yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Motoryacht, superyacht, sailing yacht, catamaran, yacht charter broker, brokerage house, Aim Charters, Thailand Tourism Awards, Kinnaree Award, Thailand, Phang Nga Twilight Sail, Umi, Woranit Putrakul, Fern, Natjira Deeprasert

Aim Charters honoured for green credentials

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Aim Charters honoured for green credentials

February 26, 2026
7:56 am

The Phuket-based charter company won Thailand’s most prestigious tourism accolade, the Kinnaree Award, at the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards.

Aim Charters with the Kinnaree Award

Having won Thailand’s most prestigious tourism accolade, the Kinnaree Award, at the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards, Aim Charters is set for its most successful year yet.

Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presented the Kinnaree Award to Aim Charters for its Phang Nga Twilight Sail programme, a two-day charter itinerary that showcases the natural beauty of Phang Nga Bay with an infusion of Thai cultural experiences.

Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presents the Kinnaree Award to ‘Umi’ Woranit Phutrakul

‘Umi’ Woranit Phutrakul, co-founder and Managing Director of Aim Charters, commented: “This award is not only a testament to our team’s dedication but also a promise to our guests. We remain committed to continuous innovation and excellence, striving to deliver the ultimate travel experiences while playing a key role in driving Thailand’s tourism industry toward a sustainable and high-quality international future.”

Founded in 2015, Aim Charters is managed by Umi and co-founder ‘Fern’ Natjira Deeprasert, the company’s CEO. In the last decade, the company has built up a portfolio with booking access to 60 charter yachts across Thailand, making over 500 charter bookings each year.

The Kinnaree Award was presented for Aim Charters’ Phang Nga Twilight Sail charter itinerary

Aim Charters owns eight of its charter vessels, the largest of which include 27m motoryacht Moonglider and 22m catamarans Phuket and Aqua. With its own dedicated private lounge inside the Royal Phuket Marina, Aim Charters has established its reputation as one of the country’s leading charter companies.

As well as hosting Thailand’s award-winning charter journeys, Aim Charters also boasts credentials as an eco-focused yachting business.

Moonglider

The company is officially certified with a level five STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating) rating, is accredited under the Thailand Tourism Standard quality benchmark and has received the official Carbon Neutral Event certification from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) for its Phang Nga Twilight Sail voyage.

“What makes us really stand out from other yacht brokers is that while most companies only focus on luxury, we’re taking real action for the ocean,” Umi said. “We aren’t just saying ‘we’re green’ – we have the official certification to prove it.”

Aim Charters’ peak charter season is from November to April, but the company also actively promotes bookings from May to October to allow guests to experience the Thai islands in greater depth during the quieter months.
aimcharters.com

Prestige M-Line widens choices with M7

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Prestige M-Line widens choices with M7

February 26, 2026
7:36 am

The M48 put Prestige firmly on the multihull map, before the M8 offered a grand 65ft option. Now, the M-Line offerings grow with the M7, a 58-footer with a palatial beach club and cockpit, plus vast flybridge, foredeck and cabin spaces that underline the appeal of multihull motoryachts.

Words: Clare Mahon; Photos: Prestige

The M7 features naval architecture by France’s Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group

Having entered the multihull motoryacht sector in 2022 with the M48, now totalling 70-plus sales, Prestige surprised the yachting market the next year by scaling up to 65ft with the ultra-luxurious M8. Recently the Groupe Beneteau-owned shipyard followed up with the slightly smaller but equally beautiful M7, which marries its 58ft length with a near-25ft beam.

“It’s not a secret that while we have always been very strong in the 40-60ft flybridge range, we need to grow our customer base and we want to do that in steps,” says Michelangelo Casadei, General Manager of Groupe Beneteau’s Motor Yachts Business Unit. “The M8 was a big jump. Now with the M7, we are filling out the range and showing our clients that we can grow with them, step by step.”

Italy’s Garroni Design handled exterior and interior design

The ‘M’ in M-Line stands for multihull, a growing sector of the motoryacht market and one in which Prestige has already made strong inroads. “We don’t hide our ambition to be the best in class in the multihull motoryacht segment. When I say multihull motoryacht, I mean something that isn’t derived from a sailing catamaran because those are completely different animals,” he explains.

“Sailing catamarans need to have a wide beam to provide a good righting moment, thin hulls to minimise wet surface, and low headroom to maximise the mast and boom above. On multihull motoryachts, you don’t have these constraints. For one, your beam can be a bit narrower overall, so it’s easier to enter a marina.

The vast hydraulic platform can be aligned with the cockpit or aft transoms, or even lower

“Also, you can have larger hulls because you can have more wet surface. This allows for more comfortable cabins with beds placed transversally looking out to the water and you can have a master cabin on the main deck. Above all, you can get good headroom because you don’t have the constraints the mast brings.”

Comfort and the quality of customer experience are the main factors driving Prestige’s development of multihull motoryachts.

There’s also a retractable yacht ladder

“If you want to move fast, turn on your chine or like a sporty look, those are monohull features,” Casadei states. “If you want a spacious interior and an excellent quality of life with comfort and space for family living, and your typical navigation is just moving from one beautiful spot to another, then a multihull is right for you.”

GRAND ENTRANCE

The exteriors of the M7 contrast the verticality of the architectural elements with sinuous lines used in elements such as the hull glass. These eliminate the sense of bulkiness that sometimes plagues wider boats and balance out the proportions.

Offered with several furniture variations, the full-beam cockpit is situated two steps up from the transoms and three below the saloon

Balance and proportion – generous proportion at that – is what you feel when boarding the M7. The boat’s stability on the water is excellent, and the feeling is of quality and solidity. Symmetrically placed couches overlook a hydraulically operated central swim platform. Steps into the boat are wide, easy and feel practically palatial.

The saloon is tastefully set up like a city apartment with sectional couches to starboard and an open-plan galley to port – but just try finding an apartment with views like the ones you get through the M7’s huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The colour palette is neutral, but a variety of materials and textures keeps visual interest high.

Starboard view of the saloon, where the forward helm controls can be covered

After the initial ‘wow’ effect wears off, closer inspection reveals a TV screen hidden behind a mirror, Miele appliances, and everything you need for entertaining, from a wine cellar to an icemaker.

The lower helm station is in the saloon. However, when the M7 is at anchor, the helm can be enclosed in cabinetry that matches the rest of the panelling, as this is a boat meant more for living than for navigating. All that you perceive is tonnes of space, including the headroom that Casadei mentioned, and the best sea views you can find.

Forward, the full-width master suite with aft-facing bed includes wardrobes and a twin-sink bathroom to port

There are just four steps down to the owners’ cabin fore, a space where you can really wallow in the luxury of the 25ft beam, and enjoy the light and views through the long hull windows. The bed is aft facing and centrally placed, and there’s plenty of room for a desk and a couch to starboard, and elegant closets with frosted glass doors to port.

