Angel Zhou, formerly of Simpson Marine, has been appointed as the Italian superyacht builder’s President of Sales for Asia.
Angel Zhou, President of Sales for Asia, Benetti
Benetti has appointed Angel Zhou as President of Sales for Asia. Zhou spent the previous 18 years with Simpson Marine, leading the opening of five branches in mainland China and becoming Group Vice President of the Asia-Pacific dealership. Prior to joining Simpson Marine in November 2007, she worked on the China Cup International Regatta in Shenzhen.
Throughout her career, Zhou has partnered with many of the world’s top yachting brands and played a key role in the internationalisation of China’s yachting sector.In her new role at Benetti, Zhou is responsible for managing and coordinating commercial, marketing and customer satisfaction activities across the region.
Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti’s Sales Director, said: “Asia is not only a fast-growing market for yachting. It’s also one where design culture and lifestyle aspirations are evolving rapidly.
“With Angel’s deep local expertise and proven commercial acumen, Benetti is ready to strengthen its dialogue with a new generation of yacht owners in the region – those who see yachting as an expression of personality, taste and ambition.”
A. Lange & Söhne’s Tino Bobe on Keeping Time with Tradition
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A. Lange & Söhne Production Director Tino Bobe delves into the novelties of the year and the particularities of watchmaking at the German brand.
By Ashok Soman
A. Lange & Söhne Production Director Tino Bobe
Before we get down to business at A. Lange & Söhne at Watches and Wonders Geneva, we always confront the serious question of beer… You see, the Glashütte watchmaker is rather famous for its amber goodness, which is only available at the booth and nowhere else within the Palexpo. Simultaneously, our particular story with regards to the brand has had something to do with a pint (or so) for years now, mostly because I keep doing the interviews and presentations and I have never managed to grab that drink with Production Director Tino Bobe.
This year, I finally had the occasion to hang about the A. Lange & Söhne booth at length since I was also heading to the ‘friends of the brand’ dinner. No celebrities at this one (sort of), just collectors, pundits and writers – all I can say about this wonderful gathering this year is that my contribution had something to with a discussion on Juliette Lewis (with regards to Kalifornia and the Amazon Prime TV series Yellowjackets) and Charles Bronson. Yes, watch nerds are capable of talking about normal (sort of) subjects.
Make no mistake though, Tino Bobe is the ultimate in watch nerdery, which I cannot believe is a real word but there it is. Of course, being a watch nerd is a compliment in our books, and this book in particular. In case you missed his backstory, Bobe has clocked more than 20 years at A. Lange & Söhne (it will be 30 years in 2029) and once described how the various departments at the firm work with each in ping pong terms – people at the manufacture have to bounce things off each other.
“I joke that I have an A. Lange & Söhne barcode on my body <gesturing to his heart>,” Bobe told us in 2021. “I’m really proud to be part of this team, and to be part of the success we have here, in making really beautiful watches.”
It is also worth remembering that Bobe is that rarest of breeds, a Glashütte native who happens to be a watchmaker at a company that established the fortunes of the hamlet. Besides his undeniable authenticity and technical chops, he also has a sense of humour, which he sometimes demonstrates in unusual ways. For example, in discussing the new Minute Repeater Perpetual, he cites a couple of repeaters that A. Lange & Söhne has made but left out the Grand Complication. Well, we caught it anyway, Tino, if you are reading this.
I will admit that A. Lange & Söhne and Bobe have still caught us coming up short because I failed to write down the name of the beer served at the booth. With that technical writing flourish out of the way, read on to discover some surprising facts about the novelties from A. Lange & Söhne this year.
The Minute Repeater Perpetual
We have to begin with the Minute Repeater Perpetual and the calibre name, L122.2, which puts many, including us, in mind of the L122.1 in the Richard Lange Minute Repeater. Is this a continuing story from that?
In terms of knowledge, it’s a continuing story because you get your knowledge by doing things… we had a Zeitwerk Minute Repeater that we learned from; we also had a Richard Lange Minute Repeater; and now the next one (is the Minute Repeater Perpetual). This watch is now a combination with the perpetual calendar (function) and yet we wanted to have this really elegant size with only 12.1mm thickness and 45mm diameter. So, we really had to pack all the components – it is not just a modification of an existing movement or just to add (a perpetual calendar module to an existing movement).
We had to build it up because it’s 640 movement components – so (to give you some idea by way of comparison) the Odysseus Datomatic is 11.1mm thick with a 40.5mm diameter with only 312 movement components. So, this means that in one millimetre more (for the case of the Minute Repeater Perpetual), you have more than double the number of components. So yes, we base all the knowledge we have for this new watch from both the watches on the perpetual calendar side and the minute repeater side; in this sense, it’s a continuing (story), but movement-wise, it’s completely new. (To your point), the perpetual calendar is integrated because we had to do it this way since it would be too thick as a module. So, it is now the perfect size.
We always try to add little things, and those who know us know that the perpetual calendar indication is clear – in this case, it’s the outsized date. Then you have the push piece, the recessed push piece, to advance all the indications by one day forward, if the client has left it in the safe and the watch has stopped. It’s very convenient and useful for the client. The same for the minute repeater, which is not only a classical minute repeater, which it is in the sense that it chimes the hours, quarters and minutes. But, if there are no quarters, there is this pulse elimination system, which is very useful. The client doesn’t have to wait and wonder if the watch is broken! There is no waiting time (repeating mechanisms often have a gap if the first quarter has not yet passed, meaning the movement skips the chime; the Minute Repeater Perpetual does away with this).
