Yacht Style, Issue 88
Read and download copy
Read and download copy
Yacht Style, Issue 86, Top 100 Superyachts of Indo-Asia-Pacific 2026, Jonathan Beckett, Burgess, Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft Group, Fraser, Camper & Nicholsons, AB Yachts, AB 95, Van der Valk, Lalabe, Azimut, Grande 30M, Ferretti Yachts, 940, Absolute, Navetta 62, Cannes Yachting Festival, Genoa International Boat Show, Monaco Yacht Show, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, Rolex SailGP, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Middle Sea Race, Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, Thailand, Port Takola Yacht Marina & Boatyard, Krabi, Yousuf Al Hashimi, Phoenix Yacht Management, Su Lin Cheah, ICOMIA, Suzy Rayment, Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association, APSA
Read and download copy
Read and download copy

Asia's leading yachting lifestyle media

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Screenshot 2026-01-16 at 9.52.20 AM
Read your copy

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

yachtstyle2020

Jean-Loup Afresne on Devialet’s Art of Engineering Endurance

Jean-Loup Afresne on Devialet’s Art of Engineering Endurance

SHARE

With the launch of the Devialet Phantom Ultimate, chief product and technical officer Jean-Loup Afresne discusses how engineering rigour and product longevity define the brand’s lasting success in the luxury audio landscape.

By Sanjeeva Suresh

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

 

Entering the foyer of Devialet’s largest flagship store in the Asia Pacific region — located at the Grand Hyatt Singapore — I am greeted by Jean-Loup Afresne, Devialet’s chief product and technical officer. We make our way towards the store’s immersive Listening Room, where the interview takes place opposite the Devialet Phantom Ultimate — the successor to the original Phantom first introduced a decade ago. This latest iteration is described as French acoustic engineering at its finest, delivering pure, high-resolution sound through a radically striking singular silhouette.

 

 

Before beginning the conversation, I take note of Afresne — dressed in a casual navy shirt beneath a blue blazer and washed denim jeans. Calm and unassuming, he is every bit the image of an engineer whose work quietly speaks volumes. Seated to his right is Martin Ku — Devialet’s regional director — who joins the conversation to give his input on Devialet’s marketing and business-related strategies. Dressed in sharply tailored suit and pocket square he embodies the corporate polish that complements Afresne’s understated technical poise. Together, they reflect the dual essence of Devialet itself — an understanding of design and presentation.

 

 

While Devialet’s legacy rests on pioneering design and boundary-pushing acoustics, its reinvention of the Phantom Ultimate proves that masterpieces endure only when innovation is treated as a constant, not a destination. With over 250 patents, Devialet’s vision of sound as a cultural and lifestyle investment has redefined how technology integrates seamlessly into luxury interiors. From its decade-long evolution to its integration with modern smart home technology, Phantom Ultimate is as much about emotional connection to music as it is about technical perfection. In this exclusive interview, LUXUO explores how Jean-Loup Afresne’s quiet mastery of sound engineering anchors Devialet’s continual evolution in the world of luxury audio.

 

 

Design trends shift quickly — how do you approach creating products for Devialet that feel timeless rather than temporary?

 

Jean-Loup Afresne (JLA): Yes, so this is actually one of our targets — to make a product that lasts. From the beginning, in our development process for new products, we focus on finding solutions that will last for a long time. This is not just a wish; it is a strategic mindset. We do not think about products as something to replace every two years — we aim to make fewer products and improve them over time. That is why we started with an amplifier, then Phantom speakers, then Devialet Mania. Endurance and product longevity are really a strategic decision for us.

 

You mentioned strategy and strategic decisions, can you expand on what kind of strategies you go through?

 

JLA: The foundation of our product design strategy is to make products fully optimised for what they do. For a single target, there is only one optimised solution. If we take time to find it, then the endurance target is met. For example, with the Phantom speaker, the main target was compactness — something very compact without compromising performance or design. By focusing on this target, we arrive at one solution, ensuring the product lasts, which is exactly what we did with Phantom.

 

 

You were the engineer behind the original Phantom. Now with the Phantom Ultimate, can you explain what evolutions customers can expect and how it has changed over the last decade?

 

JLA: From the outside, the design looks similar, but it has been refined with improved details. Inside, everything has changed — electronic, mechanical and acoustic components. With Phantom Ultimate, we kept the architecture and system design unique to Phantom but upgraded all components to improve performance.

 

You have been with Devialet since the early days, moving from engineer to chief product and technical officer. How has your personal and professional journey shaped how you lead Devialet today?

 

JLA: Devialet today is the same as in the beginning: bringing exceptional sound experiences to a wider audience. Exceptional sound can bring emotion and enhance people’s lives. That has always been our target.

 

When you mention emotion, what kind of emotion do you want the consumer to have?

 

JLA: We don’t dictate specific emotions. We want users to connect with the music and they will react in their own way. Our products are enablers between the artist and the listener.

 

 

Engineering and design often have conflicting demands. As chief product and technical officer, how do you navigate that tension?

 

JLA: Our target is not to make compromises. Usually, technical constraints and creative design targets conflict and the easy path is compromise. However, we challenge everything: why a design choice exists, is it really necessary or just a habit or industry standard? By doing so, design and technology amplify each other rather than compete, which is why Phantom lasts so long.

 

Looking back at the original Phantom of 2015, what were the key lessons that inform your engineering process today?

 

JLA: The key learning was to never forgive shortcuts and to stay aligned with the target. For instance, compactness was critical. Even though an easier solution would have slightly increased the size, we pushed the design to meet our original target, which required managing more complexity but maintained our radical approach.

 

 

As Devialet launches globally — including Singapore — how do you adapt the brand’s positioning for local and regional markets?

 

Martin Ku (MK):Being a French brand is beneficial in Asia. We position ourselves as a luxury, audio and lifestyle brand, which is unique. French heritage brings rigour in design and development. Combining brand image, product experience and retail location creates a strong, unique positioning. Singapore — in particular — is our priority in APAC with two flagship stores. The market’s receptivity and fast decision-making help us expand rapidly.

 

Singapore is a hub for premium audio and luxury lifestyle brands. What role does this market play in Devialet’s global growth strategy?

 

MK:Singapore is the standard for Asia. Partners train and see stores here before expanding in their markets. It’s a benchmark location for launching new concepts and limited editions.

