us by our customers. We are proud to continue expanding our world-class service network and look forward to shaping the next era of bespoke yachting in this dynamic, world fastest-growing region.”

Echoing this sentiment, Nick Stratton, Chief Sales Officer of Sanlorenzo APAC/Simpson Marine, said: “We are proud of our team’s achievements this year and the energy of the APAC market with a double-digit growth in order intake and expecting more iconic yachts to arrive in Asia in early 2026, including the flagship of the SL line, SL120A and the sister model of the striking SP110, the SP92.

“From Australia to Japan, we are seeing a new generation of owners embracing Sanlorenzo’s craftsmanship and vision. With more superyachts on the way, an expanded service network, and an active brokerage market, we are entering 2026 with strong momentum and a continued, decades-long commitment to our customers.”

First Swan Asian Regatta held in Japan, November 2025

As the company moves toward 2026, Sanlorenzo APAC and Simpson Marine are sharpening their distinctive strategic pillars for the year ahead. A key focus for the Sanlorenzo APAC division will be the reinforced growth of Sanlorenzo and Bluegame, which have been steadily expanding their regional footprint in the past years, and Nautor Swan, which recently hosted its first Swan Asian Regatta in Japan.

Strategically completing the Simpson Marine portfolio, Axopar boats serve as yachting-lifestyle debut for local owners, with the boats used both as a standalone day/weekend adventure cruiser or a chase boat to larger Sanlorenzo yachts.

In parallel, the Simpson Marine side of the business will significantly expand the high-end service ecosystem, with a focus on international yacht charter including the monoband division Sanlorenzo Charter Fleet, yacht management, and comprehensive after-sales service, ensuring that every aspect of ownership and enjoyment is meticulously supported.

Sanlorenzo SL86A cruising in Hong Kong

Customer experience, a long-standing strength of Simpson Marine, will become an even more central priority as clients increasingly seek personalised, seamless, and lifestyle-driven engagements that extend beyond traditional yachting.

APAC continues to present extraordinary opportunities for the luxury sector. Recent regional market analyses indicate steady annual growth figures in the wider luxury segment, with projections suggesting high single-digit to mid double-digit percentage expansion across several key categories over the next five years with Hong Kong in particular growing at an impressive 20 per cent in the past year.

Despite the wider regional presence, Simpson Marine’s historic strongholds of Hong Kong and Singapore remain the company’s most successful commercial hubs, serving as anchor markets that consistently demonstrate maturity, trust and long-term client loyalty.

Luca Santella in Hong Kong for Business of Design Week

Having concluded the yearly activation calendar with the Hong Kong International Boat Show in early December and featuring the APAC launch of the new asymmetric model SL86A, the team also welcomed the attendance of Luca Santella, Head of Product Strategy at Bluegame, visiting the city on the occasion of his keynote speech at Business of Design Week 2025.

With an active start to the new year already in planning, the company remains committed to shaping the next chapter of yachting in Asia-Pacific – one defined by creativity, sustainability, personalised service, and a deep respect for the region’s evolving lifestyle aspirations.

The team at Hong Kong International Boat Show 2025

The journey this year affirms not only its well-established market leadership in the industry but also its key role in bringing a uniquely refined and culturally engaged perspective to the Asia-Pacific yachting experience.

simpsonmarine.com

apac.sanlorenzoyacht.com

8 Opulent Real Estate Properties On The Market

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8 Opulent Real Estate Properties On The Market

December 18, 2025
12:59 pm

From private beach estates in San Diego to luxe townhouses in London, LUXUO unveils the latest luxury investment properties for 2026.

By Joe Lim

From California’s private beach estates to London’s super-prime townhouses, LUXUO highlights the pinnacle of global residential opulence. These properties merge scale, design and location with technical precision and lifestyle sophistication, offering discerning buyers seamless indoor-outdoor living and unrivalled vistas. Get prepared to discover the kind of amenities that redefine what it means to reside in absolute luxury.