Security-wise, we thought that it would be good to protect the repeater! That is why the watch has two bars of water-resistance and the security mechanism – you can’t pull out the crown and set the watch if the repeater is activated and, vice versa, if the crown is out, you can’t activate it. Basically, the watch is not just a normal combination of a minute repeater and perpetual calendar (as if such a thing would be normal in any case).
On that note, we do know of collectors who bring their perpetual calendars back to the boutique to have it set there, mainly because of the safety issue. People might be afraid that something will go wrong, basically if you adjust the date indication too far or something. In extreme situations, you might need a watchmaker to intervene-
That’s terrible! And that’s why you have the possibility to adjust each indication (on the perpetual calendar) separately or everything together. Both possibilities are open (To be clear, the Minute Repeater Perpetual still only adjusts forward so the usual cautionary practices should be followed here).
Do you think that’s a practical perspective for people who use it? How do you tell people that it’s really safe for them to adjust, or use, in the case of the minute repeater function?
If the client gets the watch, he also receives a really qualified explanation of the watch. Right down to how to set it, and so on. I think it’s the best way, even though we provide short videos from our academy where you can find all the information (about any relevant watch or function). But I think the best way is to get this information in person, with the watch. This way, if the client has a question, you can give the answer. It’s the best way to interact, in the very moment where you, as a client, get your watch.
“It’s never mass production at A. Lange & Söhne. The watches have become more complicated so our quantity goes down a bit because we need more production hours”
Tell us about the sound of the Minute Repeater Perpetual – how do you get the right balance for it?
So, it was never the case (in development where we said) let’s do it as loud as we can. It’s always the quality of the sound. It’s exactly how colourful the sound is and how clear it is. And this is why we even developed this hammer blocking system (unique to the Minute Repeater Perpetual). I think it’s a very intelligent way to bring the hammer back and to hold it there (at the end of each hammer’s strike sequence). As a result, you don’t have a second or third touch (or ricochet between hammers and gongs). The sound is much clearer and even a little bit louder because you don’t lose energy from the gongs. You get both advantages, which we can attest to, based on hearing the repeater in action a couple of times.
(Returning to the development process), when we started with the acoustical time indication, we even developed acoustical test equipment. An external institute and two universities helped to measure frequencies (of sound waves). In this way, you can find a range of frequencies and measure multiple frequencies, which gives colour to the sound. If you have just one frequency, it is not a colourful sound. In the end, it is still the ear of the watchmaker making decisions but he gets helped by this measuring (apparatus).
And it gets complicated because we can’t dictate how different materials are influencing the sound – the honey gold of the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater produces warmer tones than the platinum of this new watch. Each calibre also has its own specificities because of how the gongs are attached to the movement or the case, and the volume of air in the case…then there is the order and the speed of the strikes besides. There are many factors to have under control to deliver acoustic beauty; the watchmaker tries to bring it together and finishes his work when he is convinced that the sound is now colourful and clear (or as far as he can make it considering the materials he is working with).
Odysseus in honey gold with bracelet
Of course, it is not only about this one watch so we should talk a little about the Odysseus in honey gold. Solid as it is, it makes me wonder if you considered how people would feel about this watch, and how they would feel it?
I think, as human beings, we are all different; I can imagine even in the development team there are different feelings (about this and other watches that we worked on). But it’s clear here (with the Odysseus) that feeling includes the haptic, especially when you consider the bracelet too. If you take it in your hands (or hand when you wear it), we wanted to give this feeling that ‘oh yes, this is valuable.’ So, there is no merit in having the lightest case…if maybe (the client) does not get the impression that it is valuable, or has value. It has impact if someone picks it up and says ‘wow!’ In fact, that is what happened in one of the presentations (at WWG), where I unveiled the new watches and this lady said (of the Odysseus) that this is exactly what you want to have (A. Lange & Söhne makes it a habit to have the new watches arrive covered with a cloth; the senior management then pulls away the cloth with a bit of practiced flourish and watches your reactions. So, you are inspecting the watches and the watchmakers are inspecting you).
It was, for us, a little bit logical (to use honey gold for a sports watch, and introduce the honey gold bracelet for it) because it is twice as hard as normal gold. If I want to have a gold version of a sporty watch, it’s better to have the harder one to be more scratch-resistant, and (all the other virtues that hardness affords). The second point was that the honey gold fits perfectly with different skin colours (and seasons too). If I’m wearing it in the summer, and I’m wearing it outside in sunlight, it looks (more) brown. In the winter, it looks more white. So, it’s always perfect, I think, and that is not the case with every kind of gold.
Well, there is a hunger amongst collectors to see more honey gold pieces…
It’s so difficult, even with the processing of the alloy (before any machining happens, and the machining is pretty tough) and the heat treatment – we even had to reject some batches of the material. That’s why we stay with limited editions for (watches in honey gold). At the moment, there’s no way to do it for a watch in the normal collection.
Of course, this reminds me of the situation with the Odysseus Chronograph…
It’s never mass production at A. Lange & Söhne. You know, the (entire assortment) becomes more and more complicated. At the moment, even the quantity goes down a little bit as a result; this year, no more than 5,000, and maybe (only around) 4,800. This is because you need the production hours for more complicated watches.
For example, now we are training the second watchmaker who will work on the Minute Repeater Perpetual. There is a third one but he is working on the Richard Lange Minute Repeater, still, while also doing servicing for the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater. So, we are training people but it takes time. Hopefully, the 50 Minute Repeater Perpetual watches will be produced in three or four years…if everything goes well. It’s not fair to have the client wait five to eight years for that watch.
This story was first seen as part of the WOW Legacy 2025 Issue
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The power and sailing catamaran builder is raising the bar on client support and service, while absorbing feedback through its customer-first approach.