 

Audio products are evolving with connectivity and a seamless user experience. How does the Phantom Ultimate respond to these expectations?

 

JLA: The electronics have been improved, with a processor more than four times faster than the previous generation. Phantom Ultimate supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi and smart home integration. Future updates will ensure compatibility with evolving smart home protocols.

 

Technology and luxury increasingly overlap. Do you see Devialet as a tech brand, luxury brand or hybrid?

 

JLA: Technology is a means, not the target. Our products are positioned at the intersection of luxury, lifestyle and audiophile performance. Technology enables usability, aesthetics and extreme audio experience, without being showcased directly.

 

How does Devialet reach younger consumers while also appealing to traditional audiophiles?

 

JLA: We design timeless products rather than targeting a specific demographic. Music is universal, so our audience is wide. Partnerships — like with Fendi or Opera de Paris — allow reaching niche audiences while the base product appeals broadly. Custom finishes help adapt to different tastes without changing the product itself.

 

Devialet has collaborated with brands like Opera de Paris, Alpine and BYD. How do you approach these partnerships and are there industries you want to explore next?

 

JLA: Most partnerships come to us because sound has become more important than ever. We can select which partners to work with, often bigger companies than ours. We are now in planes, automotive, TVs, etc. Future opportunities could be in architecture and interior design, integrating audio experiences from the start of a project.

 

With competitors like Bang & Olufsen and Sonos, what sets Devialet apart?

JLA: Devialet combines Hi-Fi-level audio quality with accessible, stylish, reasonably priced products. Competitors often focus on design or connectivity but don’t match extreme audio quality. Our product works both in lifestyle and high-performance audio spaces.

 

Sustainability is key in luxury. How does it factor into Phantom Ultimate’s design?

JLA: Material choice matters, but longevity is the main point. A green product is one that lasts. Many customers still use their first Phantom after 10 years, proving our approach.

 

 

What does success look like to you personally — recognition, adoption or product impact?

JLA: Success is about the emotion we bring to people’s homes. For example, a customer wrote about how Phantom allowed him to enjoy music again with his family, which was the ultimate success.

 

There is a revival of 2000s analog-style music. How does Devialet contend with this trend?

JLA: It doesn’t compete; it complements. We recently held an event for vinyl listening. Phantom can faithfully reproduce analog sources — it’s an enabler, making listening pure and genuine.

 


As someone who created it, how do you personally enjoy the Phantom Ultimate?

JLA: I play music at home all the time — when waking up, cooking or doing other tasks. Phantom’s goal is to provide excellent sound even during daily activities, not just when sitting down to listen carefully.

For more on the latest in tech interviews alongside lifestyle and gadgets, click here.

 

SHARE

Jean-Loup Afresne on Devialet’s Art of Engineering Endurance Read More »

Camper & Nicholsons selling 65m Global

SHARE

Camper & Nicholsons selling 65m Global

SHARE

The brokerage house is the new sales CA for the Hong Kong-based support vessel, which features a helipad, 35-tonne crane and two submersibles.

 

 

Camper & Nicholsons has announced the 64.52m Global as a new Central Agency listing, represented exclusively for sale by Senior Advisor Carmen Lau.

 

Now with an asking price of US$12.5 million, 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”, according to Camper & Nicholsons.


 

“The result is a 65m expedition mothership of remarkable capability, conceived to carry more, travel further, and unlock experiences no conventional yacht can match,” the brokerage house stated.

Features include a certified helipad (15m x 10m), climate-controlled hangar (14.6m x 10.7m x 5.8m) and heavy-duty deck equipment including a 35-tonne telescopic crane. Global is being sold with two U-Boat Worx submersibles: a Cruise Sub 7 and a Super Yacht Sub 3.

 

 

The yacht has an impressive 1,303GT of interior volume, with a lounge, dining area, cinema/briefing room and gym among common facilities. The upper deck includes six guest cabins, each with a private balcony, while there’s also accommodation for 13 crew.

 

Lying in Hong Kong, Global is currently based at the Lantau Yacht Club. The yacht is scheduled to be among Camper & Nicholsons’ three-superyacht display at the Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica (October 17-19) with the 37m all-aluminium Zeepaard (2003) and the 32m Mirae (2023), the only MCY 105 Skylounge built by Monte Carlo Yachts.

camperandnicholsons.com

 

Camper & Nicholsons selling 65m Global Read More »

Fraser reveals Carinthia VII 2026/27 world tour

SHARE

Fraser reveals Carinthia VII 2026/27 world tour

SHARE

Available for charter with Fraser, the 97m Lürssen will travel through Central America before exploring Asia-Pacific’s iconic cruising grounds.

 

 

Scheduled to leave the south of France in April 2026 and head across the Atlantic, Carinthia VII is embarking on a ‘world tour’ that will include four legs – Latin America, South Pacific, Asia and Arctic – before the 97m Lürssen returns to Hamburg in northern Germany in October 2027.

 

Fraser is the official charter agent for the 17-month charter itinerary, which will be led by captains Michael J. Zerr and Luca Mosca, who share decades of global yachting experience.

 

“The tour is set to span 17 months and take in some of the planet’s most remote and remarkable cruising grounds,” Fraser stated. “The captains will bring in-depth expertise to every destination on the tour, working alongside local experts to ensure a superlative guest experience on board.”

 

Carinthia VII’s world tour begins with the Latin America swing, starting in May 2026 in the San Blas Islands on the Atlantic side of Panama, in the Caribbean Sea. In June, the yacht charters the Pacific Coast side of Panama and neighbouring Costa Rica. In July, it’s set to head southwest to the iconic Galapagos Islands west of Ecuador before heading northwest to the Sea of Cortez west of Mexico.

 

After heading southwest across the Pacific Ocean, Carinthia VII starts its South Pacific swing in French Polynesia from August to September before visiting Fiji and the Solomon Islands from September to October.

 

Carinthia VII’s Asia leg starts with six months in Southeast Asia, with an extensive cruise through Indonesia and Thailand from November 2026 to February 2027 followed by travels through the Philippines from March to April. The yacht then heads north for three months in Japan, during the late spring and summer from May to July.

