The ClubSwan 42 owned by Masahiro Banba was the overall winner of the inaugural Japanese event raced in Sagami Bay.
Summer Girl; Photos: Riviera Group
Summer Girl, a ClubSwan 42 owned by Masahiro Banba, won the first edition of the Swan Asian Regatta in Sagami Bay. The regatta’s fleet was hosted by Riviera Zushi Marina, which is set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji and owned by the Riviera Group, Swan’s exclusive distributor in Japan in 2016.
After three days of racing, Summer Girl secured overall victory ahead of Naomichi Ando’s Swan 45 Lady Kanon and Noboru Watanabe’s Swan 58 Qualia Riviera. Banba is a four-time Japan Cup winner and a two-time participant in the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, and currently serves as President of the Japan Sailing Federation.
“Three years ago, when the idea of an Asian Swan Regatta was first proposed, I immediately knew I wanted to take part,” Banba said.
“Winning the first edition is truly the most wonderful feeling imaginable. I’m incredibly proud of my crew, they are a fantastic team. The races were intense and uncompromising, yet the camaraderie and sportsmanship among all participants made the event unforgettable.”
Second-placed Ando, a member of the Seaborn Yacht Club, acquired his Swan 45 in 2022, meticulously restored the yacht, and began his racing campaign this year.
Meanwhile, third-placed Watanabe, Chairman and CEO of the Riviera Group, is the Founding Host and Cultural Partner of the Swan Asian Regatta.
Under the theme ‘Sailing for a Better Ocean’, the Swan Asian Regatta affirmed its commitment to environmental preservation in line with the Riviera Group’s long-standing dedication to sustainable marine development and ocean education. A portion of each yacht’s entry fee was donated to the Riviera Future Creation Project, a certified non-profit organisation established by the Riviera Group.
“With the passionate owners participating in this first edition, we proudly felt the dawn of a new era for the Swan family in Asia,” said Watanabe, who also owns the Riviera Country Club, the venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic golf competition. “We wish to continue sharing with the world a new future where sport, culture, and sustainability live in harmony.”
For Nautor Swan, the Swan Asian Regatta held special significance as it reached out to a community of Asian yacht owners who share a deep connection with sailing.
Barry Ashmore, Nautor Swan’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are absolutely amazed by the warm welcome we received. Everyone has been incredibly supportive throughout all activities, and we are already starting to organise next year’s edition.”
The Swan Asian Regatta will return in 2026, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan’s founding, which will also be marked by a major edition of the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo.
“The great news is that four teams [from the Swan Asian Regatta] have already confirmed their participation in the Rolex Swan Cup 2026 in Porto Cervo, and we hope more will join to ensure a strong Japanese representation,” Ashmore said. “Our goal is to strengthen our focus on sailing in Japan and, consequently, on this event.”
The sixth and final Yacht Style of 2025 includes Top 100 Superyachts of Indo-Asia-Pacific, interviews with Jonathan Beckett of Burgess and Erwin Bamps of Gulf Craft Group, new build features with Fraser and Camper & Nicholsons, reviews of Van der Valk’s 35m Lalabe, Azimut Grande 30M, AB Yachts AB 95, Ferretti Yachts 940 and Absolute Navetta 62, plus comprehensive Yachts, News, Shows and Racing sections.
Yacht Style has released its sixth and final issue of 2025, which features the AB 95 on the front cover and is led by Top 100 Superyachts of Indo-Asia-Pacific 2026, the latest instalment in the magazine’s annual superyacht feature.
Top 100 Superyachts of Indo-Asia-Pacific 2026
The current version starts with an overview of superyacht updates from around the world, while the listing has a refreshed format compared to previous years, including more sub-50m entries.
Leaders: Jonathan Beckett, Burgess
Among this edition’s superyacht-focused features, Jonathan Beckett of Burgess looks back at both company and personal highlights as the superyacht brokerage concludes its 50th anniversary with special events around the globe.
Leaders: Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft Group
Erwin Bamps speaks about his return as CEO of Gulf Craft Group, where he’s overseeing not only Majesty Yachts – whose portfolio stretches to the Majesty 175 – but also the Nomad, Oryx and SilverCat brands, as they also seek wider representation in suitable markets around the world.
New Builds with Fraser
In a focus on new builds managed by the world’s leading superyacht brokerage houses, Fraser Asia Manager Laura Verbrugge asks Monaco-based colleagues to explain how the company guides owners through the journey from ‘vision to voyage’, citing the examples ofthe 47m ArtExplorer sailing catamaran and an 89m China-built motoryacht.
Daniela Duck, Group Head of New Build, Camper & Nicholsons
In Italy, Camper & Nicholsons’ new Viareggio location brings design, technology, project management and sales under one roof. Daniela Duck, Group Head of New Build, explains how the division has evolved into a full-service design-to-delivery platform.