Leopard Catamarans, whose blue-water cruising catamarans are built by Robertson and Caine in South Africa, recently announced a 95 per cent customer satisfaction rate.
Since its establishment in 1997, Leopard has operated its business on a ‘customer-first philosophy’, leading to its continuous improvement culture. The brand views customer feedback as one of its most valuable metrics for improvement and an opportunity to try and raise industry standards.
Using client feedback as the basis for actionable improvements to its customer support and service, Leopard’s leadership teams regularly review customer communications, warranty claims and service interactions to identify areas for potential improvement. This allows customer insights to directly influence different aspects of its operations, from manufacturing to support team training.
Some of the recent improvements to Leopard’s customer support and service solutions include a revised communication system, an enhanced warranty process, and an expanded support team.
Leopard Catamarans recently invested in upgrading its customer communication channels, significantly reducing response times and increasing accessibility through dedicated digital platforms and support lines.
Earlier this year, Leopard also introduced its renewed warranty process. Designed to be more transparent and efficient, it features faster resolution times, clearer procedures and digital tools allowing real-time claim tracking.
Leopard has also made substantial investments in specialised expertise and training programmes for its customer support team, hiring new members and providing global coverage in a bid to offer clients consistent, high-quality support regardless of location.
Together, these developments mean that Leopard catamaran owners regularly report how their yachting experiences exceed their expectations, both in terms of the boat’s performance and the support they receive throughout their ownership journey.
Antoine and Alex, owners of a Leopard 50 and full-time cruisers, exemplify Leopard’s confidence-building approach, having completed an Atlantic crossing with their children.
“We’ve handled rough passages, including 19 days crossing the Atlantic, and never questioned the boat’s capability. It’s a lot of boat, but with practice, it inspires confidence,” saidAlex, who said the family enjoys a cruising life year-round. “Leopard gave us the platform to make it work.”
Repeat customers Nadim and Nayla Yared, who upgraded from a Leopard 45 sailing catamaran to a Leopard 53 Powercat, also illustrate how Leopard’s customer service created lasting relationships.
“The Leopard team has been fantastic – always open, communicative and responsive,” Nadim said. “The construction is rock solid, and the flow inside the cockpits and saloon is unmatched.”
The two add that, outside of the catamarans’ engineering, Leopard’s refined warranty process and customer service team have elevated their ownership experience.
Leopard’s dedicated approach to customer service contrasts with the reactive model common in the yachting industry today. The brand’s charter heritage further forms its service philosophy, creating systems designed for real-world use and practical problem-solving that understand actual owner challenges.
Asia-Pacific representatives of leading European brands will have a strong presence at this year’s Sydney International On-Water Boat Show.
Bluegame BGX63 in Sydney
Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific is exhibiting a Bluegame BGX63 at this year’s Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, which will be held at Darling Harbour from November 13-16. The dates mark a shift from the event’s former slot in late July/early August, in the Australian winter.
The show marks a year since Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific opened the Sanlorenzo Australia office in Jones Bay Superyacht Marina in November 2024. This year, the regional representative showcased Sanlorenzo and Bluegame yachts at May’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Queensland.
Bluegame BGX63 in Sydney
This month, the office headed by Jo Howard, Country Sales Manager of Sanlorenzo Australia, is focusing its attention on Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, where there are 230,000 registered pleasure boats according to the Boating Industry Association as of June 2024.
“We are delighted to be part of this year’s Sydney International Boat Show, which marks a memorable first year in operation for Sanlorenzo in Australia. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage with the Australian customers, share Bluegame’s story and continue building relationships with yacht enthusiasts who appreciate elegance, innovation and individuality,” Howard said.
“With a fleet of iconic Sanlorenzo yachts already in the region, and impressive new launches in recent months, we’re confident that both Sanlorenzo and Bluegame will appeal to connoisseur yachtsmen who value the brands’ uniqueness, innovation and comfort at sea.”
Sunseeker Predator 75
Sunseeker will also have a strong presence at the four-day Sydney show, where the British builder’s Asia-Pacific dealer DCH Marine will exhibit a 76 Yacht and Predator 75 in Darling Harbour.
Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker International, stated: “We are proud to return to the Sydney International Boat Show alongside our incredible distributor, DCH Marine. The 76 Yacht and Predator 75 perfectly capture what makes the Australian market so special, a passion for luxury adventure and a love of the open water. These yachts deliver thrilling performance, exceptional comfort, and the freedom to explore. They’re designed for those who truly live life to the fullest.”
DCH Marine, also the Asia-Pacific dealer for Saxdor and Williams Jet Tenders, will also stage the Australia debut of the Saxdor 340 GTWA along with the Finnish brand’s flagship 400 GTO and a 320 GTO.
Fountaine Pajot FP41
The Yacht Sales Co, founded in Australia and now with an Asia-Pacific network, will stage the Asia-Pacific premieres of the Fountaine Pajot FP41 sailing catamaran and the Dufour 48 sailing monohull in a display that also includes the ILIAD 53F powercat.
With three recent sales in the region, the Slovenian builder of hybrid motoryachts is proving an appealing choice for eco-conscious owners.
Greenline 40 in Thailand
Greenline has announced sales in Southeast Asia of a 40, 45 Fly and 48 Fly, “sold in quick succession” by regional dealer Derani Yachts. Founded in Thailand by Håkan Lange in 2004, Derani has represented the Slovenian shipyard since 2023 in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Greenline, a pioneer of hybrid motoryachts since 2008, focuses on what it calls ‘Responsible Yachting’, offering all its models from 39-58ft with either hybrid, electric or diesel drives. Hardtop solar panels and LiPo batteries can silently power all electrical appliances including air-conditioning, with the shipyard’s 6G H-Drive providing the option for several hours of navigation under electrical power.