 

The charter tour then concludes with a spectacular Arctic voyage in September 2027, as Carinthia VII sails around Alaska and the north of Canada, travelling the Northwest Passage, before heading home across the North Atlantic.

fraseryachts.com

 

Fraser reveals Carinthia VII 2026/27 world tour Read More »

Metan Marine, Awlgrip, Mike Borrelli, Scituate, Massachusetts, YouTube, Awlcraft 2000, Awlcraft® 3000

From backyard shed to industry benchmark

SHARE

From backyard shed to industry benchmark

SHARE

How Metan Marine restores the world’s most exclusive vessels with Awlgrip.

 

Metan Marine, Awlgrip, Mike Borrelli, Scituate, Massachusetts, YouTube, Awlcraft 2000, Awlcraft® 3000

 

Nearly three decades ago, former trainee car mechanic Mike Borrelli launched Metan Marine from a shrink-wrap shed in his backyard. Inspired by his time as a mate aboard a fishing boat in Scituate, Massachusetts, Mike teamed up with his father and a friend to turn his passion into a business.

 

Today, Metan Marine is one of the most sought-after boat restoration companies in the United States. The company now operates from a 25,000sqft facility and restores vessels for clients around the world.

 

With US$100,000 spray booths and expert craftsmanship, all documented for thousands of loyal YouTube subscribers, Metan Marine has become synonymous with quality and precision. For Mike, one constant has been crucial to his success from the very beginning: Awlgrip® coatings.

 

“I have always used Awlgrip for all my boats. I will never forget the late Steve Smith pulling into my driveway on my second project. He was an absolute book of knowledge and such a kind gentleman,” Mike said.

 

“I was used to the automotive industry, where it was base coat, clearcoat and enamel over it. Steve took the time to explain the difference between linear urethanes and acrylic urethane, and how the clear rises to the surface during the cure process.”

 

Metan Marine, Awlgrip, Mike Borrelli, Scituate, Massachusetts, YouTube, Awlcraft 2000, Awlcraft® 3000

 

Mike quickly saw the benefits of switching to Awlgrip premium polyurethane finishes, known for their ease of application and outstanding gloss retention.

 

“For years you could not wet sand and buff using linear urethane finishes because you would break the surface,” he said. “Awlcraft 2000 changed that, by allowing the new coat to melt into the previous layer during wet sanding, enabling polishing to the point you would not even know the repair is there.”

 

Today, Mike applies the latest topcoat technology, Awlcraft® 3000, in combination with AkzoNobel’s advanced colour platform to deliver flawless results.

 

“We have just completed one of the longest paint runs ever, using both spray booths on five projects. The feedback on the Awlgrip finish and durability has been unbelievable.”

 

From humble beginnings to international acclaim, Metan Marine’s journey is one of grit, innovation and a commitment to excellence, supported by the reliability and performance of Awlgrip coatings.

 

“Awlgrip has been with us from day one. It is more than a product. It is a partnership that allows us to deliver the best possible results for our customers.”

akzonobel.com 

yachtcoatings.com

awlgrip.com

 

From backyard shed to industry benchmark Read More »

Motoryacht, superyacht, new build, Sanlorenzo, Zuccon International Project, Andiamo, SD132

Aboard the SD132, Sanlorenzo’s new 41m composite flagship

Aboard the SD132, Sanlorenzo’s new 41m composite flagship

SHARE

A 2025 world premiere, the asymmetric SD132 is Sanlorenzo’s stunning 41m composite flagship – a semi-displacement superyacht offering a whopping 420GT of volume.
Words: John Higginson; Photos: Guillaume Plisson (Exteriors) & Federico Cedrone (Interiors)

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

 

Motoryacht, superyacht, new build, Sanlorenzo, Zuccon International Project, Andiamo, SD132

The SD132 has a top speed of 17 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,200nm

 

Months before the first SD132 had its world premiere at the 48th Cannes Yachting Festival and then appeared at the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, Sanlorenzo’s biggest composite model in its Yacht Business Unit had already earned a huge fan – the owner. The 41m Andiamo is the third Sanlorenzo yacht owned by the loyal client, whose previous order was for a 35m motoryacht.

 

“The feedback from the owner has been truly enthusiastic,” says Tommaso Vincenzi, Salorenzo’s CEO. “Not only has he expressed great satisfaction with the yacht itself – its performance, design and onboard experience – but he has also praised the relationship established with Sanlorenzo. The overall journey, from construction to delivery and first months of use, has exceeded his expectations.”

 

Andiamo was the first of seven orders, while an eighth was under negotiation before the SD132 had its world premiere at Cannes. The shipyard appears to have ticked most of the boxes with the Yacht Business Unit’s flagship composite model, which has a transatlantic range of 3,200nm.

 

Motoryacht, superyacht, new build, Sanlorenzo, Zuccon International Project, Andiamo, SD132

Bird’s eye view of the open aft decks

 

Sanlorenzo worked with long-time collaborator Zuccon International Project to design the SD132, which has taken the Italian builder’s semi-displacement series to new heights, lengths and volumes. Compared to the SD118, the next biggest model in the line, the SD132 is 5m longer, with an overall length of 40.7m.

 

Remarkably, though, it’s 130GT bigger, representing a 45 per cent increase in volume compared to the series’ second-biggest model and making the 420GT tri-deck “unique among models of this length”, according to Sanlorenzo.

 

Beyond size, the SD132 extends Sanlorenzo’s emphasis on asymmetric design, an initiative that started on the shipyard’s SL series of planing yachts, where it’s now used across all current models. On the SD132, the asymmetry is evident in a widebody design to starboard in the main saloon and to port in the skylounge on the upper deck.

 

“The differences with the SD118 go far beyond scale,” Vincenzi says. “With an asymmetric layout, expanded flybridge, open beach club and forward pool lounge, the SD132 transforms how guests engage with outdoor and interior spaces.”

 

Motoryacht, superyacht, new build, Sanlorenzo, Zuccon International Project, Andiamo, SD132

Zuccon International Project designed the SD132 exterior

 

The SD132 also marks a bold stylistic shift from its predecessor, the SD126, with the bow becoming a social hub rather than a technical zone.

 

Forward of the beach club, the garage is now lateral instead of longitudinal, with transverse launching capability and able to accommodate a 6.32m tender. There’s also space in the forepeak on the main deck to store a smaller tender and a jetski. Andiamo’s interior, meanwhile, embraces tactile, ‘earthy’ elegance over glossy finishes.