Miami Coastal Mansion

A recently constructed waterfront mansion at 1510 W 23rd Street in Miami Beach, offered for USD 38,995,000, embodies contemporary coastal elegance on guard-gated Sunset Island III. This high modern home — measuring 9,237 square feet and featuring five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms — sits on a 15,750 square foot property with 90 feet of canal frontage and direct ocean access. A unique beachfront dimension in Miami Beach.

Expansive living areas with beautiful vistas will greet your eyes. Image: Miami Real Estate Brokers.

The design emphasises seamless indoor-outdoor living through floor-to-ceiling glass, skylights alongside white oak, marble and travertine finishes. A bespoke Italian kitchen with high-end appliances, a heated in-ground pool with southern exposure, an integrated spa and a rooftop loft with terrace position this property for maximum performance in both entertaining and daily life. Central air and heating, wood flooring, a connected garage and covered parking, convenient access to Sunset Harbour’s food and lifestyle options and intelligent utility areas are among the technical features.

Premium Freehold London Home

Regal feel of the stucco-fronted London Mansion. Image: Sotheby’s Realty.

On Avenue Road, St John’s Wood, NW8, an outstanding freehold house is available in the top tier of London’s premium market. This five-storey, 21,659 square foot stucco-fronted mansion is located on one of the capital’s most desirable streets, close to Regent’s Park and the High Street’s facilities.

David Linley’s interior design combines timeless materials with technological rigour: marble, onyx and limestone detailing throughout, mahogany and teak joinery and high ceilings define the primary areas. A marble-lined entrance hall leads to a full-width reception room that opens into landscaped gardens, while a bespoke family kitchen with high-end appliances stands next to a professional catering kitchen with a dumb waiter.

Generous-sized living areas replete with chic furnishings. Image: Sotheby’s Realty.

The games room, media/cinema space, wine cellar, gym with ballet rail, steam room, sauna and plunge pool are comparable to boutique hotel amenities. The lower level has safe parking for five vehicles, a car lift, a strongroom and staff rooms. The building’s systems are fully integrated — Crestron control, underfloor heating, comfort cooling and comprehensive CCTV — demonstrating an exacting technological specification. This home strikes a balance between size, specification and location at the peak of London’s super-prime market.

Chic Chelsea Penthouse In New York

Penthouse PH2, 212 West 18th Street, Chelsea, New York

Indulge in a whole-floor penthouse spanning 6,738 square feet. Image: Sotheby’s Realty.

Penthouse PH2, 212 West 18th Street, is a whole-floor penthouse at Walker Tower in Chelsea, offering the pinnacle of Manhattan’s luxury condominium market. This 6,738 square foot full-floor penthouse has five bedrooms, five and a half baths and three wood-burning fireplaces. It is anchored by a north-facing balcony with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, harbour and rivers. Radiant-heated French herringbone oak flooring, vaulted ceilings and handmade millwork are featured throughout the property, which also has central air, Crestron home automation, built-in humidification and innovative ventilation systems. A new chef’s kitchen with quality appliances complements the formal and informal entertaining areas and the smart separation of bedrooms and living areas improves daily life.

The Walker Tower’s amenity suite depicts full-service living such as a 24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness centre with yoga room, children’s playground, landscaped roof terrace with eating and lounging areas, bike storage and resident lounge.

Hotel-Managed, Waterfront Residence in Phuket

Plush furnishings and discreet lighting. Image: Kamala Ascend Company Limited.

The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort have been officially revealed by Proud Real Estate Public Company Limited (PROUD), becoming Kamala Beach’s newest premium residential icon. Developed by Kamala Ascend Company Limited, the construction has 111 private units ranging from 59-square-metre one-bedroom homes to 425-square-metre five-bedroom penthouses, guaranteeing seclusion and spacious living spaces.

The “Paradise on Earth” storyline was established at the launch event, which allowed guests to explore exhibit units and experience interiors designed with high-end fixtures and furniture. The design draws on Phuket’s legacy, combining Sino-European and Peranakan inspirations while expanding the resort’s “Traiphum Phra Ruang” idea, resulting in timeless style and value.

The residences and hotel are close to beachfront activities. Image: Kamala Ascend Company Limited.