Greenline 40 in Thailand
Vladimir Zinchenko, Greenline’s founder and CEO, said: “Greenline has not been active in Southeast Asia for long, but we see tremendous potential for growth. It seems that customers in the region appreciate the strengths of our brand, and our Responsible Yachting message is also gaining traction. We are very grateful to Håkan and his team at Derani Yachts who are doing such a great job of building awareness in this market.”
Derani sold the three Greenline models in Singapore and Thailand, while it has also announced strong leads in Malaysia – where it recently opened an office – and Indonesia. Lange, Derani Yachts’ Managing Director, said buyers were attracted by the brand’s focus on eco-friendly technology.
Greenline 45 Fly
“Green energy is very much a hot topic in Singapore – perhaps less so in other parts of Asia, but it’s growing. For us as a Greenline dealer, it’s an educational journey whereby we highlight the added value with a hybrid propulsion system in relation to the type of boating an individual is doing or planning,” Lange said.
“While the green element is important to some, it’s an exploratory option for those that want to slide in and out of marinas in total silence and emissions free. It is also about island-hopping in the same pleasant electric drive mode. For Singapore, hybrid propulsion is very interesting as most boaters congregate in the same location at weekends, and that’s just a short cruise away.”
Greenline’s coupe-only models comprise the 39, 40 and the upcoming 42 that will debut at Boot Dusseldorf in January, while the 45, 48 and flagship 58 are available in either Coupe or Fly versions. The flybridge option is popular in Southeast Asia, where clients appreciate the extra social space on the upper deck and the extended coverage on the main deck provided by flybridge overhangs.
Greenline 48 Fly
Alessandro Lorenzon, Greenline’s Chief Experience Officer, said: “We know from hundreds of our customers around the world that Greenline Yachts represents something different to the other brands out there. We don’t go for constant aesthetic tweaks or quick wins – our boats are designed and built to give many years of cruising enjoyment.
“With the option for hardtop flybridges, super-efficient air-conditioning and shady exterior spaces, it’s only logical that Asian boaters are taking interest.”
The delivery of Pangea represents a “proud milestone” for Damen Yachting.
Pangea, the first Amels 80,has departed Damen Yachting’s shipyard in southwest Netherlands following delivery to its owner. The Amels 80 won the Superyacht 70-80m category at this year’s Yacht Style Awards in Singapore, while Damen Yachting recently announced that it had sold hull six in collaboration with the Burgess brokerage house.
Featuring naval architecture by Damen Yachting, exterior design by Espen Øino International and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, Pangea left the Vlissingen City shipyard following a satisfying build process for all involved.
Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting’s Commercial Executive, North America, said: “It’s rewarding to see the first Amels 80 delivered, especially having worked so closely with the owner and their team throughout the entire journey.
“This project has been a true partnership from the very beginning, built on trust, shared vision and a commitment to excellence. Seeing her take to the water is a proud moment not only for the owner but for everyone at Damen Yachting who helped bring this extraordinary yacht to life.”
An 80m superyacht with a beam of 12.5m and 2,175GT of volume, Pangea features a beach club that opens to the water on three sides, and includes a wellness and spa area with a gym, hammam and sauna. Above, a glass-bottomed 6.5m pool on the aft main deck acts a skylight for the beach club, while another standout outdoor area is the spacious sundeck with an oversized jacuzzi.
In the main deck lounge, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offer expansive views, while the private 517sqm owner’s deck and six guest cabins on the main deck provide accommodation for 14 guests across seven suites. Pangea features a touch-and-go helicopter landing area and can carry watercraft and toys in a forward tender garage.
Romke van der Linde, Project Manager at Damen Yachting, said: “We are delighted to see the first Amels 80 delivered to her owner. This yacht represents dedication, innovation and collaboration across the entire team.
“For the owner, it’s the realisation of a unique vision. For the yard, it’s a proud milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship and pushing the boundaries of modern yacht building.”
The parent company of AB Yachts and Maiora has debuted its new integrated AI system on the AB 110.
AB 110
Italy’s Next Yacht Group debuted its new integrated AI system on board an AB 110 at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where live demos showcased the new system and its partner apps, My AB and My Maiora.
Having demonstrated the technology on the 33m superyacht, the parent company of AB Yachts and Maiora has confirmed that the system will be rolled out across the Viareggio shipyard’s entire range of yachts by 2026.
Giorgio Mattei, Next Yacht Group’s Deputy Chairman, said: “For the owner, luxury means simplicity and control. With this highly innovative project, we are redefining the onboard experience.
“The AI provides verifiable answers, secure commands and deep integration with the yacht’s systems. In our development roadmap, we plan to introduce new features and services such as always-on voice activation with a dedicated wake word, and predictive maintenance.”
Created in collaboration with Italian firm AI Technologies and integrated with onboard systems by YES Group, the Next AI-Integrated System is a first-of-its-kind platform installed directly on board.
Described as a ‘digital concierge’, the AI assistant streamlines the yacht’s various systems and allows owners and crew to control on board settings such as lighting, temperature and entertainment. It also offers access to operational data such as fuel and water levels, energy consumption, alarms and maintenance schedules.
While connectivity is an option for remote access, the system can run fully offline, ensuring optimum security and reliability in any location.
Mattei explained: “We’re offering an assistant that works anytime, anywhere – even in the middle of the ocean, without internet – safely, continuously and reliably. It’s an Artificial Intelligence that belongs to the yacht and its family, not to the cloud. Our approach is local first: data, models and decisions remain on board.”
Represented by Primus Marine, the Groupe Beneteau brand has splashed in the Kingdom, as the country’s first Excess 11 set sail in the Andaman Sea.