 

“This evolution isn’t just architectural – it’s experiential. The fact that the SD132 enjoyed strong market success even before its official unveiling confirms that it clearly speaks to a segment of owners seeking evolution rather than excess,” Vincenzi says.

 

“In essence, the SD132 reflects a desire for immersive living at sea, supported by innovation and intelligent design. In fact, the brief for SD132 was reimagining the onboard experience, not simply by redefining its scale but by crafting a space in close connection with the sea.”

 

SEA CONNECTIONS

The experience can start even before you get onboard, if you’re able to witness the beach club’s aft bulwarks and the transom door all fold out and hover above the water.

 

The 70sqm beach club has three foldout platforms linked by a sunken lounge

 

Once opened, the three lateral terraces offer guests 70sqm of walkable waterside real estate that can be dressed with loose furniture and offer true seaside living, presenting varying places and ways to face and even enter the water.

 

In addition, the opening of the three platforms unveils the central ‘beach lounge’, a covered, comfortable and slightly sunken zone. Furnishing includes L-shaped sofas on both sides of a marble-topped island bar, which has bar stools allowing guests to face a TV on the forward bulkhead.

 

From the aft platform, steps either side of the transom door lead up to the cockpit, where guests on the aft sofa or facing chairs can enjoy clear views to port, aft and starboard once all three terraces are lowered. Again, this is true connection to the water.

 

The main saloon includes a TV integrated into the bulkhead and illustrates Andiamo’s interior décor

 

There’s an enclosed staircase to starboard, with sliding doors to port welcoming guests to the oak-lined interior. Zuccon International Project was responsible for the interior design of the first SD132, and has remained the designer of choice for the interiors of at least the next six subsequent orders.

 

On Andiamo, the saloon starts with a long dining table set to port. The lounge is set forward to starboard, where a huge L-shaped sofa and chairs face a TV on the port wall, with customised artwork adorning the walls.

 

ACCOMMODATION CHOICES

A port door leads to the galley, while the main guest foyer leads to the central staircase, a day head and on to the 55sqm owner’s suite, which can be configured according to the owner.

 

Aft view of the starboard side of the owner’s suite

 

On Andiamo, the owner’s zone starts with a nicely equipped gym, a customisation by an owner whose crew includes a personal trainer. Among the next orders for the SD132, options for this space include a children’s room.

 

Forward of this room, the owner’s suite becomes full beam and again, the spaces can be designed and configured with the owner. Sanlorenzo’s standard deck plans show an office to starboard, bathroom to port, an aft-facing bed and a full-width walk-in wardrobe forward.

 

On Andiamo, the master suite has a forward-facing bed

 

However, Andiamo features a day room with chaise longue and deck to starboard, walk-in wardrobe to port, a forward-facing bed, and a full-width bathroom forward.

 

“The shipyard’s philosophy is deeply made to measure, so even within a consistent design framework, owners are encouraged to shape their own aesthetic narrative,” Vincenzi says.

 

Whatever the arrangement, the bedroom is beautifully light due to huge windows on both sides of the bedroom, while the ambience on Andiamo benefits from a combination of dark and light woods.

 

The master suite’s full-width bathroom is forward

 

There’s also design flexibility on the lower deck, where the four beautifully appointed en-suite guest cabins can be configured with inward-facing double beds and bathrooms that include an enclosed toilet. The two aft VIP cabins are slightly larger, while on Andiamo the forward two have each been set up with twin beds and a pullman bunk.

 

There’s also accommodation for seven crew in four cabins in the crew quarters, which is in the forward part of the lower deck and includes a dinette and laundry facilities. The captain’s cabin is located on the upper deck, aft of the impressive four-screen wheelhouse.

 

UPPER LIVING LEVELS

For guests, the upper deck is reached by steps from the cockpit or the central interior staircase, which leads aft to an enticing skylounge that’s arguably the nicest interior zone on the SD132.

 

The skylounge offers clear starboard views through sliding doors and a long balcony

 

A full-beam design on the port side allows a huge sofa to face starboard, where sliding doors open fully to a side deck that can include a fold-out balcony, measuring about 14ft long by 4ft deep.

 

More sliding doors lead to the aft deck, which is the main zone for alfresco dining and makes the most of the yacht’s 8.5m beam. Like many areas onboard, the aft upper deck can be configured how the owner wishes, but the owner of Andiamo has selected a dining table aligned lengthways for the covered area.

 

Aft view of the upper-deck skylounge, looking through to the alfresco dining on the aft deck

 

Beside the table is a long outdoor grill/bar, where the chef can prepare meals. Aft are two large L-shaped sofas wrapping around the inside of the clear balustrade.

 

The upper deck is also home to the open-air social zone on the foredeck, which includes a spa pool and adjoining sunpads.

 

The yacht’s enticing outdoor spaces are crowned by the 85sqm sundeck, which has a forward, full-width sunbathing area, while the clear aft end of Andiamo includes a row of four sunbeds.

 

Forward view from the sunbeds on the 85sqm sundeck of Andiamo

 

The central hardtop, fitted with slats, covers a lounging zone that starts with mirrored L-shaped sofas and extends forward to loose chairs to starboard and a beautiful marble-topped L-shaped bar to port, where several bar stools present a popular social hub.

 

Just as the owner can customise many of the living spaces, they can also choose their own interior décor or from options proposed by Zuccon International Project. The studio has developed a material mood board and a range of earth-inspired colours, aiming to “enhance a sense of naturalness and establish a sensory connection between the owner and the yacht”.

 

As the first SD132 on the water, Andiamo shows off the Zuccon offerings, with the use of natural materials, soft textures, and a colour palette dominated by warm, earthy tones such as tans, browns and stone grey.

 

On the upper deck, the foredeck includes a spa pool and an integrated sunbathing area

 

“Sanlorenzo’s approach ensures that each SD132 is a unique expression of its owner’s lifestyle,” Vincenzi says.

 

“The shipyard’s made-to-measure approach is an emotional journey with the clients who can work with the design team on layouts and materials, and even commission bespoke artworks or furniture according to their lifestyle or the usage of the yacht – whether the goal is a family-oriented retreat, a charter-optimised layout or a minimalist sanctuary.”