Behind the closets there’s still enough space for a well-appointed bathroom with twin sinks open to the cabin, and separate shower and toilet compartments concealed behind glass doors. “This is the type of master suite you just can’t have on a 70ft monohull,” Casadei says with notable understatement.

The master suite also has a daybed and a desk to starboard

Four more steps down from the master cabin is an en-suite VIP with a centrally placed bed facing port windows, a real invitation to spend too much time relaxing in bed watching the world go by. Another en-suite double cabin and a twin with bunk beds are in the second hull, accessed via a separate staircase. A crew cabin in the port hull has an independent access route to ensure guests’ privacy.

OPEN SPACES

The outdoor living features on the M7 are also exceptional. The foredeck is accessed by wide and comfortable side passages and has large sunpads with flip-up backrests and drinks holders.

Able to be shaded by a bimini, the foredeck features two large, symmetrical sunpads with integrated backrests and drinks holders

The flybridge has sunpads fore, a galley area with a grill and sink aft, and a dining area under the hardtop. The hardtop comes with the option for installing 16sqm of solar panels that can provide up to 3.6kW of energy to run the boat for up to 10 hours in hotel mode. This isn’t the M7’s only environmentally friendly feature, as Casadei points out.

“If you compare cubic living volume to wet surface, you use a third to half of the amount of installed power to get from one place to the other on a multihull motoryacht compared to a similar monohull.”

The flybridge features covered alfresco dining for eight, while to port is the yacht’s main helm station

In fact, the M7 has twin Volvo Penta D8-550 V-Drive diesel engines that lower consumption and operational costs. Plus, there’s no need for stabilisers on a multihull, so that also saves energy.

“With the M-Line we’re not just moving up in size,” Casadei says. “It’s a completely different product segment and we think that there’s a space for us to become leaders and best in class with this type of boat.”

So, is Prestige effectively splitting into two different shipyards, with the M-Line so different from the F-Line and X-Line series of monohull motoryachts?

The aft end of the flybridge includes an outdoor galley with grill

“No,” Casadei emphasises. “While the M-Line is very different from our flybridge boats, we’ll keep the same brand because we think that the brand DNA of quality of life and home-like feeling is shared across the product line, albeit with a different soul.”

And maybe “soul” is the word that best captures the feeling you get aboard the M7. This is a boat where spaces, amenities and movement through the water offer all it takes to really soothe your soul.

prestige-yachts.com

From Africa to Asia: The story of UX Marine

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From Africa to Asia: The story of UX Marine

February 26, 2026
7:17 am

UX Marine owners Eugene Mercado, Mike Johnston and Captain David Romeril tell the story of their shipyard, known for its rugged line of Noordic adventure yachts.
Words: Robert Stedman; Photos: Leonard Teo Photography & UX Marine

Singapore-based Captain David Romeril and fellow skipper Eugene Mercado, two of the three owners of UX Marine

Eugene Mercado’s journey to founding UX Marine reads like a tale from an adventure novel. Born in Mexico, his travels took him to Canada, where he worked as a designer and operated a furniture business, crafting chairs from recycled materials.

New Zealand was his next base. Working as a user interface designer, he was in his mid-20s when he met a sailing enthusiast who opened his eyes to life on the water, sparking a passion that would eventually change his entire career path. “That was the first time I actually went sailing properly,” says Mercado, now 37.

He later headed to Thailand, where he spent two years as a scuba diving instructor on Phi Phi Island. “I loved it and dived a lot, but I only made US$20 a day,” he smiles, admitting that the lifestyle in the Kingdom was fun if not sustainable, leading to his return to New Zealand.

Back in Auckland, Mercado trained as a marine electrician in his spare time. He also met Mike Johnston, the long-time Chief Technical Officer of the digital banking company that Mercado was working for.

Australia-based CEO Mike Johnston is also an owner of UX Marine

BRIDGING CONTINENTS

Johnston was working between New Zealand and Singapore, which is where Mercado was transferred in 2019 and took on the role as Head of User Experience or ‘UX’. Now a certified dive instructor, yacht skipper and marine electrician, he immersed himself in the local marine industry. Within three years, Mercado and Johnston established UX Habitat and UX Marine.

The pair made the decision to establish their boat-building operation in South Africa rather than Singapore. Within a month, they had formed a team in Simon’s Town on the coast of False Bay, south of Cape Town, with General Manager Jean ‘JP’ Le Roux, formerly of Robertson and Caine. In late October 2023, they were presenting their first boat at the Cape Town International Boat Show.

Captain David Romeril, a Singapore-based superyacht skipper, later joined Mercado and Johnston as the company’s third partner.

ASIAN PIVOT

In late 2025, UX Marine opened a new shipyard in China, near Qingdao in Shandong province, replacing its Cape Town facility as the main production centre. The move marks a strategic shift towards the company’s primary market. “Manufacturing in China provides the precision, infrastructure and speed we need, without losing what makes our boats so distinct,” Mercado says.

Noordic boats at UX Marine’s new shipyard in China

Captain Romeril, who oversees operations from Singapore, is enthusiastic about the recent relocation. “Asia is the new Mecca of marine innovation. From smart materials to automation, the quality and capability here are remarkable. We’re blending South African craftsmanship with Asian efficiency to build faster, better and closer to where our boats will live.”

Johnston, who’s based in Melbourne, views the China facility as crucial to the company’s growth plan. “This move keeps our DNA intact but expands our reach. We’re not just building boats; we’re building a bridge between continents of craftsmanship.”

NOORDIC COLLECTION

UX Marine’s Noordic line – comprising the 23, 26 and 28 models – represents what the company calls its ‘luxury adventure’ collection. Inspired by Nordic brands like Axopar, Saxdor and Nimbus, the Noordic boats target thrill-seekers and explorers aged from 24 to 45 who want quality without the price tag of a traditional luxury yacht.

Romeril articulates the design philosophy. “From the 23 to the 28, the Noordic Line is all about combining clean Nordic style with the practical features and durability that UX Marine is known for. These boats aren’t just for show. They’re made to be used, loved and shared.”

At the Singapore Yachting Festival in April 2025, the Noordic 28 attracted considerable attention during the four-day event at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove.

Mercado at the wheel of a Noordic 28 in ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in Singapore

Romeril recalls: “She looked an absolute treat sitting alongside some of the world’s finest yachts. The reception was even better than we’d hoped, and we secured a sale. There’s nothing like shaking hands and sealing the deal while the excitement’s still in the air.”

The following month, the Noordic 23 debuted at Australia’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, underlining UX Marine’s presence on three continents.

Johnston notes: “The Noordic 23 has been turning heads in both the Australian and South African markets, proving that great design and comfort don’t need to come in a big package. Compact, classy and more than capable, she’s perfect for day trips and coastal hops.”

STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

UX Marine stands out with bold designs and integrated technology. The shipyard uses pastel shades on hulls, paired with bright, contrasting upholstery colours. “The colour options are bold and fresh, and the response so far has been amazing,” Mercado says. “People can’t stop talking about how these boats stand out in the marina and on the water.”

He also emphasises that the ‘UX’ in the company’s name stands for ‘user experience’, which embodies what the boat builder is all about.

UX Marine is installing its Neptune’s Chest on all new models

Beyond aesthetics, UX Marine integrates advanced automation and the latest oceangoing technology. For example, owners can control lighting, showers and various boat systems remotely via their phones – whether docked at the marina or miles away. The company has introduced the Neptune’s Chest monitoring system on the Noordic 26 and will integrate it across its fleet.

Significantly, UX Marine built its first electric boat in Singapore, which has travelled to Indonesia and Malaysia, demonstrating its capabilities and the company’s commitment to innovation.

ACCESSIBLE LUXURY

While Mercado says competitors sell similarly sized boats for over S$350,000, UX Marine is targeting the S$200,000 (US$150,000) market in Singapore.

UX Marine’s customer is, according to Mercado, “anyone millennial or older who wants to get into boating and desires fine craftsmanship and advanced features; someone who wants high quality and all the toys on board without having to pay a crazy amount of money”.

The new Noordic 26 exemplifies this approach. Designed with customer input, it features a larger, extendable T-top for more shade, a new rainfall shower on deck, a more spacious cabin and refined details throughout. Fitted with a 250hp Mercury Verado and assistive docking technology, it balances luxury and functionality.

A recent arrival in Singapore, the Noordic 26 features a 250hp Mercury Verado outboard engine and assistive docking technology

Like the entire range, “the Nordic 26 is designed for entertainment and luxury, and she’ll feel right at home cruising, partying or simply relaxing with family and friends,” Mercado explains.

UX Marine boats hold Class B certification, meaning they’re capable of travelling 60 miles offshore. These are genuine oceangoing vessels, not what Mercado dismissively calls “expensive floating bathtubs” offered by other manufacturers.

ROAD AHEAD

The team are positive and now in a good place, having overcome substantial financial challenges, with Mercado admitting “we earlier lost money getting things right”.

With boats now operating on three continents, strong agent networks across Southeast Asia, and the new China facility expected to speed up regional deliveries, UX Marine has established itself as an international operation, and is gaining a notable reputation.

Romeril and Mercado proudly wearing UX Marine shirts and caps – UX stands for ‘user experience’

The company is further refining its Noordic 28, with plans to add a second head and increase capacity to host 12 people across two separate areas. If all goes to plan, the upgraded version should be available later this year.

Mercado operates his personal boat as a mobile entertainment venue at the marina. “People want to come and see me from overseas,” he says, noting that industry apprentices regularly visit to observe what UX Marine has created.

For Mercado, Romeril and Johnston, success isn’t measured solely in sales figures but in the experiences that they enable and the boundaries they push. Their boats represent a new chapter in Asian boat building, where rugged adventure, advanced technology, super accessibility and luxury come together.

In broadening access to quality recreational boating, UX Marine is setting a course that challenges established industry norms while remaining true to its core mission: creating unforgettable experiences on the water.

uxmarine.com

Sanlorenzo unveils 2026 arts calendar

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Sanlorenzo unveils 2026 arts calendar

February 26, 2026
6:39 am

Casa Sanlorenzo, Venice

Sanlorenzo is celebrating 10 years of arts patronage with its most ambitious cultural calendar to date. The Italian shipyard’s year-long cultural programme spanning art, design, craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability is anchored by the first full year of activity at Casa Sanlorenzo, which last year was inaugurated during the Venice Climate Week and also hosted the ‘Breathtaking’ exhibition by Fabrizio Ferri.

Sanlorenzo’s 2026 arts programme will start at the Milan Design Week in April, where the builder will return to the Interni exhibition programme with a new installation by Piero Lissoni at the Università degli Studi di Milano.

From May, Casa Sanlorenzo will host a series of events through to late November. This year, its first major exhibition is ‘Waves’, which will be held from May 6-June 28 during the Venice Biennale d’Arte period as a landmark exhibition within the city.

‘Waves’ is curated for Sanlorenzo by Sergio Risaliti, Artistic Director of Museo Novecento in Florence, and Cristiano Seganfreddo, with the scientific support of Ersilia Vaudo Scarpetta. The installation will showcase the work of masters of modern art and sculpture such as Alexander Calder, Fausto Melotti, Lucio Fontana and Tony Cragg, alongside emerging contemporary artists including Christine Safa, and visual artists Friederich Andreoni and Marcello Maloberti.

Last year’s ‘Breathtaking’ exhibition by Fabrizio Ferri

From June 3-8, Sanlorenzo will again participate at Venice Climate Week, opening the doors again to Casa Sanlorenzo for dialogue, science and collective action on climate change.

From September 1-30, Casa Sanlorenzo will serve as a host venue for the fourth edition of Homo Faber in Città. This year’s exhibition, ‘An Island of Light’, is curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. Artistically directed by Es Devlin, the showcase investigates the interplay between light, materials and artisanal skill, highlighting the dialogue between craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.

From October 12-November 24, Casa Sanlorenzo will host a solo exhibition by Roselena Ramistella at Casa Sanlorenzo. Commissioned by Sanlorenzo, the work by the Sicilian photographer documents life on Italy’s lesser-known islands outside of the tourist season, and the islanders who inhabit them.

Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo’s Executive Chairman, said: “Over the past 10 years, Sanlorenzo Arts has grown from an instinctive passion into the cultural compass of our organisation. Guided by a belief that culture and responsibility are not complements to excellence but its foundation. To support culture is to invest in ideas, champion craftsmanship and encourage the courage to question the present while imagining the future.

Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman, Sanlorenzo

“It was in this spirit that we opened Casa Sanlorenzo in 2025 as a permanent cultural home for Sanlorenzo Arts. With our first full-year programme, our ambition is clear: to build a platform where art, sustainability and design exist in meaningful dialogue, reflecting the restraint, innovation and timelessness that define Sanlorenzo in yachting.”

In January, Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific was a Supporting Partner of ART SG, a major modern art fair held during Singapore Art Week.

apac.sanlorenzoyacht.com

Europa Yachts expands in Indonesia

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Europa Yachts expands in Indonesia

February 26, 2026
6:12 am

Two Groupe Beneteau brands have appointed Europa Yachts as their Indonesia dealer to complement successful partnerships in the Philippines.

Thomas Cachera (Europa Yachts) and Erwan Her (Beneteau)

Europa Yachts, headed by CEO Thomas Cachera, has been appointed as the exclusive Indonesia dealer for both Beneteau and Lagoon, with the company building on its representation of both Groupe Beneteau brands in the Philippines.