Primus Marine hosted the Thailand premiere of the Excess brand in Phuket as a new Excess 11 catamaran set sail in the Andaman Sea following its arrival from France.
Primus Marine has represented Excess in Thailand since late 2024 and was meticulous in its preparation ahead of the event, which was held at Ao Po Grand Marina and attended by Hong Kong-based Cosmas Grelon, the catamaran brand’s Asia-Pacific Sales Manager.
The Primus Marine team invested a significant amount of manpower and resources to make the event a great success. Prior to the big day, final checks of the Excess 11 and a morning sea trial were conducted to ensure everything was ready to welcome guests for the Thailand premiere.
The landmark event began with local media photographing and videoing the Excess 11 in the marina in the morning. As guests arrived, the Primus Marine team busied themselves with showcasing the vessel’s amazing features. As dusk approached, guests boarded the Excess 11 to chase after the sunset, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the vessel’s performance at sea.
“Thailand is one of Asia’s top sailing destinations, featuring diverse sailing grounds, gorgeous beaches and warm waters, offering year-round sailing opportunities,” Primus Marine stated.
“Whether joining a charter fleet or sailing for personal pleasure, the Excess 11 is the ideal model for exploring the welcoming beach resorts or secluded islets in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is capable of serious bluewater cruising, and its compact design and versatile interiors cater to the hybrid sailing lifestyle of new-generation sailors.”
Over 200 units of the Excess 11 – the brand’s entry model – have been built at the builder’s Vendée shipyard, while in Asia-Pacific the catamaran has cruised in French Polynesia, Australia, mainland China, Japan and now Thailand.
In 2025, Excess launched the Excess 11 Hybrid version to meet the growing demand for silent cruising and reduced emissions.
In 2026, the Excess 11 in Phuket is scheduled to appear at the fourth Thailand International Boat Show, which will be held at Phuket Yacht Haven from January 15-18.
Later in the year, an Excess 13 and the Excess 14 – a world premiere in 2025 – are expected to arrive in Thailand to further boost the brand’s presence in the country.
From circumnavigation capability to onboard submersibles, the three superyachts shown by Camper & Nicholsons at this year’s Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show in Hong Kong showed quality in a variety of styles. Senior Advisor Carmen Lau divulges some of their highlights. Words: Andrew Dembina
Global at the 2025 LYC Boat Show; Photo: Lantau Yacht Club
Camper & Nicholsons broke new ground at this year’s Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica, leading a record in-water display. The global brokerage presented three yachts over 100ft, including the 67m Global – currently the largest yacht based in the city.
The 37m Zeepaard and 33m Mirae, the only MCY 105 Skylounge built by Monte Carlo Yachts, rounded out the impressive trio, each represented by Camper & Nicholsons Senior Advisor Carmen Lau.
“We were proud to have such a strong line-up on display this year,” said Lau. “It was exciting to see a Hong Kong yacht show gaining momentum and steadily moving toward the international arena.”
Global began her life in 1982 as a commercial workboat, before being transformed by Shadow Marine in 2007 into one of the world’s first true support vessels. She has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, twin 1,300hp Caterpillar engines and a range of 10,000nm at 10 knots.
Carmen Lau (far right) with guests at Lantau Yacht Club; Photo: Lantau Yacht Club
“Global was the first ‘yacht support vessel’ in the world, before the term had been used,” Lau said of the blue-hulled vessel, which was updated in 2023.
As visitors were quick to see, the yacht features an enormous, open aft lower deck, which leads into a double-height, climate-controlled hangar. Above is a certified helicopter platform.
“When Global chartered in Florida, some people used to charter her and park about eight supercars on the deck, then cruise to provinces and drive around there,” Lau said. “After the sale of Global to the current owner, we cruised her from Fort Lauderdale to Asia.”
Global in Hong Kong, showing her double-height, climate-controlled hangar; Photo: Camper & Nicholsons
The aft deck includes a 35-tonne crane that’s used to deploy the yacht’s many toys. The current line-up includes two 25ft tenders and two U-Boat Worx submersibles, a Cruise Sub 7 and a Super Yacht Sub 3, which have capacities for seven and three people respectively, and can both descend up to 300m.
Linda Peute-Sollie, the Sales Manager of U-Boat Worx, was invited from the Netherlands to answer questions about the multi-million-dollar submersibles, which Lau said are the only such models in the Asia-Pacific.
“People were excited to talk about them, asking, ‘How can there be two submersibles, however large the yacht is?’” Lau said. “They even have robotic arms that can be controlled to take samples. The U-Boat Worx submersibles, the crane and the huge, temperature-controlled hangar are rare features on any yacht.”
Aft view from the saloon to the helipad; Photo: Camper & Nicholsons
Global has 1,303GT of interior volume and is arranged on five levels. The current owner runs the yacht with a crew of 13 who enjoy spacious accommodation in the tank deck, while aft is the airy engine room.
The guest areas are concentrated in the forward third of the yacht, on the lower, main and upper decks. The forward lower deck includes a day lounge, cinema/briefing room and gym, as well as the galley and crew mess.
The main deck is home to six similar-sized guest cabins, five with double beds, one with twins, and each with a balcony. The primary social area is on the upper deck – forward of the helipad – and incorporates a saloon, dining suite, bar and library, while Global is topped by a bridge deck featuring the pilothouse.