 

As for the owner of Andiamo, Vincenzi reveals that the repeat client’s ongoing delight with Sanlorenzo’s yachts means he has one eye on a future purchase. “His excitement is such that he has already begun planning his next yacht to avoid long waiting times.”

apac.sanlorenzoyacht.com

 

SHARE

Aboard the SD132, Sanlorenzo’s new 41m composite flagship Read More »

Motoryacht, superyacht, megayacht, Amels, Damen Yachting, Espen Øino, yacht sales, yacht brokerage, new build, hybrid yacht, Burgess, Amels 80 Limited Editions, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

Sixth Amels 80 superyacht sold

SHARE

Sixth Amels 80 superyacht sold

SHARE

The sixth unit in the Amels 80 Limited Editions series, due for delivery in 2028, has been sold by Damen Yachting and Burgess brokerage.

 

Motoryacht, superyacht, megayacht, Amels, Damen Yachting, Espen Øino, yacht sales, yacht brokerage, new build, hybrid yacht, Burgess, Amels 80 Limited Editions, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

 

Damen Yachting has announced the sale of the sixth Amels 80, which was sold in collaboration with brokerage house Burgess. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the superyacht is currently under construction at the Damen shipyard in Galati, Romania, and will finish final outfitting at the builder’s Vlissingen City shipyard in the Netherlands.

 

Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting’s North America Sales Director, stated: “We are thrilled to have sold the most recent yacht. Working alongside Burgess once again accentuates our shared commitment to delivering world-class yachts and service to our clients.”

 

Motoryacht, superyacht, megayacht, Amels, Damen Yachting, Espen Øino, yacht sales, yacht brokerage, new build, hybrid yacht, Burgess, Amels 80 Limited Editions, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

Nathan Durley-Boot, Deputy Head of Burgess Technical Services, added: “We are proud to have facilitated the sale of another Amels 80. This yacht represents an exceptional opportunity for our client to benefit from the proven Amels 80 Limited Editions while still enjoying a significant level of customisation.”

 

The 80m Limited Editions model has been penned by Espen Øino with bespoke interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With a 12.5m beam and a volume of 2,175GT, the Amels 80 can accommodate up to 14 guests in seven cabins, as well as 24 crew.

 

Motoryacht, superyacht, megayacht, Amels, Damen Yachting, Espen Øino, yacht sales, yacht brokerage, new build, hybrid yacht, Burgess, Amels 80 Limited Editions, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

 

Features include a 200sqm sundeck and an expansive beach club, which includes a 6.5m glass-bottomed swimming pool, wellness centre, gym, sauna and massage room. Powered by an advanced hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, the Amels 80 offers quieter and more sustainable cruising while still being able to achieve a top speed of 16.5 knots.

 

Following the launch of the first Amels 80 in April 2025, the next two units are set to splash in 2026.

amelsyachting.com

damenyachting.com

 

Sixth Amels 80 superyacht sold Read More »

Marine Money, Monaco Superyacht Forum, Mike McCleery, Bob Allen, Robert Allen Law, Heather Parkman, BOATPro, Benjamin K.F. Wong, Invest Hong Kong, Louis E. Sola, Evermarine, Barbara Amerio, Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw, Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell, Echo Marine Group, Echo Yachts, Erwin Bamps, CEO, Gulf Craft, Nada Serafini, Pershing, Itama, Carmen Lau, Camper and Nicholsons, Eleonora Pitasso, Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco, Marco Valle, Azimut-Benetti Group, Alex Jimenez, TheYachtGuy, David Seal, Yachts For Sale, Matthijs Rhee, MrSuperyachts

Superyacht industry steady through the storm

SHARE

Superyacht industry steady through the storm

SHARE

Marine Money’s Monaco Superyacht Forum examined how the yachting industry is showing resilience despite global economic and political uncertainty.

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

 

Photos: Marine Money/Ed Wright


Ahead of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, Marine Money’s Monaco Superyacht Forum drew leading players from across the industry to Le Meridien Beach Plaza. Throwing the spotlight on the key economic and geopolitical forces shaping the yacht market, the one-day event gathered leading experts from across the superyacht ecosystem to exchange on market conditions and trends in finance, shipbuilding, ownership and operations.

 

Opening remarks were given by Mike McCleery of Marine Money and Bob Allen, founding partner at Robert Allen Law. Kicking off the programme, Heather Parkman, Director of BOATPro – Boat International, presented a deep dive into BOAT’s current Global Order Book, looking at the charter market, industry trends and market outlook.

 

Marine Money, Monaco Superyacht Forum, Mike McCleery, Bob Allen, Robert Allen Law, Heather Parkman, BOATPro, Benjamin K.F. Wong, Invest Hong Kong, Louis E. Sola, Evermarine, Barbara Amerio, Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw, Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell, Echo Marine Group, Echo Yachts, Erwin Bamps, CEO, Gulf Craft, Nada Serafini, Pershing, Itama, Carmen Lau, Camper and Nicholsons, Eleonora Pitasso, Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco, Marco Valle, Azimut-Benetti Group, Alex Jimenez, TheYachtGuy, David Seal, Yachts For Sale, Matthijs Rhee, MrSuperyachts

 

Benjamin K.F. Wong of Invest Hong Kong presented details of four new marina developments in Hong Kong. Louis E. Sola, former Chairman of the US Federal Maritime Commission, licensed yacht broker and founder of Evermarine, shared his perspective on one of the biggest stories of the year: the impact of US trade policy on the superyacht market.

 

Tariffs remain a major concern, he said, noting that a 15 per cent levy on a US$20 million yacht adds US$3-5 million in costs, which directly impacts the industry.

 

Current US tax policy, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, offers relief by allowing full first-year depreciation of yachts classified as business assets, even when financed, but its renewal depends on political decisions in Washington. Currency fluctuations add further pressure, as the weak dollar against the euro raises yacht prices by 10-12 per cent.