Europa Yachts has fostered strong communities for both brands in the Philippines, providing a full ownership journey for customers from initial consultation and yacht selection to delivery coordination, after-sales support and long-term service planning, while also organising Beneteau Rendezvous and Lagoon Escapade events.

In Indonesia, Europa Yachts will represent all Beneteau models across Sailboats (Oceanis, Oceanis yacht, First, First SE, Figaro), Motor Yachts (Gran Turismo, Swift Trawler) and Dayboats (Flyer, Antares).

Erwan Her, Beneteau’s Asia-Pacific Sales Director, said: “Beneteau is excited to broaden its successful partnership with Europa Yachts, our Philippines partner, into Indonesia. This expansion reflects the strong momentum we have built together and our commitment to serving customers across Southeast Asia.

“Indonesia is a key market with its amazing archipelago, and with our dealer’s proven expertise and understanding in such territory, we’re confident we will accelerate growth and deliver outstanding results for Indonesian customers.”

Cosmas Grelon (Lagoon) and Thomas Cachera (Europa Yachts)

Europa Yachts will also represent the full range of Lagoon sailing and power catamarans in Indonesia. After debuting the entry-level Lagoon 38 and flagship Lagoon Eight 2 sailing catamarans last year, the brand’s 2026 debuts will include the Eighty 3 motor yacht and Lagoon 47 sailing model.

Cosmas Grelon, Asia-Pacific Sales Manager for Excess and Lagoon, said: “It is with immense pride and confidence that we are announcing the strategic expansion of our esteemed and long-standing partner, Europa Yachts, into the Indonesian market together with Lagoon.

“This decision represents a significant milestone in our continued regional growth strategy, bringing the unparalleled Lagoon experience with innovation, comfort and service to the dream destination that is the beautiful archipelago of Indonesia. We have every confidence that Europa Yachts will not only succeed but excel in introducing Indonesian enthusiasts and investors to the Lagoon lifestyle.”
europa-yachts.com
beneteau.com
catamarans-lagoon.com

A. Lange & Söhne Gallops Into the Lunar New Year With Festive Campaign

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A. Lange & Söhne Gallops Into the Lunar New Year With Festive Campaign

February 19, 2026
11:21 am

A. Lange & Söhne welcomes the Lunar New Year with a reflective campaign that revisits emblematic timepieces, drawing parallels between their disciplined mechanics and the spirit of the Year of the Horse.

By Sanjeeva Suresh

The Year of the Horse is traditionally associated with renewal, momentum and progress — values that resonate deeply with A. Lange & Söhne. From its home in Saxony, the German manufacture has long approached watchmaking as a disciplined pursuit of precision by way of uniting technical mastery with enduring design. As the Lunar New Year turns the calendar forward, LUXUO reflects on these A.

Lange & Söhne timepieces that mirror the values of the Chinese zodiac as a striding affirmation of progress guided by discipline. Whether expressed through the architectural balance of the LANGE 1, the classical purity of the 1815 or the mechanical audacity of the ZEITWERK Date, A. Lange & Söhne continues to measure time not only in seconds, but in generations.

The LANGE 1 Daymatic in Honey Gold.

Few watches capture the identity of A. Lange & Söhne as distinctly as the LANGE 1. In its Daymatic interpretation — housed in 750 honey gold — the design’s characteristic off-centre dial layout remains immediately recognisable with its dynamic asymmetry and compositional balance. The asymmetrical display — anchored by the brand’s signature outsize date — is carefully proportioned to create its signature visual rhythm that has defined the collection since its debut. The LANGE 1 Daymatic distinguishes itself with automatic winding, transforming the energy of motion into a steady progression of time underscoring Lange’s philosophy that mechanics should serve both refinement with everyday practicality.

Alongside it, the Little Lange 1 in 750 pink gold offers the same architectural dial language in a more compact 36.8mm case. While differing in scale and tone, both watches maintain the same disciplined geometry and technical integrity. Together, they demonstrate the flexibility of the LANGE 1 concept — a design that adapts without compromising on its core identity.

1815 family embodies the A. Lange & Söhne’s historical roots, updating it with a contemporary Saxon design. Inspired by Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s pocket watches, the 1815 in pink gold draws upon traditional watchmaking codes with a clean and crisp layout. Its 34mm case frames a blue dial punctuated by railway-track minute markers and Arabic numerals — hallmarks of 19th-century precision timekeeping. The three-hand configuration reinforces legibility, while the carefully arranged numerals at the cardinal points lend the dial a sense of cadence and order.

The markings at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock are an allusion to hoofprints on the minute track, evoking the image of a horse galloping along the rails as time passes. In the context of the Lunar New Year — particularly the Year of the Horse — this rhythmic progression of markers around the minute track subtly evokes motion and continuity.

The ZEITWERK Date in pink gold

At the more experimental end of the spectrum lies the ZEITWERK Date in pink gold. With a 44.2 mm case diameter, this reimagines mechanical timekeeping through a digitally displayed format.

Unlike conventional analogue displays, the ZEITWERK presents hours and minutes through precisely jumping numerals. These discs switch instantaneously — a process that occurs 1,440 times each day — culminating in a coordinated midnight transition from 31 to 1 on the date display. Such choreography demands carefully regulated energy delivery, ensuring that every change occurs with consistency and accuracy.

The watch exemplifies Lange’s engineering philosophy that complexity must remain controlled. Even while challenging traditional display norms, the ZEITWERK Date upholds the brand’s commitment to mechanical integrity and disciplined execution.

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

New Sunseeker destined for Asia-Pacific travels

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New Sunseeker destined for Asia-Pacific travels

February 19, 2026
11:13 am

DCH Marine has delivered a new Sunseeker 90 Ocean Enclosed to an “ambitious young owner” with extensive cruising plans across the region.

Sunseeker’s Asia-Pacific representative, DCH Marine, has handed over a new 90 Ocean Enclosed in Hong Kong to an “ambitious young owner who’s planning even bigger adventures”, as described by the British shipyard.

Formerly known as the Ocean 182, the enclosed-flybridge version of the 90 Ocean (click for Review) is the third Sunseeker in three years for the owner, whose previous yacht was a 76 Yacht, also sold by DCH Marine.

Recognising the emotional significance of the occasion, DCH Marine decorated the yacht and adorned it with small gifts and charms “in keeping with regional traditions and as a gesture of good fortune for the journeys ahead”.

David Wilder, DCH Marine’s Sales Director for Sunseeker, said: “This delivery represents the culmination of many months of hard work by the entire team including DCH sales, DCH service, the Sunseeker shipyard, and the designers and engineers.

“To see everything come together for an owner who has placed such continued trust in us is incredibly rewarding. Delivering his third yacht in three years is a proud milestone for everyone involved.”

Plans are already in motion to further customise the interior, refining the space to reflect the owner’s tastes and lifestyle.

Sunseeker also revealed that the owner’s extensive cruising plans include Taiwan, north to Japan, through the Philippines and Indonesia, “with Australia firmly on the horizon”.