Residents have exclusive access to the InterContinental Phuket Resort’s facilities, which include more than 2,000 square metres of wellness and leisure space featuring Aqua Symphony, Hydro Massage, Technogym Fitness and Fitwel-aligned design. Membership in IHG One Rewards and Proud Privilege increases the lifestyle offering, combining world-class service and private ownership.

As Phuket consolidates its position as the world’s fifth city with the most branded apartments, valued at USD 2.3 billion, this development combines a globally recognised brand with a strategic location. The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort not only provides an exceptional residential experience but also establishes a new standard for luxury living in Thailand, heralding a transformation in the island’s real estate market.

Posh Spanish Bungalow Perched On A Hill

Casa Orquídea, La Quinta, Benahavis, Andalusia, Spain

A bungalow in Spain offering vistas of the Costa del Sol. Image: JamesEdition.

Situated in Benahavis, Andalusia, Spain, this freshly finished property — Casa Orquídea — perched atop Herrojo Alto in the private enclave of La Quinta, commands attention with unbroken panoramic views of the Costa del Sol. The 1,696-square-metre home features eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and is guarded 24 hours a day. It is ideal for both daily life and high-end partying.

The main level is defined by natural light, and open plan living extends from the lounge with a fireplace to the formal dining room and kitchen, which leads to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. The upper-level features three ensuite bedrooms, including a master suite with a private terrace and jacuzzi. The recreational area below spans over 800 square metres and comprises various cafes, a theatre, a gym and an indoor spa with pool and jacuzzi. Ancillary areas include a home office, a staff suite with a kitchenette and an eight-car garage.

Exclusive Beachside Home in Greece

Private Seaside Estate, Spetses, Attica, Greece

Opulent beachside home situated on craggy cliffs, offering striking gulf views. Image: Sotheby’s Realty.

Located seven kilometres from Spetses town, this exclusive beachside home lies on a vast 35,000-square-metre plot with unbroken views across the Saronic Gulf and direct access to two isolated bays accessible only from the grounds — a rare footprint on Greece’s most discreet island.

The main residence spans 440 sqm and features 80 cm stone walls on three stories. The interiors are designed for both formal and informal living, with fireplaces, a TV lounge, a formal dining room, a professional-grade kitchen and expansive verandas overlooking the sea. There are three ensuite bedroom suites with a study and a fully autonomous two-bedroom guest apartment.

Three other bedrooms on the estate are for guests or domestic helpers. There is around 400 sqm of unfinished area near the pool that can be used for a wellness retreat or recreational centre. The offering includes landscaped gardens, mature olive trees, a future helipad and a private docking space, demonstrating its ability to provide a year-round seaside lifestyle at scale.

“Sand Castle” Mansion In California

Sand Castle Mansion, San Diego, California, US

A rare San Diego home with its privately-owned beach. Image: Sotheby’s Realty.

Perched on La Jolla’s desirable coastline, the USD 108 million “Sand Castle” mansion epitomises California waterfront luxury, complete with one of the state’s few privately owned beaches. Timothy Corrigan designed the 12,981-square-foot main residence situated in San Diego, which spans multiple levels and features seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, linked by an elevator. The interiors highlight bespoke finishes, from solid gold-leaf detailing in the oval dining room to hand-laid New Ravenna mosaics and a walnut-on-onyx bar inspired by legendary yachts.

The 3,416-square-foot guesthouse features three-bedroom suites, a gourmet kitchen and outdoor cooking amenities. It works autonomously. The 35,750-square-foot outside area features a saltwater pool with bespoke Thassos glass mosaic tiles and two private cabanas. The estate’s private beach, manicured with sand from Augusta National Golf Club and the reinvented Boat Bar with a hydraulic-lift window emphasise its exclusivity. La Jolla’s proximity to San Diego provides unique access to urban infrastructure while maintaining coastal tranquillity.

Beachfront Modern Cabin With Rustic Charm In New Zealand

A modern beach house perched on a hill with regenerative bush all around. Image: Sotheby’s Realty.