Zeepaard has a 7,000nm range; Photo: Camper & Nicholsons
Camper & Nicholsons’ display also included the all-aluminium Zeepaard, built by the JFA shipyard in France in 2003 and extensively refitted in 2011. Featuring a cream-coloured hull, the explorer-style vessel has a crew of eight, is powered by twin Caterpillar 475hp engines, and berths in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
“Zeepaard is known for its long cruising range,” Lau pointed out. “Underway at eight knots you can go more than 7,000nm with fuel consumption at about 80 litres an hour, which is impressive fuel efficiency for a 37m yacht.”
Sporting European classic and nostalgic aesthetics, Zeepaard has an 8.2m beam and five cabins, is equipped with two 25ft tenders at the bow, and appears very well maintained.
Mahogany-finished saloon on Zeepaard; Photo: Camper & Nicholsons
“With the previous owner, Zeepaard received a Voyager’s Award after going around the world in an extended trip over about three years. The journey covered some 50,000nm and 39 countries,” Lau added.
“When the previous owner let her go, he felt very emotionally attached to her as their family had many lovely memories on board. We then relocated Zeepaard to Southeast Asia.”
The 2011 renovations included a new interior styling, Lau explained. “Modern mahogany-finish fittings were a contrast from the previous walnut. The owner also hired Van Cappellen Consultancy from the Netherlands to check the calibration of the noise and vibration level, so he added special sound shields on the generators. This boat is extremely quiet.”
Mirae, the world’s only MCY 105 Skylounge; Photo: Camper & Nicholsons
Completing the trio was the five-cabin Mirae, the MCY 105 Skylounge delivered in Italy in 2023 and notable for its enclosed flybridge and light blue-and-silver hull.
Under her original ownership and in as-new condition, she has twin 2,217hp MTU engines and is equipped for global cruising with tropical-grade air-conditioning, a shore power converter and Seakeeper stabilisers.
Renowned for superyacht designs, Nuvolari Lenard penned the exterior, interior and a layout that maximises light and space, across a 7.1m beam, while incorporating the shipyard’s signature interlocking portholes.
Mirae has an enclosed skylounge (pictured) in addition to the main-deck saloon
“Mirae is a standout yacht in every sense. She’s the only MCY 105 ever built with an enclosed skylounge, offering the kind of volume and versatility you’d expect from a much larger vessel. Her Nuvolari Lenard design captures that perfect balance between Italian sophistication and relaxed, contemporary living,” Lau said.
“What I love most is how her spaces transition effortlessly from day to night – from open-air dining with foldable balconies on both sides on the main deck to the intimate-evening setting surrounded by wraparound glass on the upper deck.
“She’s ideal for an owner who values style, comfort and all-season usability without compromise. Mirae embodies the modern spirit of yachting – elegant, innovative and ready to cruise anywhere in the
The Next Yacht Group brand has debuted its 36 Exuma, which offers lots of interior volume and fun-filled outdoor areas, plus triple-engine power to reach well over 30 knots.
Photo: Leonardo Andreoni
Maiora, a sister brand of AB Yachts within Italy’s Next Yacht Group, has debuted its new 36 Exuma, designed by Studio Quartostile with interiors by ACube Design. The four-level yacht has an overall length of 36.9m, a beam of 7.9m and a volume of 300GT.
Giorgio Mattei, Next Yacht Group’s Deputy Chairman, described the Maiora 36 Exuma as “a perfect balance of design, technology, and Italian style” which combines “outstanding performance with exceptional onboard liveability”.
Photo: Gionata Xerra
“With the Maiora 36 Exuma, we confirm the ongoing growth and consolidation of the Maiora range, strengthening our vision of yachting as the perfect blend of luxury, comfort and innovation, supported by design and construction excellence recognised worldwide,” Mattei added.
The streamlined profile has been designed with a sharp vertical bow to increase efficiency on the water, allowing the 36 Exuma to hit speeds of 33 knots under the power of triple MAN V12 engines. At a cruising speed of 10 knots, the 36 Exuma offers a range of 1,150nm.
Photo: Gionata Xerra
Aft, a spacious beach club with a large, aft-facing sunpad offers direct access to the water. A teak design element above the sunpad offers continuity from the beach club to the cockpit and saloon, a signature element of Maiora designs.
The interiors, which can host up to 12 guests and five crew, have been styled with wood and marble finishes in a neutral palette. The full-beam master suite is on the main deck and has an en-suite bathroom, private study and panoramic views, while the lower deck is home to the four guest cabins including two VIPs.
Photo: Gionata Xerra
The main entertaining spaces are in the main-deck saloon and on the upper deck, where the infinity door system and retractable windows allow the skylounge to be either fully opened for alfresco entertaining, or completely closed for a climate-controlled area.
Forward of the wheelhouse, a spa pool surrounded by sunpads and a suspended net at the bow offer relaxation spaces, while there’s also an island sunpad on the roof of the skylounge.
Photo: Gionata Xerra
Two water toy garages – able to carry a 6.25m tender, a jet-ski and a crane – are positioned aft of the guest cabins on the lower deck to reduce noise from the engine room.
Following the debut of the 36 Exuma at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, Maiora has confirmed that it will debut its next two new models, the M|30 and M|38, in 2026. The launch of the Italian brand’s flagship, the 42 Exuma, is set for 2027.
Carbonikon and The Art of Luxury Innovation in Carbon
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Born from aeronautical expertise, Carbonikon brings carbon fibre engineering into the luxury accessories market with products defined by lightness and long-term value.
By Florence Sutton
Founded in Rome, Carbonikon operates at the intersection of design and material science, applying aerospace-grade carbon fibre engineering to the luxury accessories market. The company’s roots in aeronautical manufacturing inform its commitment to structural performance, product longevity and lightweight design. Rather than rely on aesthetics alone, Carbonikon’s handbags and briefcases are positioned as long-term assets that combine industrial-grade precision with practical utility. By focusing on resilience and efficiency over seasonal trends, the brand challenges traditional notions of luxury and offers a performance-driven alternative for discerning consumers. With growing interest in high-performance materials within the luxury segment, Carbonikon’s approach aligns innovation with sustainability and measurable value.