 

Marine Money, Monaco Superyacht Forum, Mike McCleery, Bob Allen, Robert Allen Law, Heather Parkman, BOATPro, Benjamin K.F. Wong, Invest Hong Kong, Louis E. Sola, Evermarine, Barbara Amerio, Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw, Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell, Echo Marine Group, Echo Yachts, Erwin Bamps, CEO, Gulf Craft, Nada Serafini, Pershing, Itama, Carmen Lau, Camper and Nicholsons, Eleonora Pitasso, Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco, Marco Valle, Azimut-Benetti Group, Alex Jimenez, TheYachtGuy, David Seal, Yachts For Sale, Matthijs Rhee, MrSuperyachts

 

A Builders’ Panel featuring Barbara Amerio, CEO of Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw of Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell of Echo Marine Group and Echo Yachts, and Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, exchanged on market agility, sustainability mandates and changing buyer expectations.

 

The Navigating HNWI Relationships in Yachting session examined relationships with high-net-worth clients, acquisition strategies and brand communication with a strong panel composed of Nada Serafini from Pershing and Itama Yachts, Carmen Lau, Senior Advisor, Camper & Nicholsons, superyacht industry expert Eleonora Pitasso, and Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco.

 

Marine Money, Monaco Superyacht Forum, Mike McCleery, Bob Allen, Robert Allen Law, Heather Parkman, BOATPro, Benjamin K.F. Wong, Invest Hong Kong, Louis E. Sola, Evermarine, Barbara Amerio, Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw, Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell, Echo Marine Group, Echo Yachts, Erwin Bamps, CEO, Gulf Craft, Nada Serafini, Pershing, Itama, Carmen Lau, Camper and Nicholsons, Eleonora Pitasso, Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco, Marco Valle, Azimut-Benetti Group, Alex Jimenez, TheYachtGuy, David Seal, Yachts For Sale, Matthijs Rhee, MrSuperyachts

 

In the key session, Today’s Superyacht Finance Market, capital providers Toby Robilliard (Investec Bank plc), Steven Hawkins (JP Morgan Private Bank), Willem Steenkamer (St Julian’s Maritime Finance), Zack Hamric (Azul Marine Lending) and Olivier Blanchet (BNP Paribas) reviewed funding models and investor expectations.

 

Bob Allen then hosted a one-to-one conversation session with Marco Valle, CEO of AzimutIBenetti Group, focusing on current challenges in the market. Boosted by a “very successful Cannes Yachting Festival”, Valle highlighted that instead of a perceived industrywide slowdown, it was yachts under 80ft (24m) that represented a more price-sensitive thus affected segment compared to larger vessels.

 

Marine Money, Monaco Superyacht Forum, Mike McCleery, Bob Allen, Robert Allen Law, Heather Parkman, BOATPro, Benjamin K.F. Wong, Invest Hong Kong, Louis E. Sola, Evermarine, Barbara Amerio, Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw, Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell, Echo Marine Group, Echo Yachts, Erwin Bamps, CEO, Gulf Craft, Nada Serafini, Pershing, Itama, Carmen Lau, Camper and Nicholsons, Eleonora Pitasso, Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco, Marco Valle, Azimut-Benetti Group, Alex Jimenez, TheYachtGuy, David Seal, Yachts For Sale, Matthijs Rhee, MrSuperyachts

 

Afternoon discussions turned to communications, with influencers Alex Jimenez (TheYachtGuy), David Seal (Yachts For Sale) and Matthijs Rhee (MrSuperyachts) analysing the impact of social media on yacht sales.

marinemoney.com

 

Superyacht industry steady through the storm Read More »

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

DCH Marine’s APAC growth motors onward

SHARE

DCH Marine's APAC growth motors onward

SHARE

With a strong presence at this year’s Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show in Hong Kong, DCH Marine yacht services company is at its most regionally active to date.
Words: Andrew Dembina

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

Sunseeker 90 Ocean Enclosed in Hong Kong

 

The expansive changes of the last year for DCH Marine the Asia-Pacific dealership for Sunseeker, Saxdor and Williams Jet Tenders continue, with new senior personnel at its Hong Kong headquarters, a soon-to-launch Thailand office, new yacht models arriving and a strong events and boat-show presence in the region.

 

Prominent Asia region yachting-industry veterans recently joining the DCH Marine team include David Walder, who takes on the role of Regional Sales Manager from Hong Kong, and Danny Zheng as the Thailand Country Manager.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

David Walder, Regional Sales Manager, DCH Marine

 

“I am very excited to be joining DCH Marine,” said Walder. “I am committed to leading our efforts in expanding our market presence across the region while maintaining the high standards our clients come to expect from us. We have many exciting new models coming to Asia which we know the market will love.”

 

HONG KONG PRESENTATIONS

At Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica from October 17-19, DCH Marine will exhibit the Asia-Pacific debut hull of the Sunseeker 90 Ocean Enclosed flybridge motoryacht (formerly known as the Ocean 182), which maximises usable interior and deck space, and features a Williams SportJet 435 at its aft.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

Sunseeker 90 Ocean Enclosed

 

Newly arrived Saxdor 400 GTC and Saxdor 320 GTO weekender-adventure models are set to showcase cutting-edge design and performance. On the last two days of the show, DCH Marine offers a complimentary Saxdor 400 GTC shuttle service between Discovery Bay Ferry Pier on Lantau Island and the venue, at 30-minute intervals from 11am-5pm (on a first-come, first-served basis).

 

A Sunseeker 100 Yacht model is scheduled to make its Asia-Pacific debut at the Hong Kong International Boat Show at Club Marina Cove in Sai Kung from December 4-7. Here, the DCH Marine line-up is expected to also feature the Sunseeker 90 Ocean Enclosed, Saxdor 400 GTC, Saxdor 320 GTO and Saxdor 270 GTO.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

DCH Marine and McLaren Hong Kong Sunday Morning Drive

 

On September 28, the DCH Marine and McLaren Hong Kong Sunday Morning Drive brought together owners of the British supercar brand for a scenic convoy drive to the berthed brand-new Sunseeker 90 Ocean Enclosed, upon which breakfast was served. An exhilarating sea trial followed, aboard the brand-new Saxdor 400 GTC.

 

SINGAPORE GRANDSTAND

In Singapore, DCH Marine showcased its brand-new (2021 version) Sunseeker Manhattan 68 in a spectacular setting at Marina Bay Sands during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

Sunseeker Manhattan 68 at Marina Bay Sands

 

The vessel was then carefully lifted out of the water and placed within the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, offering guests aboard exceptional views not only of the surrounding architecture but also a unique vantage point of the racetrack.