Review: AB 95
This issue’s cover star is AB Yachts’ slender but powerful AB 95, which is among Reviews of yachts that had world premieres at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. The AB 95 is an adrenaline-pumping yet smooth-running 50-knot addition to an AB Yachts portfolio now offering luxury sport yachts from 80-130ft.
Review: Van der Valk 35m Lalabe
Van der Valk debuted the 35m trideck Lalabe at Cannes, with designer Guido de Groot explaining how the yacht evolved from previous builds from the Dutch shipyard to accommodate the needs and demands of four-generation family life.
Review: Azimut Grande 30M
Azimut’s Grande 30M moves into the spotlight ahead of its arrival in Asia, where the Marine Italia Asia dealership sold hull one into Hong Kong. The Grande 30M has a lot of firsts going for it, most notably as the shipyard’s first all-new yacht to feature an interior by m2atelier, the Milan studio that also contributed to other aspects of the design.
Review: Ferretti Yachts 940
The Ferretti Yachts 940, another winning design collaboration between Filippo Salvetti and IdeaeItalia, was among Ferretti Group’s two world premieres at this year’s Venice Boat Show before the brand’s second-biggest Flybridge model was displayed at Cannes.
Review: Absolute Navetta 62
Reviews are rounded out by Absolute’s Navetta 62, which was among the Inland Italian builder’s two world premieres and 11 models at Cannes. The Navetta 62 has the volume-boosting exterior lines that characterise this semi-displacement series, but spices up the equation with an extra shot of interior style.
Shows: 48th Cannes Yachting Festival
In Shows, there are reviews of the 48th Cannes Yachting Festival, 65th Genoa International Boat Show and 34th Monaco Yacht Show, as well as the third edition of the Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica.
Racing: Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup
Racing includes reports of Rolex SailGP, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Rolex Middle Sea Race, plus a preview of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in Thailand. Also in Thailand, Destination looks at the steadily evolving, family-owned Port Takola Yacht Marina & Boatyard, which offers a relaxing base for exploring “old town Krabi charm” along with nearby islands, Railay peninsula and Ao Nang.
Events: Asia Night, Cannes
Later sections include Events, with parties, shows and other happenings in Cannes, Monaco, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Up front are Columns by Yousuf Al Hashimi of Phoenix Yacht Management, Su Lin Cheah of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and Suzy Rayment of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA).
Enjoy the issue and feel free to browse Yacht Style’s various online platforms:
Ferretti Yachts 800 completes Flybridge line renewal
SHARE
The new Ferretti Yachts 800 is the brand’s latest model designed by Filippo Salvetti with interiors by IdeaeItalia.
Ferretti Group has revealed images of the Ferretti Yachts 800, which debuted at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival and completed the Italian brand’s renewal of its Flybridge line. The renewal process began in 2018 with the 670, the first Ferretti Yachts model featuring exterior design by Filippo Salvetti.
Salvetti’s sporty, modern profile for the Ferretti Yachts 800 is characterised by the sloped line of the flybridge, breaking from the tradition of parallel lines to the hull. Large windows in the saloon offer uninterrupted views and fill the interiors with ample natural light.
With a beam of 5.91m, the Ferretti Yachts 800 offers eight berths across four en-suite guest cabins on the lower deck, which has a ceiling height of at least 2m. The highlight of the guest accommodation is the 18sqm master cabin, which includes a walk-in wardrobe, vanity table and private lounge area. There are also three cabins for crew aft of the engine room.
For the interiors styled by design studio IdeaeItalia, owners can choose from two decors: the earthy tones of the Classic style or the seas-inspired Contemporary palette. Three different layouts are available for the interior configuration, with one version including a Minotti smoked glass dining table for up to eight guests.
The yacht features a 7sqm swim platform, while owners have the option of selecting a shorter version to keep the LOA under 24m for mooring regulations. The foredeck offers a 14sqm lounge area that can be covered by an awning, while the generously-sized 40sqm flybridge offers an alfresco dining area and a drinks bar outfitted with a fridge, ice maker, sink and barbecue.
The Ferretti Yachts 800 is available with either two 1,550hp or 1,800hp MAN V12 engines, which power the yacht to top speeds of 27 and 31 knots respectively. Ferretti Yachts’ iconic Flybridge series ranges from the 500 to the flagship 1000, which is also available in a Skydeck version with an enclosed flybridge.
Fraser: Record premieres bolster superyacht market
SHARE
CEO Anders Kurtén provides updates on recent boat shows, brokerage sales, new listings and an active charter season.
Photo: Monaco Yacht Show
In his latest Market Intelligence contribution to Yacht Style (Issue 86), Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser, highlighted the lively autumn period in Europe – led by the 48th edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival and the 34th Monaco Yacht Show – for bolstering activity in the superyacht sector.
“Across the industry, we have been experiencing a busy fall season, with a healthy overall brokerage growth of 5 per cent in both transaction numbers and value, year-on-year,” Kurtén wrote. “September saw intense activity in the brokerage market, with successful boat shows in Monaco and Cannes including a record number of premieres.”