The shipyard also stated that the “cruising ambitions perfectly suit the Ocean series platform”. The 90 Ocean Enclosed has an overall length of 89ft and a huge beam of 23ft 6in, with the expansive three-deck layout combining with the enclosed flybridge to provide 182GT of interior volume. The yacht has twin 1,900hp MAN V12 engines, a 13,000-litre fuel capacity and a range of 1,100nm at 10-12 knots.

Sunseeker stated: “The 90 Ocean Enclosed will provide the ideal base for such exploration, combining expansive interior volume, enclosed helm protection for varied climates, and the long-range cruising capability required for serious passage-making across Asia-Pacific waters.”

sunseeker.com

dch-marine.com

Damen Yachting launches second Amels 80

News / yachtstyle2020

Damen Yachting launches second Amels 80

February 19, 2026
10:49 am

Netto II is the second hull from the Amels 80 series, with delivery scheduled ahead of the Mediterranean summer.

Damen Yachting has launched the second hull of the Amels 80 series, with images revealing the superyacht’s name as Netto II. Sold in December 2022, just months after the new model was introduced to the market, Netto II arrived for outfitting at Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen City site in August 2024 and is due for delivery to her new owner before the upcoming Mediterranean summer.

Stefan Regtvoort, Damen Yachting’s Project Manager, said: “Seeing this impressive Amels 80 now afloat and outside again is a proud moment for everyone involved. The successful launch from the dock is the result of close teamwork, precision planning and dedication from all our colleagues and partners including the owner’s team, represented by Kees de Keizer. We’re now looking forward to the next exciting phases as she moves closer to delivery.”

Designed by Espen Øino, the 80m, 2,175GT motoryacht sports a distinctive exterior look, with a hull colour described by Damen Yachting as “metallic dolphin blue” combining with a platinum bootstripe and white superstructure. Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design styled the interiors.

The yacht features a spacious sundeck with an oversized jacuzzi, and a beach club that opens on three sides and provides direct access to the sea as well as facilities like a gym, hammam and sauna. On the aft main deck, a glass-bottomed, 6.5m-long pool serves as a skylight for the beach club below.

Aside from the hallmark features, the second Amels 80 has also been customised with unique details such as a “speakeasy bar with a 1960s casino vibe”, according to the shipyard. There are also seven suites on board for up to 14 guests, alongside quarters for 20 crew.

Netto II is the second Amels 80 to hit the water, with the first, Pangea, delivered in October 2025. There are currently another four Amels 80 units in build, with Project Zurich (Amels 8003) due for delivery later this year.
damenyachting.com
amelsyachting.com

Benetti Yachtmaster highlights new Service Division

News / yachtstyle2020

Benetti Yachtmaster highlights new Service Division

February 19, 2026
10:35 am

Held for the first time at Benetti’s Livorno and Viareggio shipyards, the Yachtmaster shared key updates including the recent establishment of a Service Division.

Benetti’s Livorno shipyard

The modernisation of infrastructure and on-board technology, preventive maintenance, turnkey services and the new Azimut|Benetti Service Division were the main topics at the 26^th Benetti Yachtmaster in Italy.

For the first time, the annual event – created in 2000 by Azimut|Benetti Group founder Paolo Vitelli – was hosted entirely in the company’s Livorno and Viareggio production facilities, which welcomed about 200 superyacht captains, surveyors and owner representatives, as well as Giovana Vitelli, Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group.

The opening day was an opportunity to present the results of the process launched following the listening phase after the 2025 event.

In response to the evidence that emerged last year from structured tools such as the Net Promoter Score and the ‘Perspective from the Bridge’ project, Benetti has implemented new processes and technologies at its facilities to optimise operating standards and flows.

In recent years, Benetti’s drive for innovation has also resulted in structural improvements to shipyard safety. The installation of electronic panels and automatic turnstiles now optimises the management of people flow and access to work areas.

Massimiliano Casoni, Benetti’s General Manager, said: “Ongoing dialogue with owners, captains and crews is a strategic lever for excellence in the production and servicing of our yachts. These activities have helped to strengthen the relationship of trust with our stakeholders, translating into tangible actions across the entire supply chain, from initial contact with the customer to after-sales service, and establishing a long-term relationship between the brand, the owner and the crew.”

Massimiliano Casoni, General Manager, Benetti

Direct feedback from owners resulted in the creation of the Azimut|Benetti Service Division, which was presented to captains during the second day. Launched by the Group in January 2026, the platform meets the needs of contemporary owners seeking simplicity, immediacy and intelligent solutions.

Casoni said: “The Service Division is the natural evolution of our approach to services, designed to support customers throughout the entire life cycle of their yacht, protecting the asset, preserving its value over time and guaranteeing real peace of mind.”

The three strategic pillars of the new proposition are Technical Services, Fleet Operation, and the Lifestyle and Turnkey ecosystem.

The shipyard provides management services that include personalised maintenance plans, warranty extensions and global assistance at certain costs. Additionally, a digital IoT platform installed on board increases the boat’s lifespan and performance.

Benetti is also investing in human capital with the Crew Academy, the programme of training excellence that enhances crew expertise and service standards. Finally, through its Yachtique atelier, the shipyard offers interior design consulting and bespoke solutions, from move-in-ready collections to furnishings designed by leading luxury brands.

Supporting this vision, the Benetti Service Net project was presented during the conference at the Livorno shipyard. This global support network has a broad base of 16 service points located in key geographical areas and managed by 10 partners selected and certified by Benetti.

The service points operate according to rigorous technical standards and under the shipyard’s central coordination, ensuring prompt support, high quality and operational continuity wherever a yacht is cruising. The Benetti Service Net also ensures integrated access to all the shipyard’s maintenance and warranty programmes worldwide.

Also attending the 26^th Yachtmaster, Lusben – the Azimut|Benetti Group refit division in Varazze – answered participants’ questions about programmes and services for captains and owners, illustrating the technological innovations, facilities and teams of professionals at the three sites. The event was also an opportunity to look back over Lusben’s 70 years in business since the company’s foundation in Viareggio in 1956.

Yachtmaster guests were also able to soak up Benetti’s heritage by immersing themselves in the atmosphere of this year’s edition of the Viareggio Carnival (Carnevale de Viareggio), an iconic Italian tradition that shares a common heritage with the shipyard. Both were founded in 1873 by the skilled dockworkers and craftsmen of the Darsena.

It was the ingenuity of master carpenters and caulkers that gave life to the first carnival floats, transferring their construction expertise from wooden boats to city parades.

This storied setting, involving masked races and the museum spaces in the Cittadella, provided the backdrop for team-building activities, encouraging discussion and strengthening the synergy between captains and professionals.