 

THAILAND DEVELOPMENTS

DCH Marine is preparing to expand to Thailand, where its office will be located at the Royal Phuket Marina and headed up by Zheng, who was previously the General Manager of the same marina.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

Danny Zheng, DCH Marine Thailand Country Manager

 

“I am thrilled to bring the full suite of DCH Marine’s services to Thailand’s thriving yachting community,” Zheng said. “I am committed to delivering innovative yachting services, world-class after-sales support, and an unmatched ownership experience for our clients here.”

 

From September 2728, DCH Marine partnered with Bentley Bangkok and Singha Estate for a luxury lifestyle showcase at the new Singha Estate clubhouse in the Thai capital.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

DCH Marine’s reception desk at the Bentley and Singha Estate collaboration

 

The event celebrated the debut of Bentley Bangkok’s new Continental GT and the launch of Singha Estate’s latest residential project, complemented by a Sunseeker display.

 

AUSTRALIA ACTIVITY

At the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show in Darling Harbour from November 13-16, DCH Marine is due to present the Sunseeker 76 Yacht, Sunseeker Predator 75, Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor 340 GTWA and Saxdor 320 GTO.

 

DCH Marine, APAC, David Walder, Danny Zheng, Hong Kong, Sunseeker, Saxdor, Williams Jet Tenders, Andrea Frabetti, Danny Zheng, Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Australia, Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show - Festa Nautica, McLaren

Saxdor 320 GTO

 

Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker International, commented: “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.”

 

Frabetti added that DCH Marine’s regional offices in Australia will cover the different territories across the country. It will open an office in Sydney to cover New South Wales, another in Sanctuary Cove for the Queensland territory, and one more in Perth for Western Australia. It will work with a partner in Melbourne for Victoria.

 

DCH Marine encourages guided-inspection requests at the abovementioned boat shows from now onwards, through contacts on its website.

dch-marine.com

 

DCH Marine’s APAC growth motors onward Read More »

Cheoy Lee, Yachts, Shipyards, 130 Explorer, Discovery, 115, 120, 127, Nick Boksa, Boksa Marine Design, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, FLIBS

Cheoy Lee debuting 130 Explorer

SHARE

Cheoy Lee debuting 130 Explorer

SHARE

Cheoy Lee is staging the world premiere of the 130 Explorer and presenting its Discovery Series at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

 

Cheoy Lee, Yachts, Shipyards, 130 Explorer, Discovery, 115, 120, 127, Nick Boksa, Boksa Marine Design, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, FLIBS

Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer

 

Cheoy Lee Yachts is staging the global debut of its custom-built 130 Explorer superyacht at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), which will be held from October 29-November 2.

 

Having been delivered to her owner, the 130 Explorer recently returned from extended cruising adventures and will be available for viewing at FLIBS by appointment only. During the show, CL Yachts, Cheoy Lee’s sister brand, will showcase its CLB72 and CLB65 flybridge motoryachts.

 

Cheoy Lee Yachts and Nick Boksa of Boksa Marine Design will also present more information about Cheoy Lee’s Discovery Series, a line of luxury, long-range, steel-hulled explorer yachts. Boksa and Cheoy Lee Yachts have collaborated to design the range, which includes the Discovery 115, Discovery 120 and Discovery 127.

 

Like Cheoy Lee, Boksa has drawn on an extensive background in both commercial and leisure marine projects to design the “compact, efficient, go-anywhere explorers” whose “high-volume layouts feature the same level of styling and luxury amenities found on larger explorer yachts”.

 

Cheoy Lee, Yachts, Shipyards, 130 Explorer, Discovery, 115, 120, 127, Nick Boksa, Boksa Marine Design, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, FLIBS

Cheoy Lee Discovery 127

 

Design highlights on the three models include the bridge-deck master suite on the Discovery 115, the spacious beach club on the Discovery 120, and the Discovery 127’s generous sundeck with a bar, grill, spa tub and multiple seating areas.

 

Cheoy Lee stated that it approaches the engineering and construction of its superyachts in the same way it tackles commercial projects. The design of robust systems with commercial-level equipment ensures inherent reliability, self-sufficiency and issue-free operation, even when cruising far from the beaten track.

 

B.Y. Lo, Executive Director of Cheoy Lee Shipyards, said: “We are proud to have the opportunity at FLIBS to introduce plans for the Discovery Series. This robust new explorer yacht line and the new Cheoy Lee 130 truly showcase the modern yacht-building capability of our family shipyard.

 

“Cheoy Lee has been building large yachts capable of long-range voyaging for more than 70 years, combining fine artisanship and luxury amenities with cutting-edge technology and commercial maritime practicality.

 

“The Discovery series draws on everything we know about building seaworthy global cruisers and hardy, reliable commercial vessels and workboats, and combines it all into an elegant, contemporary oceangoing yacht that delivers luxurious world cruising without compromise on facilities or service.”

cheoyleeyachts.com

clyachts.com

 

Cheoy Lee debuting 130 Explorer Read More »

Motoryacht, dayboat, De Antonio, D60, Spanish, Poland

De Antonio debuts D60 flagship

SHARE

De Antonio debuts D60 flagship

SHARE

Barcelona-based De Antonio has debuted its new flagship D60, which conceals four covered outboard engines.

 

Motoryacht, dayboat, De Antonio, D60, Spanish, Poland

 

De Antonio has introduced the D60, the new flagship of the young Barcelona-based brand founded in 2012. The Spanish builder, whose dealers in Asia include SunAzure in Hong Kong, has described the D60 as “a masterpiece that stands as the culmination of years of experience”.

 

The D60 is 10ft longer than the builder’s previous flagship, the D50, and was first unveiled at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. Constructed in GRP, the yacht has an overall length of almost 61ft and a beam of 17ft, and is built in the shipyard’s facilities in Poland where De Antonio also produces its E23, D29 and D32 models.

 

Motoryacht, dayboat, De Antonio, D60, Spanish, Poland

 

Featuring De Antonio’s signature covered outboard engines, the D60 is fitted with four 400hp V10s as standard. However, on hull one, the upgraded option of four Mercury V12s deliver a total of 2,400hp for a top speed of 48 knots and a cruising speed of 25-32 knots, while it has a range of over 300nm at about 28 knots and almost 400nm in slow cruising mode at 10 knots.