Waimataruru — nestled on the Coromandel Peninsula — is a unique mix of architecture and environment. The 300-square-metre mansion on a 10-hectare beachfront estate blends in with the surrounding native flora and offers unimpeded views of Otama Beach. The residence — which has received international acclaim — is divided into floors and features three ensuite bedrooms, sophisticated living areas and expansive terraces that extend the interior spaces outside.

A north-facing orientation with a single-plane roof that follows the land’s natural contours enhances sunlight and panoramic views. Interiors feature high ceilings, stone worktops, walk-in closets and open-plan kitchens, all designed for comfort and visual harmony. Sustainable technology supplements the property’s environmental management, while landscaped grounds improve privacy and promote natural regeneration. Waimataruru — located five minutes from Kuaotunu village — is a coastal refuge with lasting architectural significance.

For more on the latest in luxury properties, click here.

CRN’s 70m Project Thunderball on course for launch

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CRN’s 70m Project Thunderball on course for launch

December 18, 2025
12:34 pm

The Vripack-designed Project Thunderball is in the final stages of construction and set to splash in spring 2026.

CRN has announced that Project Thunderball has entered the final stages of construction, with the builder releasing new photos to show the progress of the 70m superyacht due to launch in spring 2026.

Recent images from the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona show the yacht’s contemporary lines and sleek exterior detailing, with plenty of alfresco entertaining space provided across multiple aft deck areas.

The yard has confirmed that construction of the yacht’s exteriors, penned by Vripack Yacht Design, are progressing in parallel with work on the interiors, which are by Nauta Design. All components are currently being installed on the yacht’s five decks, in line with the project’s building schedule.

CRN has been handling the engineering works, final definition of the naval architecture and

general arrangements, and has been managing the project as a joint effort with the owner’s representative Y.Co.

The 1,100GT steel and aluminium motoryacht has an 11m beam and is designed to host 12 guests and 15 crew members. The interior layout includes a master suite and five VIP cabins as well as nine crew cabins.

Project Thunderball runs on a specialised Energy Storage System which efficiently powers on board systems and allows for silent operation at anchor for substantially reduced fuel usage. Powered by MAN V12-1213kW engines, the superyacht can reach 15.5 knots and cruises at a speed of 12 knots.

As well as Project Thunderball, CRN is also working on three other projects at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard including the 67m Project Maranello designed by Nuvolari Lenard.

crn-yacht.com

ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Sunreef rises in Global Order Book

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Sunreef rises in Global Order Book

December 18, 2025
11:59 am

The Polish shipyard is the only catamaran-focused shipyard among the top-ranked builders of 24m-plus superyachts.

Top builders by total length of construction in Global Order Book 2026; c/o Boat International Media Ltd

Sunreef Yachts moved to sixth place in the 2026 edition of the Global Order Book for 24m-plus yachts and remains the only catamaran-focused builder in the top 19 shipyards listed in the Boat International publication.

Based in Gdansk and with an additional shipyard in the UAE, Sunreef has 41 superyacht projects totalling 1,185m in length, helping it rise from ninth place in the 2025 edition (1,006m) and underlining its status as one of the world’s top-ranked superyacht builders.

Sunreef shipyard in Gdansk, Poland

Over the past two decades, the company has created its own market niche in luxury multihulls, helping develop the growing demand for catamaran superyachts. Its current ranking comes from record sales of large luxury catamarans built in Poland, such as the 100 Sunreef Power, as well as the success of the Ultima 88, now under construction at the UAE facility.

“The expansion of both the Poland and UAE yards supports this fast growth and allows Sunreef to answer growing global demand for innovative multihulls. As the only catamaran specialist among the top six, Sunreef Yachts sets new standards in sustainable superyacht design and performance,” the shipyard stated.

A 100 Sunreef Power

“Our order book reflects very strong interest in sustainable superyachts, confirming the shipyard’s expertise in composite builds and solar power technology, which are key elements of the Sunreef philosophy. This result strengthens Sunreef’s role in shaping the future of large custom catamarans.”

sunreef-yachts.com

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