Many of Carbonikon’s products have registered copyrighted designs. The company’s mission is to offer objects that reflect the feeling and passion for their work. “Our creations are part of us and our family who actively participate in their conception and creation,” says Fabio Manieri, Company Owner of Aviacompositi – Carbonikon. LUXUO speaks to Manieri on how the brand is translating aeronautical innovation into the language of luxury.
Your bags made of carbon are truly unique! Tell us about your passion for carbon, which is usually a material associated with the aerospace and automotive sectors?
My passion for carbon fibre stems from my passion for aeroplanes and their technologies. Having grown up in Ciampino, where Rome’s second airport is located, it’s easy to imagine why. My passion for aeroplanes and all the technologies applied to them dates back to when I was very young. I started building model aeroplanes at the age of five, and as I grew up I built all kinds of them. My passion for aeroplanes led me to attend the G. Galilei aeronautical construction school in Rome. In 1985, studying in even greater depth, I decided to build my own two-seater ultralight aircraft. I designed the aerodynamics and the structure and built it over three years of intense work. After many tests, I took it for a flight in 1988. I had realised my dream! I later took my wife, my father and many friends up for flights. It’s incredible to think that I built it in the family Woodshop, which was located on ‘Wright brothers’ street! It seemed like a sign of destiny…
Many years later, from 2001 to 2018, I resumed my old passion for model aeroplanes, winning 18 consecutive Italian championships in the “FAI” (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) F1D and F1M categories, Ministick and TH are endurance model aeroplanes weighing between 0.49 grams and 3 grams (this is not a mistake; they really weigh between 0.49 and 3 grams depending on the category). They fly on their own without radio control and with a rubber band motor. They are extreme in their construction and aerodynamics, and even have an automatic variable pitch propeller, built as if it were part of a watch! If well built and set up, F1Ds, which represent the top of the category, can fly for almost half an hour in a single flight. They are extremely efficient and represent the essence of flight physics. This is an ancient category of model aeroplanes that embodies all the modern concepts of lightness and energy saving, which are the same reasons why carbon fibre is used today.
Returning to carbon fibre, from 1988 to 1992 my passion led me to work at Agusta helicopter company in the composite materials plant, where I was employed in the experimental composite materials department and in the industrial engineering office, thus increasing my specialisation in these materials that I already knew. During those years, carbon fibre began to be used in other sectors as well, and I constantly followed its development. In fact, around 1992, after leaving Agusta, I began to manufacture model aircraft parts and motorcycle parts in carbon fibre. In 1998, I founded Aviacompositi, which for 27 years has been producing many carbon fibre parts for the automotive sector as well as for many research and development sectors.
One of the most important and unusual projects I have personally undertaken was the design and construction of the carbon fibre support for the statue of Apollo Belvedere for the Vatican Museums. It was a very challenging project that took me over eight months to design and build. The Apollo, a statue created around 150 AD by the Romans, is a landmark and icon of classical sculpture. It was once again shown to the world last October after five years of restoration. The video of the restoration, which also shows me installing the carbon support, can be viewed on YouTube.
Tell us about the unique properties of carbon?
The main properties of carbon fibre are its high mechanical strength and stiffness, compared to its low weight, which, when properly exploited, offer great advantages. Its low weight allows for significant energy savings. For example, in transport, many commercial aircraft make extensive use of carbon fibre. Being lighter, they consume less fuel, resulting in lower costs and less impact on pollution. As a general concept of high performance and maximum efficiency, just think of Formula 1 cars or America’s Cup boats.
You stated that the Carbonikon bags you have created are not just accessories, but style statements that reflect the harmony between form and function. Can you elaborate there?
Carbonikon bags and accessories are not just beautiful objects in themselves. When I design them, I don’t just think about their form, but also their practical everyday use. I believe they should bring satisfaction and lighten our days, not only by being beautiful objects to look at, giving us that feeling of enchantment we get when we look at a work of art, but also by having a practical use. For me, this is the concept of perfect balance between aesthetic form and functionality.
Why is the lightness of carbon a key element of differentiation for your bags?
It is the same concept of energy efficiency expressed above: lightness reduces energy consumption for us too, as we tire less easily. It is better to have a lightweight container which, when added to the load to be carried, has the lowest possible weight. For example, our empty briefcase weighs about 1 kg (2.20 lbs) less than a standard one, which means that when full, it will weigh on average the same as or less than a normal empty briefcase. The same concept is applied to the women’s handbag that weights only 380 grams (0.84 lb).
Do you see yourself as an engineer or a fashion designer, or both?
Considering my passion for technology, my many interests, passions and studies – from aeronautics to mechanics, design, electronics, computer science, photography and so on – I believe I am a multifaceted engineer with an innate sensitivity to design and the beauty of things. This is not meant to be self-celebration, but rather a thoughtful reflection on a life devoted to pursuing my passions.
At Carbonikon, traditional craftsmanship meets technological precision. Tell us about the production process.
The production process for a carbon fibre component is very long and complex. There are stages where modern technology can be used, but there are also many stages where high-level craftsmanship and skills are required. For example, in the design phase, we move from pencil drawings to 3D CAD, and to create the mould, the model is normally milled using CNC, but in some cases it may be more convenient to do it by hand using the traditional method. To make the product, the carbon must be layered in the mould entirely by hand, and this is where human skill makes all the difference. To achieve a high-quality aesthetic effect, the fibres must be layered very carefully without distortion or asymmetrical orientation.
