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Giovanna Vitelli, Azimut, Benetti, Lusben, shipyard, yacht builder, boat builder, yachts, superyachts, motoryachts, Seadeck, B.Yond, Siemens, Volvo, Yasuda Shipyard, Marco Valle

Giovanna Vitelli on Azimut|Benetti’s green focus and APAC expansion

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Giovanna Vitelli on Azimut|Benetti’s green focus and APAC expansion

September 4, 2025
2:39 pm

The Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group explains the shipyard’s expanding array of eco-friendly solutions and its focus on the Asia-Pacific market, in the conclusion of a two-part interview.

Note: To read Part One of the interview, click here

Giovanna Vitelli, Chair, Azimut|Benetti Group

How are you continuing to drive forward with your focus on eco-friendly solutions and sustainability initiatives?

We have believed in this path for a long time and are committed to meeting the targets set by both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union, both of which we strongly support. These objectives are essential, and it would be disappointing if Europe were to abandon them under pressure from the American government, which has shown little real interest in this area.

While it is true that the European approach – with its ambitious legislative goals and tight timelines – has led some companies to respond superficially or resort to greenwashing, this should not distract us from the critical importance of maintaining a strong focus on reducing emissions.

On one side, our R&D department is focused on the best solution for tomorrow. However, the main approach has been to concentrate on providing the best solutions today, in order not to talk only about the future. We partnered with companies developing state-of-the-art technology, so we can share figures and tell people how they can reduce consumption and emissions, and therefore money.

What aspects are you focusing on?

We focus on three main pillars: reducing weight, developing high-efficiency hulls, and employing innovative propulsion systems. The efforts for reducing weight led to a significant investment in internal production and use of carbon-fibre.

In Avigliana, we have a huge oven to post-cure carbon-fibre we produce in-house. For yachts 60ft and above, all our superstructures are in carbon-fibre, which alone means 30 per cent less weight. Secondly, we’re testing the use of cork instead of teak to also reduce weight. The Seadeck offers the option of cork decking.

The second big element is hull shapes. Our R&D team has focused on designing good, efficient hull shapes that can improve efficiency by 15 per cent or even more. Some of our best designs are the patented hull on Azimut’s flagship 38m Grande Trideck and the one for the latest Seadeck.

Azimut’s Seadeck 7 is the first yacht to feature the hybrid version of Volvo Penta’s IPS technology

The third pillar is propulsion. The discussion here is very similar to cars. Is electrification the best possible solution? Probably not as a whole, but yes during this transition phase. For this reason, our current focus is on combining hybrid architectures with the use of biofuels, and more specifically HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), as a concrete and available solution.

Can you provide examples of your current propulsion options?

Azimut has continued to invest in electrification and is offering distinct levels of electrification, each tailored to the yacht’s size, market segment and owner’s needs: from Zero Emission Hotel Mode to Mild Hybrid and Full Hybrid.

The Seadeck 7, for instance, is the first full hybrid yacht in its segment, as it features the first installation of a hybrid Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. Thanks to state-of-the-art sustainable solutions, it can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent over the course of a year of average use.

As a result of the combination of extensive use of carbon-fibre, high-efficiency hulls, and innovative propulsion systems, half of Azimut’s range falls under the ‘Low Emission Yachts’ family, meaning they reduce consumption and therefore emissions by 30 per cent compared to similar vessels featuring a traditional hull and shaft line propulsion. We believe this is a significant, tangible, proven achievement and the most serious approach.

Finally, as part of our comprehensive approach to low-impact yachting, we’ve partnered with ENI – Italy’s leading energy group in biofuel production – to fully transition to HVO, a biofuel derived from agricultural sources that do not compete with the food-supply chain, capable of achieving up to a 90 per cent reduction in emissions on a well-to-wake basis.

Today, we use it for testing, deliveries and transfers to boat shows. We’ve also verified that all our yachts are fully HVO-compliant.

How successful have these options proven?

With the combination of moving to an available fuel, HVO, and by focusing on weight, hull shapes and electrification in general, I can proudly say we’re offering real solutions available today. Hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and alternative fuels in general are technologically possible, but they’re not always applicable to any size of boat, and at this stage are not a widespread option.

Vitelli made a sustainability-focused keynote presentation at this year’s World Yachting Summit in Monaco

They are a fascinating alternative that we’re closely looking at with our R&D department, but not a widely applicable solution for today. I believe legislation might become stricter, so we need to be prepared. We need this technology shift in our yachting world, the same way the car industry needs it, although yachting is a very small player in terms of emissions.

Although some of the current generation of owners are not so concerned about this topic, the stakeholders and the new generation of owners are.

I remember a story about a potential client coming to a boat show with his family and telling me he was thinking about buying a boat from another shipyard, but then the 20-year-old daughter said to the father: “No, we should go with Azimut because they are truly investing in green technology.” That was the sign for me that the new generation are much more aware.

Is the Seadeck 7 Azimut’s most eco-friendly offering?

Yes, it’s the epitome today. The Volvo Penta IPS hybrid technology is not yet for sale because it’s still under testing and will only be available on the market in 2026. It’s expensive, but the hybrid propulsion is only responsible for a small part of the emission reductions. Most of the savings are due to all the other technology and materials, so it’s a good solution even without the hybrid system.

What about Benetti’s eco-friendly advancements?