 

Described by De Antonio as sporting an “avant-garde, elegant and timeless design”, the D60 abounds with subtly concealed features throughout.

 

Motoryacht, dayboat, De Antonio, D60, Spanish, Poland

 

The foredeck includes a large sofa with side tables and a generous sunbed, which has the option of being converted into a spa pool with integrated storage.

 

Aft is a hydraulic swim platform, which can descend into the water aft of the engines and offers access to the tender garage. The garage is covered by a wide, aft-facing sunpad, which shares a backrest with a forward-facing C-shaped sofa that wraps around a dining table in a cockpit partly covered by the hardtop overhang. The hardtop can also include a slide-out awning for further shade.

 

Motoryacht, dayboat, De Antonio, D60, Spanish, Poland

 

The saloon, topped by a sliding sunroof, includes two long, facing sofas, a foldable, high-low table to port, and electric windows on both sides. Forward is a central, triple-seat helm station with two 19-inch screens, while above it, the forward part of the hardtop can feature integrated sunpads or a second sliding glass sunroof.

 

The lower deck is accessed by two stairways. Port steps lead to an intermediate-level galley that can be enclosed or open to the hallway, while starboard steps lead directly to the hallway and starboard access to the day head.

 

Motoryacht, dayboat, De Antonio, D60, Spanish, Poland

 

Midships is the full-beam, owner’s cabin with an en-suite bathroom to starboard and a walk-in wardrobe to port. Forward is either a VIP cabin with an aft-facing double bed, or two twin cabins. In the bow is a skipper’s cabin with two berths and a bathroom.

 

The D60 is available in a white or grey hull, while owners also have a range of choices for interior palette and deck finishes. As well as the foredeck jacuzzi and forward sliding sunroof, options include a hydraulic gangway and a stabiliser.

deantonioyachts.com

 

De Antonio debuts D60 flagship Read More »

Princess Yachts, 106 Odyssey, superyacht, Will Green

Princess reveals Odyssey superyacht series

SHARE

Princess reveals Odyssey superyacht series

SHARE

The British builder is focusing on the 30m-plus sector with its new Odyssey range of motoryachts.

 

Princess Yachts, 106 Odyssey, superyacht, Will Green

 

Princess Yachts has announced that it’s returning to the 100ft-plus superyacht segment with the 106 Odyssey, which will feature the Plymouth shipyard’s new hybrid fast displacement hull and is the first in a range of larger yachts.

 

Princess formerly focused on the 30m-plus market with the M Class, which included the 30M, 35M and 40M. Its current flagship models are the X95 and Y95, which share the same platform and are produced in the builder’s famous South Yard facility in the southwest corner of the coastal city.

 

Will Green, CEO of Princess, said: “Odyssey represents the next significant step for Princess Yachts, a return to building yachts above 100ft, without losing the elegance of design or characteristic seakeeping that define us.

 

“The 106 Odyssey is the first in a new family of 30m-plus yachts, which highlights our vision for a new generation of superyachts that combine exceptional volume with unrivalled comfort, style and attention to detail.”

 

Princess stated that the 106 Odyssey offers “numerous interior configurations … due to an innovative layout and the increased volume afforded by its hull design”. The main deck features an expansive cockpit and transom with flexible furniture and drop-down balconies, while the owner’s suite forward includes a private lounge or ante-room, dressing area and spa-inspired en-suite bathroom.

 

The upper deck offers configurable layouts with bespoke furniture options, an optional spa bath, floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. There’s also outdoor dining for up to 10 guests on the aft deck, sheltered beneath the skylounge canopy.

 

The lower deck features a full-beam VIP stateroom that can be transformed into two en-suite double cabins, providing up to four guest cabins. Crew quarters are located forward and feature a crew mess and three cabins for five crew, including a private captain’s cabin.

princessyachts.com

 

Princess reveals Odyssey superyacht series Read More »

Ulysse Nardin Diver Air: World’s Lightest Mechanical Dive Watch

Ulysse Nardin Diver Air: World’s Lightest Mechanical Dive Watch

SHARE

Ulysse Nardin’s Diver Air introducing a 52 g skeletonised titanium dive watch, the world’s lightest mechanical model.

 By Ashok Soman & Daniel Goh

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Ulysse Nardin Watches


In the previous two editions of Watches and Wonders Geneva (WWG), Ulysse Nardin brought just one watch to the party. That watch was the Freak, in various forms, and the idea was to focus the world’s attention on just the one watch. In the case of the Freak, this made a lot of sense, and we told the top brass at Ulysse Nardin so; the Freak needs time to grow on a collector and the model should be far more successful than it is. This year, Ulysse Nardin switches gears with the watch models but it maintains the ‘one watch at a time,’ strategy. The Ulysse Nardin Diver Air, or as the brand has it Diver (Air) is basically the brand’s take on a skeletonised diver’s watch, paired with ultra-light materials, resulting in a record-breaking, world’s lightest mechanical dive watch.


This perhaps is a thrilling space for Ulysse Nardin to play in because usually records broken when it comes to diving watches always relate to depth; nobody is even looking at weight. Additionally, the contrast between the chunkiness of a dive watch versus the Diver Air’s supreme lightness is sure to surprise anyone who picks it up. And perhaps the third reason this is good for Ulysse Nardin is that alongside its Freak series, the diver collection tends to fall to the wayside and this new watch is the talking point the collection needs.


Ulysse Nardin Orange Watch

 

At just 52g in weight, this thing is just ultralight. The brand spared no expense to cut weight for the watch, incorporating titanium not just in the case but in the components of the movement as well. We were even told that the fabric strap paired with the watch was a result of a collaboration between Ulysse Nardin and suppliers who make lightweight wear for top-level athletes.

 

The most obvious way they have cut all that mass is by skeletonizing the movement to an insane degree. Bridges are cut to the bare minimum and even then hollowed out to reduce weight. The result is the space inside the watch consisting of 80% air and only 20% material. Now the last question to ask is that at 52g, will its weight completely disappear underwater considering the amount of air and its buoyant nature?

 

This story was first seen as part of the WOW #79 Summer 2025 Issue

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

 

SHARE

Ulysse Nardin Diver Air: World’s Lightest Mechanical Dive Watch Read More »