Then, in the finishing stage, there is a whole phase of manual sanding, followed by painting, which gives the carbon beauty and durability, and mirror polishing in the case of a glossy finish. The process is as long and complex as that of painting a supercar. in addition to this, taking our women’s bag or briefcase as an example, there is also the preparation and manual sewing of the inner lining, its gluing to the carbon shells, the gluing of the closing frames, the assembly of the handles and bottom studs, all very long and delicate manual operations that, when done skilfully, really make the difference.
What is the profile of your clientele and what do they look for when purchasing a Carbonikon bag?
Our customers seek the uniqueness of an object, its soul that carries with it a part of us, our passion for what we do and my personal history in the world of technology and design. Ours is a modern customer who appreciates the combination of technology and refinement, loves exclusivity and personalisation, and knows that the product they are buying is not a sterile industrial production but a product with a history, the result of the passion of people who have dedicated their lives to seeking excellence in their work.
You argue that a product that lasts over time is more sustainable. Can you tell us what you think about this?
Fast fashion certainly produces more pollution due to the large quantities produced, which generates a large amount of waste to be treated. My vision is of a product that lasts over time without ending up in a landfill after a few months. At Carbonikon, we apply this concept to everything we do, and it also represents our concept of quality, which translates into a benefit for both the planet and the customer.
Do you use recycled materials?
Where possible, we always try to use materials with a very low environmental impact, such as water-based mould release agents and so on. At the same time, we try to optimise production processes to minimise energy consumption.
Do you create limited series?
Yes, we plan to create limited series and unique pieces of our products.
Where do you see your brand in five years? Will you operate a network of Carbonikon boutiques?
I see steady growth towards the main global markets. At the moment, we operate directly through our online shop, but growth will most likely lead us to create a network of Carbonikon boutiques.
What is your definition of success?
For me, success means having people appreciate what we do. Of course, it also means seeing Carbonikon grow in terms of reputation and popularity around the world and knowing that many people identify with our style. Success in economic terms is obviously important, but for me it comes after these things.
If you were to name one person or mentor who has inspired you along your life and career, who would that be?
Both for inspiration and gratitude, to my father who was so creative in his work, called “Archimedes” by his friends, who passed on to me his passion for invention and ingenuity, to my mother too with her conviction that my creative activities and passions would help me in life. I think they were both absolutely right, to my wife Antonella, who has always stood by me and supported me in my work for many years, physically making our products with me and contributing her ideas and creativity which met mine as well; to my daughters, with whom I often discuss things, listening to their points of view and advice. They are all true sources of inspiration and guiding lights in my life.
Angela Abshier, Francisca Cortés Solari and Rosie O’Donnell all received The Bowsprit Award at Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale.
Angela Abshier, Francisca Cortés Solari and Rosie O’Donnell
Angela Abshier, founder of Sail to Shelter (USA), Francisca Cortés Solari, founder of Fundación MERI (Chile), and Rosie O’Donnell, project lead for Yachts for Science (UK), were each presented with The Bowsprit Award at the third edition of The Honours.
The event was again organised by The Superyacht Life Foundation, although after two years in association with the Monaco Yacht Show, the third edition was held in the US on the eve of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, at the newly inaugurated Pier Sixty-Six.
Angela Abshier
Abshier, based in California, founded Sail to Shelter in 2020 after realising that the enormous, high-performance sails retired from superyachts were often destined for landfill. Her non-profit gives these durable materials a second life as shelters and shade solutions for communities in need around the world, with the first donation coming from M5, the world’s largest single-masted sailing yacht.
“The sails that once harnessed the power of the wind are now providing protection from it,” Abshier said. “It’s proof that even the materials of this industry have the potential to serve a higher purpose. I’m deeply honoured that Sail to Shelter has found a home within the heart of the yachting community.”
Francisca Cortés Solari
Cortés Solari, Executive President of Philanthropy Cortés Solari and a Patron of Nature with the IUCN, has built one of Latin America’s most comprehensive philanthropic ecosystems, advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation, and education for sustainability.
Inspired by her experiences aboard her Chilean-built yacht Cachalote – conceived as a floating laboratory – she founded Fundación MERI in 2012 to protect fragile marine ecosystems through pioneering research and community engagement.
“The sea connects us all,” Cortés Solari said. “Through Fundación MERI, we’ve seen how science, when combined with education and respect for nature, can inspire entire communities to become guardians of the ocean. This recognition honours not just one project but a collective effort to protect life on earth.”
Rosie O’Donnell
As project lead for Yachts for Science, O’Donnell has transformed the way private vessels contribute to global discovery. By connecting superyachts with scientists seeking research platforms, the British sailor and rigger has turned luxury into logistics for good, enabling expeditions that have uncovered new species, expanded marine sanctuaries, and advanced understanding of ocean health.
“It’s about unlocking potential,” O’Donnell said. “Every yacht can become a vessel of discovery. When owners, crew and scientists come together, what we can achieve is extraordinary. The ocean still holds so many secrets, and I’m proud to be part of a movement helping to reveal them.”
Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, concluded: “Tonight we celebrated not only three extraordinary women but also the boundless capacity of this industry to do good. Angela, Francisca and Rosie are proof that passion and purpose can coexist beautifully. Their stories remind us all why The Honours exists – to show that yachting can make an impact far beyond the water.”
The 2025 edition of The Honours was sponsored by AB Yachts, Maiora, Delta Marine, Feadship, Global Marine Travel, Lürssen, Preciosa and Robert Allen Law.
A. Lange & Söhne Production Director Tino Bobe
The Minute Repeater Perpetual
Odysseus in honey gold with bracelet