Benetti Yachtmaster 2026 Partners

Giga: Acquera Yachting, Awlgrip, Termodinamica, Viraver, Volvo Penta

Mega: ASEA Power Systems, Boero, CMC Marine, Crew Pro, Dockwise, Jotun, MTU, Raymarine, RINA, Saim Marine, Telemar

Class: Asea Nautica, CGT, Fincantieri, Fraser, Memetti, Naiad, Sail ADV, Videoworks, VSS, ZF Group

benettiyachts.com

Fountaine Pajot’s new flagship powercat

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Fountaine Pajot’s new flagship powercat

February 19, 2026
10:25 am

A 2025 world premiere and Fountaine Pajot’s biggest powercat to date, the Power 80 has built on the Thira 80’s popularity and is helping drive the French builder’s growing focus on larger catamarans.
Words: Risa Merl; Photos: Fountaine Pajot

Fountaine Pajot debuted the Power 80 at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival

When Fountaine Pajot set out to create its latest powercat flagship, it wasn’t just thinking bigger – it was thinking smarter. The challenge was to craft a motoryacht that could rival larger vessels yet still showcase the performance and liveability the French builder is known for.

The result is the Power 80, a 24m power catamaran that punches well above its length, marrying superyacht style with the stability and spaciousness of a multihull. Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design is responsible for the exterior design and naval architecture of many of Fountaine Pajot’s catamarans including the Power 80 and its sailing sibling, the Thira 80, which debuted in 2023 and is currently the builder’s flagship sailing cat.

“The shipyard’s specifications were fairly simple: to create an 80ft boat whose exterior and interior spaces could rival some of its competitors, some of which are larger,” says Olivier Racoupeau, cofounder of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. “It also had to feature lifestyle elements worthy of superyachts. All this had to be achieved with an exterior design in keeping with the ‘FP style’.”

The Power 80 reaches 17 knots with standard propulsion and 22 knots with the option of twin 900hp engines

For nearly five decades, Fountaine Pajot – which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year – has been among the leaders in multihull innovation. After making its name in the 1980s with sailing catamarans, the builder decided wind alone wasn’t enough. In 1998, it launched the Maryland 37 and Greenland 34, bringing its sailing savoir-faire to the burgeoning power catamaran market.

In recent years, Fountaine Pajot’s motoryacht portfolio ranged from the MY4.S coupe and MY5 and MY6 flybridge models to the Power 67 and Power 80, the latter pair based on hulls of the brand’s two largest sailing cats. Currently going through a transitional phase, the brand’s Motor Yachts division currently comprises the MY6, Power 80 and upcoming FPY70, while the Veya 53 is coming soon as part of a collaboration with Couach.

DOUBLE PLATFORM

The Power 80 is built on the same platform as the Thira 80, but with modifications to accommodate bigger engines and improve hydrodynamics. The family lineage between the sail and power versions of the 80 is clear. The lines have the same spirit – elegant, with a low profile and a subtle sense of speed.

Solar panels are integrated into the flybridge hardtop and overhangs plus the forward coachroof

“The exterior of the Power 80 is sleek and sporty, keeping the Fountaine Pajot style, with its large signature portholes,” Racoupeau says. “The hulls have been designed to adapt to two different versions, whether in the sailing configuration or the motoryacht version, which guarantees excellent performance in both cases.”

The Power 80 cruises at a respectable 13.7 knots and has a top speed of 16 knots with the 600hp Volvo engines. Upgrading to the optional 900hp engines, she tops out at 22 knots. At lower economic cruising speeds, the Power 80 offers welcome efficiency and a lower fuel burn, with the catamaran offering transatlantic range.

Solar panels discreetly integrated into the flybridge hardtop and overhangs as well as the forward coachroof generate enough energy to power onboard systems and reduce reliance on generators.

The flybridge offers 40sqm of shaded social area

The two yachts are twin reflections of one idea that puts a priority on intelligent space planning, maximising the beamy body of a multihull without sacrificing seakeeping and performance. After all, catamarans offer a far wider beam than monohulls of the same length – the Power 80’s wingspan is over 11m – which translates into more floor space for a comparable length.

With more than 400sqm of living space for guests and crew, the Power 80 is ideal for hosting family and friends in droves. Wide decks, multiple lounges and shaded areas – including a wide, covered 40sqm flybridge – naturally lend themselves to entertaining.

Racoupeau says: “The outdoor spaces are vast and offer many small islands of privacy, whether in the beach club, the side wings, the flybridge or the forward cockpit.”

On both sides, an outward-facing sofa offers sea views and is complemented by a drop-down balcony

The enhanced stability of two hulls can also make multihulls more appealing to those who might not be accustomed to a boat’s movement. Then there’s the shallower draft. The Power 80 draws only 1.5m, making it easier to access shallow anchorages, so expanding cruising possibilities.

The Power 80 also has a well-designed crew area with a dedicated mess and good-sized cabins, although it’s able to run with just a handful of staff.

STERN TO BOW FLOW

On the Power 80, social areas abound, including eight sofas in the cockpit area alone. Each aft corner has a sofa that faces inward to back-to-back central sofas: one overlooking the high-low swim platform and one facing forward. The latter looks complements two L-shaped settees before the saloon, with a dining table beside the port one.

The high-low swim platform is overlooked by a wide, aft-facing sunpad and inward-facing sofas in each aft corner

Furthermore, at the start of each side deck is an outward-facing sofa, which offers guests fantastic sea views and is complemented by a fold-out platform.

When the saloon doors are opened, the well covered cockpit blends into the welcoming, open-plan interior, designed by Isabelle Racoupeau in collaboration with the shipyard. When stepping inside, it’s the light that first steals the show, as expansive glazing and open sightlines create a space that feels airy and infinite.

A convertible lounge/dining area to starboard enjoys sweeping 360-degree views, while a forward door leads to the expansive foredeck, where there’s multiple seating and sunbathing areas, plus a spa pool option.

Connecting seamlessly with the interior, the aft cockpit offers alfresco dining to port and three inward-facing sofas

Benjamin Lachaise, Fountaine Pajot’s 80 Sales Project Manager, says: “Our design philosophy focuses on brightness and openness to the sea. The Power 80 is conceived as a yacht that offers a seamless connection between the interior and exterior, with panoramic views and direct access to both the aft and forward cockpits.”

CHOICES ABOUND

Key to Fountaine Pajot’s USP is the range of options available for their clients, from interior decor to layouts, so each yacht can meet an owner’s unique needs for on-water living. Owners can choose among dark, grey or white flooring tones, as well three furniture finishes: Stripped White, Velo Natural or American Walnut.

Durable fabrics are available in a variety of colours and textures so the yacht can be matched to a client’s personal style. All materials are marine-grade, chosen for their resistance to humidity and UV exposure.

The interior, shown in the galley-down version; alternatively, the galley can be located on the port side of the saloon

“Our interiors are designed to be stylish, customisable and durable,” Lachaise says. “The design emphasises natural light, soft textures and refined finishes to create an atmosphere that feels both comfortable and sophisticated.”