Kurtén explained that the kick-off to Europe’s autumn show season precipitated a surge of new yachts on the market, with 90-plus new yachts listed for sale in September valued at a total of €1.5 billion – more than double the value of new listings added in September 2024.
As the Fraser graph above shows, sales in 2025 are outpacing 2024 (YTD) across most size sectors. “We are seeing a cautious growth in buyer confidence and it’s certainly true to say that demand for yachts remains resilient,” Kurtén stated.
Kurtén was even more bullish about charter, revealing that Fraser had completed its best-ever season in recorded history. “Worldwide, it’s clear that there remains a healthy appetite for superyachting and the unique experiences it offers.”
Gamma features exterior design by Fulvio De Simoni and an interior by Winch Design, and has a top speed of 32 knots with twin mtu engines. The 35.4m motoryacht has a beam of 7.2m and a volume of 189GT, and can accommodate seven guests in three cabins, as well as four crew.
Sanlorenzo Alloy Annabella
Meanwhile, Woodmansey is overseeing the sale programme for the Asia-based Annabella (2021), a Sanlorenzo Alloy, which has joined Burgess’ central agency fleet. Designed by Zuccon International Project, the 44m all-aluminium superyacht has an 8.9m beam, a volume of 482GT and an asking price of €24 million.
Annabella features a Liaigre interior, a multi-level master suite, and four guest cabins on the lower deck. Features include a 65sqm beach club that opens on three sides and includes a gym, while there’s a custom spa pool on the foredeck. Powered by twin mtu diesel engines, she reaches a top speed of 21 knots and cruises comfortably at 13 knots.
The shipyard and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University are collaborating to advance alternative-powered vessel technology.
Cheoy Lee Shipyards and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote research and innovation in artificial intelligence robotics, alternative-powered vessels and green materials. The collaboration aims to drive breakthroughs in electrical vessels, sustainable manufacturing technologies and renewable energy.
Martin Lo, Director of Cheoy Lee Shipyards, and Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU’s Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), signed the MoU on the PolyU campus. The two parties will collaborate on scientific research, testing environments and application scenarios, promoting innovation and advancing sustainable maritime technologies and energy-efficient transportation.
Christopher Chao (PolyU) and Martin Lo (Cheoy Lee)
Lo stated: “This collaboration marks a new milestone in the long-term partnership between PolyU and Cheoy Lee Shipyards. Our shared vision is to combine the university’s research excellence with the shipyard’s industry expertise to drive the future of shipbuilding and sustainable maritime development, moving towards smarter, greener and more sustainable growth.”
Chao added: “PolyU is committed to advance cutting-edge research and promoting academic-industry collaboration. This partnership with Cheoy Lee Shipyards exemplifies the synergistic advantages of academia and industry, paving way for a new era of intelligent and sustainable vessels and reinforcing Hong Kong’s leadership in green shipping.”
Martin Lo (Cheoy Lee)
Cheoy Lee Shipyards, which includes the Cheoy Lee and CL Yachts brands of motoryachts, recently staged the world premiere of the Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer at the 66th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it also displayed the CLB72 and CLB65 flybridge motoryachts. It also presented Cheoy Lee’s Discovery Series of long-range, steel-hulled explorer yachts.
The Norwegian builder of family-focused cruisers has appointed Derani Yachts in four markets across the region.
Marex 390
Marex, founded in Norway in 1973, has appointed Derani Yachts as its representative in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The Norwegian builder recently staged the world premiere of the Marex 390 at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, where the brand had a display at the Power Boat Marine in Port Canto.
Headed by brothers Espen Aalrud (CEO) and Thomas Aalrud (Sales & Marketing Director), sons of company founder Eyvin Aalrud, Marex focuses on safe, practical, family-friendly cruisers that are designed with ongoing feedback from clients. Designed to work in both warm and cool seasons, the yachts are produced in Lithuania and Norway.
Marex 440 Scandinavia
A combination of the Latin words mare (sea) and rex (king), Marex can be translated as ‘King of the Sea’ and the brand has been a frequent winner of international awards in recent years, with the flagship 440 Gourmet Cruiser winning two major 2024 honours. In January this year, Marex debuted the Scandinavia version of the 440 at the Boot Dusseldorf indoor show in Germany.
In recent years, Marex also picked up awards for its 330 Scandinavia, 360 Cabriolet Cruiser and 310 Sun Cruiser, which is currently the smallest model in the fleet.
Marex 440 Scandinavia
Following Marex’s mission “to build the finest 30-50ft family cruisers”, each model blends Scandinavian design with real-world practicality, evident in wide walkways, smart storage and the Smart Canopy system, which can enclose the sides of the covered aft cockpit.
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
SHARE
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
For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.
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.”
A. Lange & Söhne Production Director Tino Bobe
The Minute Repeater Perpetual
Odysseus in honey gold with bracelet