With a sailor’s sense of sustainability at its core, Fountaine Pajot also offers a wide selection of vegan leathers and eco-friendly materials.

Layout options abound as well. The Power 80 is typically offered in an ‘owner’s version’, with a master suite occupying most of the starboard hull. The cabin feels downright residential, with ample storage, a vanity or desk area and a full-size bathtub in the forward en-suite, an indulgence not usually seen on a yacht of this size.

View of the saloon’s port side social area

Other layout possibilities can forgo an owner’s suite to include up to six double cabins in the galley-up version, while the galley-down version includes the kitchen towards the aft end of the port hull. The latter option creates space in the saloon to offer another social zone to port, so expanding the entertaining abilities.

While Fountaine Pajot offers an impressive degree of personalisation for a production builder – the VIP cabin, for instance, could become a large office, massage room or gym – Lachaise notes that the structure itself remains sacrosanct.

“We can discuss specific requests and customisation within the available volumes, but we do not modify the structural design of the boat,” he says. “Maintaining the strength and integrity of the structure is essential. Our catamarans are recognised for their solid construction and safety at sea.”

Accessible from the saloon, the foredeck has multiple seating and lounging areas

It’s this balance of creative freedom and technical discipline that gives the Power 80 its distinctive character: airy and open, yet reassuringly robust. Furthermore, with the Thira 80 and Power 80 selling close to 20 units between them to date, Fountaine Pajot is expanding the size and range of its larger catamarans, with sail and power versions of both the FPY70 and FPY110 underlining the brand’s growing ambitions.

fountaine-pajot.com

TYBA announces Thai Charter Licence update

Leave a Comment / News / yachtstyle2020

TYBA announces Thai Charter Licence update

February 19, 2026
10:17 am

The Thai Charter Licence threshold has been reduced to 24m, which could “easily double” the number of foreign-flagged yachts chartering in Thailand.

The Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA) has announced that the yacht-length threshold for applying for the Thai Charter Licence has been reduced from 30m to 24m.

TYBA played a key role in the inception of the Thai Charter Licence for 30m-plus yachts in 2015 and has since lobbied for the minimum required length of yachts eligible to apply for the licence to be reduced.

The Ministry of Transport, with its recent announcement concerning Superyacht Commercial Operations in Thai waters, recently granted permission for yachts of 24m and larger, carrying no more than 12 passengers, to apply for the Thai Charter Licence to conduct commercial charters in Thailand.

TYBA believes this reduction could “easily double the number of foreign-flagged yachts coming to Thailand to engage in superyacht charter”. An increase in superyacht charters would attract more high-value tourists, benefit local marinas and companies providing yacht services, provisioning, repair and maintenance, and support the Thai economy due to VAT and taxes.

TYBA stated that it next hopes to change the rule limiting foreign-flagged yacht crew visas to 30 days and instead tie such visas to the period that foreign-flagged yachts are permitted to stay, which is currently up to 30 months under a temporary import permit.

thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com

Daniele Lucà: Dream team believer

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Daniele Lucà: Dream team believer

February 19, 2026
10:03 am

CEO of Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific and Simpson Marine since March 2025, Lucà discusses his ambitious targets for the coming years and his desire to cultivate a thriving team environment.
Interview: Andrew Dembina; Photos: Simpson Marine & As Credited

Daniele Lucà

When asked about his responsibilities as CEO of both Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific and Simpson Marine, Daniele Lucà explains: “Following Sanlorenzo’s acquisition of a majority stake in Simpson Marine, my role now encompasses full regional responsibility for the Group’s activities in Asia Pacific, overseeing both the development of the Group’s yacht brands and the continued evolution of the Simpson Marine business in this new phase.”

From a corporate standpoint, Simpson Marine Limited is the legal entity controlling all Group companies operating in the region. From a business and communication perspective, the Group’s activities in Asia Pacific are conducted under the umbrella of Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific, which serves as the main regional platform and brand architecture for the yacht business across APAC markets, reflecting the structure adopted in the Americas with Sanlorenzo of the Americas and in the Mediterranean with Sanlorenzo Med.

Within this framework, Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific brings together the Group’s yacht brands Sanlorenzo, Bluegame and Nautor Swan alongside the Simpson Marine brand, which continues to operate as a key commercial and services platform, representing Axopar and delivering brokerage, charter, after-sales, yacht management and yacht care services across all brands.

Lucà reports directly to Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo, having formerly served as Sales Director of Sanlorenzo’s Yacht Business Unit from 2023, a role in which he led commercial operations in the EMEA, APAC, NAFTA and LATAM markets, and oversaw development of the sales and distribution network.

What led you to accept the role of CEO of Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific and Simpson Marine?

Three reasons guided my decision. Firstly, I’m motivated by missions that require depth, courage and long-term vision. This role is about guiding the integration of a company (Simpson Marine) with more than 40 years of history and more than 100 professionals across 10 countries and cultures, accompanying them into a new chapter within a global, publicly-listed organisation (Sanlorenzo). Inspiring a diverse team through such a transformation is a meaningful challenge for a leader.

The second reason was the region’s potential. APAC is one of the most compelling luxury markets in the world. The people at Simpson Marine possess extraordinary market knowledge. When combined with Sanlorenzo’s product excellence and brand philosophy, the growth opportunity is remarkable. One of our missions is to absorb and translate the deep market intelligence of APAC into the broader Sanlorenzo strategy, contributing to the evolution of our Group into a truly global organisation.

In 2025, Lucà participated in a lively Axopar Adventure Day in Hong Kong

The last factor was personal. Moving to Hong Kong with my family meant stepping outside our comfort zone, embracing uncertainty and expanding our horizon of experiences.

How well did you know the Asia-Pacific region before moving to Hong Kong?

When I was Sales Director of Sanlorenzo’s Yacht Division, Asia Pacific was already part of my global scope. However, it’s not a region to truly understand from afar. Its constellation of cultures, expectations and dynamics requires immersion.

With your Executive MBA and banking, automotive and energy background, what strengths do you bring to this role?

My EMBA and my career outside the yachting industry have shaped skills I consider valuable for this early chapter of Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific. My leadership philosophy results from experiences across industries, continents and cultures.

Early in my career, investment banking in New York taught me discipline, analytical precision and performance under pressure. Years in the automotive sector at FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and Volkswagen were an exceptional managerial school, exposing me to complexity, scale, global product development, transformation processes and multicultural leadership.

Working in the energy transition sector strengthened my strategic sensitivity toward sustainability, innovation and long-term value creation. In these roles, I led global business development initiatives, managed M&As, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, and navigated organisational ecosystems.

The ability to integrate perspectives, build trust and harmonise cultures is most relevant as Simpson Marine evolves within the Sanlorenzo Group and as we strengthen our presence in APAC. My EMBA adds another dimension. Studying and working alongside professionals from 27 countries taught me humility, adaptability and resilience.

At Sanlorenzo, working directly with Mr Perotti has exposed me to a unique blend of entrepreneurial instinct, creative vision and long-term perspective. For the first time, I could bring my international experience into an entrepreneurial context that values intuition as much as analysis, craftsmanship and innovation.

Founded in 1984, Simpson Marine – pictured exhibiting outside its Singapore office – has been representing Sanlorenzo since 2015 and was acquired by the Italian shipyard in 2024

The strengths I bring to Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific include strategic clarity, human leadership, global sensitivity and an unwavering focus on client experience as we enter a phase of accelerated growth and integration in the region.

Consistent with this vision, Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific will become the first region in the Group to introduce a component entirely dedicated to Customer Experience. We expect this new forward-looking journey of ownership to be a unique model not only within Sanlorenzo but also in the entire yachting industry.

Last year, Sanlorenzo celebrated 20 years under Massimo Perotti’s ownership. Can you outline the change he has orchestrated?

It was an extraordinary milestone. It was also the recognition of a profound organisational and cultural transformation.

In 2005, Sanlorenzo generated about €40 million, producing a handful of yachts each year with a commercial presence limited to a few countries. For 2025, we approached the threshold for the whole Group of €1 billion, organically. This is the affirmation of an identity built on timeless design, artisanal mastery and a philosophy of meaningful scarcity.

Every Sanlorenzo yacht is uniquely customised through its layout, structural decor, soft decor and furniture, and technically, as an expression of its owner. Looking forward, our direction is clear: to continue to embrace controlled production volumes, iconic designs intended to stand the test of decades and a strengthened global footprint. APAC plays a central role in this strategy.

In 2025, Sanlorenzo also celebrated 10 years of presence in APAC through our partnership with Simpson Marine. I am convinced that APAC can double its relevance within three years, and reach levels comparable to EMEA sales in five to 10 years. It’s an ambitious vision but entirely attainable given the momentum of the region and the extraordinary calibre of our local teams.

How well does the Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific team understand the brands?

The team truly understands our brands and embodies their essence. Representing Sanlorenzo, Bluegame and Swan is not simply a commercial responsibility. It requires sophistication, discipline and a cultural alignment consistent with operating at the very top of the industry. Our role now is to guide the organisation through a refined evolution of focus, as these three brands are our strategic priority and platform for growth.

After the Sanlorenzo 50Steel won the Superyacht 40-60m category at the 2025 Yacht Style Awards in Singapore, Daniele Lucà held the trophy with, from left, Harvey Brewin (Country Manager Singapore), Ewa Stachurska (Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer), Nick Stratton (Chief Sales Officer), Jeanette Teo (Regional Marketing Manager, SEA) and Paul Whelan (Country Manager Indonesia)

As any organisation evolves, it becomes evident who is fully aligned with its standards and long-term direction. Representing a brand like Sanlorenzo requires coherence, depth and a refined sensitivity to the expectations in operating at the pinnacle of the industry. As the bar rises, not every path continues – a healthy part of refining an organisation that aspires to excellence.

Ensuring that the team reflects the ambition, identity and values of the Group is essential for building a stronger future and one of the most strategic levers in this new chapter. A leader has the responsibility to confirm and elevate the people aligned with the future vision of the company.

We also place great emphasis on nurturing the next generation of talent. Excellence is not only something we expect but also something we cultivate. We invest in young professionals, guiding them through exposure to high standards and disciplined development so they can become the leaders of tomorrow within the Sanlorenzo ecosystem.

Today, the team in place is cohesive, focused and profoundly aligned with the Sanlorenzo ethos. The momentum achieved in 2025 was significantly ahead of 2024.

What’s your impression of Australia’s potential for Sanlorenzo?

It’s one of the most sophisticated yachting markets in APAC. Owners understand the product, value quality and make informed choices grounded in deep maritime culture.

For Sanlorenzo, Bluegame and Swan, the potential is significant. It’s a market where credibility must be earned, competition is established and visibility is high. Success requires humility, consistency and long-term commitment.

Last year, Lucà was in Australia for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (above) and Sydney International On-Water Boat Show (below)

We are expanding our team in Sydney, Perth, the Gold Coast and Melbourne and deepening our service network. Our early owners are extremely satisfied and our first ambassadors. Trust, once established, is exceptionally powerful. Australia remains a strategic priority for us in the next two years.

Beyond Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, which APAC markets have the most potential?

Australia, Japan and Indonesia stand out. We also see opportunities at a more gradual pace in Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Historically, Hong Kong represents our most important market in Asia, and benefits from mainland China having 20 per cent of the world’s high-net-worth individuals [according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority report in August 2025], an established culture of cruising, infrastructure for yachting, and popularity with mainland China buyers and users.

What are your hopes for Nautor Swan in APAC?

Swan is a central pillar of our 2026 strategy. The brand’s identity is grounded in elegance, performance, innovation and reliability, resonating deeply with the values of the Sanlorenzo universe.

The brand’s presence in APAC is uneven, but we see strong potential in markets with established yachting cultures such as Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. In November [2025], we hosted the first Swan Asian Regatta in Japan, supported by an exceptional local dealer (Riviera Group).

In 2025, Lucà participated in the first Swan Asian Regatta in Japan

A key part of our strategy is to bring the Swan sailing experience directly to clients in APAC, through new local events and by involving them in Swan regattas around the world. Experiencing the spirit, heritage and competitive elegance of Swan firsthand is the most powerful way to understand the brand’s magic.

What are your thoughts on Axopar?

It plays a meaningful, intelligent role in our ecosystem. Its range fits naturally within the lifestyle of many of our owners. It’s often used as a support vessel for larger yachts, and offers a refined, accessible entry point for those starting their journey in boating.

What else should readers know about you and Sanlorenzo APAC?

Firstly, our momentum. Our 2025 order intake accelerated with a strength and scale that significantly exceeded 2024’s performance – a signal of the successful combination of the Group’s strategy and regional execution.

APAC is becoming an increasingly relevant contributor to the Group’s global performance. Compared to some competitors in the region, we are experiencing double-digit growth year-on-year.

This is due to new models being released, the further opening of our APAC market, and the quality of customer satisfaction as the circle of people who own Sanlorenzo yachts recommend our yachts and our service. Today, our after-sales service is incomparably elevated. The team we have [across the region] is what has made APAC’s year-on-year growth possible.

The Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific team at the 2025 Singapore Yachting Festival in ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove

The second is our commitment to people. We will continue to grow in 2026, but never at the expense of wellbeing. I believe that this is a foundational driver of performance, clarity and endurance. A company stands on the quality and resilience of its people.

In 2026, we launch one of the first comprehensive corporate wellbeing programmes in the yachting industry, here in APAC. Leadership today is not only about guiding but also caring. The future belongs to organisations where people can thrive, not simply deliver. Wellbeing is the responsibility of every modern CEO.

apac.sanlorenzoyacht.com

simpsonmarine.com