As Seadeck is for Azimut, B.Yond is Benetti’s most eco-friendly production series, while the 108m Luminosity is one of the world’s largest hybrid yachts.

Overall, all the Benetti fleet can operate with hybrid propulsion, and we currently have 10 yachts under construction with hybrid solutions. However, we’re not focusing only on propulsion, because consumption on megayachts is much more related to onboard systems.

Featuring the E-Mode Hybrid system by Siemens Energy, the B.Yond 37M launched Benetti’s most eco-friendly series

These yachts don’t cruise so much, so the focus is on air-conditioning, lighting and so on. We’re moving towards a new system of air-conditioning that reduces consumption by 50 per cent. We’re doing a lot of studies, including with AI, to improve power management, so that, for example, lights are turned off in cabins when no one is there.

We’re looking at intelligent systems that study your behaviour – such as the temperatures you like in your cabin, suitable temperatures when you’re not in the cabin – to drastically cut your bill.

How do owners know what’s being achieved?

To make all this clear, we’ve been working a lot with indexes. For instance, when you buy a washing machine, you have labels – A+, A++ and so on – that tell consumers the efficiency grade. If you want to buy a car, you open a magazine and you can compare one car’s consumption to another’s.

I believe it should be the same in yachting. Today, there are two indexes, YETI for the big yachts and SEA Index for the smaller segment, and we’ve been using both. We collaborate with Lloyd’s Register and other third parties to certify all our yacht consumptions; this is not marketing. I’ve been inviting the industry to follow this approach, so it becomes like other industries. We need a professional approach, transparent communication and certifications by third parties, so it’s clear for the consumer.

We’re in a transition phase but eventually I can say that Seadeck is eligible for the SEA Index three stars. It can give you a clear, immediately recognisable parameter. Benetti’s 67m Kasper has a three star index. Little by little, if such a rating becomes part of a customer’s request, it will push shipyards in that direction. There will be a common, independent rating instead of shipyards just saying they’re green.

You have an extensive network of dealers across Asia, but no regional company headquarters. Is this a deliberate choice?

Actually, we do. Our long history in Asia was due to the vision of my father. By the 1990s, we had a Hong Kong-based Benetti customer buying a minority stake in the group. From early on, Asia was a focus and that partnership with a Benetti client helped accelerate our entry into markets in Asia.

Vitelli in Tokyo with Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti, Yasuda Shipyard CEO Takayuki Nozawa and Azimut|Benetti CEO Marco Valle

It’s a long-established venture. With Azimut, we have about 10 dealers covering the whole of Asia from Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia in Southeast Asia. We cover the whole spectrum of opportunities in Asia, as we believe in a strong dealer network.

Our dealers are headed by entrepreneurs, such as Mr Takayuki Nozawa, President and owner of Yasuda Group in Japan. Our dealers are deeply rooted in the local economic and cultural environment, providing services for their covered areas, so it’s a very diverse organisation with key people that are not only managers but entrepreneurs. They talk to our prospects and customers at the same level. We believe in this model, which is why we’ve been supporting long-time dealers and establishing new dealers.

Tam Son Yachting in Vietnam is a relatively recent appointment and doing very well. More recently, we appointed Europa Yachts for Indonesia and Short Marine for all of Australia, so we believe we have a good mapping as they complement existing distributors.

On top of this framework, we have dedicated people based in Asia, coordinating the sales and marketing network and supporting local dealers including for after-sales service. Being in a region that’s so spread out, we have an on-site, mobile regional structure for both Azimut and Benetti.

We used to have offices in Shanghai for Azimut and in Hong Kong for Benetti. We kept the people, but we didn’t feel the need for offices. We still have the people based in the region, but travelling around because they support the network.

How would you describe the Asia-Pacific market and its importance to Azimut|Benetti Group?

It’s key. The overall Asian market is very fond of Azimut flybridges. Clients here like the design and the volume that the flybridge provides, with a lot of interior space and different socialising areas. Azimut’s Grande range has been doing very well and it’s a fact that the average size of yachts sold in Asia has been growing.

Compared to decades ago, when the Asian consumer was asking for a dedicated layout – such as our Azimut Dragon series – today I see a new generation of more cosmopolitan customers. They don’t necessarily want a completely different product, but are more inclined toward international design and lifestyle, while still appreciating some layout customisations.

Tokyo hosted the inaugural Azimut Asian Rendez-Vous in late May 2025

Very often, they don’t want a saloon and a dining area but an all-in lounging area, maybe with low tables, so more socialising areas. Unlike in the US, we don’t sell open galleys in Asia because the kitchen should remain separate.

In terms of layout, there are still specific requirements and customisation, but I’d say there’s a move towards contemporary global aesthetics. ‘Made in Italy’ is very much appreciated, especially how it evolved. It’s now cleaner and more harmonious, which is typically Asian, especially Japanese, but with a little bit more decoration and ‘warmth’ than the minimalistic approach.

How does the Asia-Pacific market compare to others?

We launched the Seadeck 7 in Asia at this year’s Singapore Yachting Festival and although we already have parameters from the rest of the world, it’s still very fresh in this region. The trend towards bigger boats is like the rest of the world. When we talk about Asia, there are many different countries and facets.

Chinese customers overseas remain active, but mainland China is still not a big market due to culture, infrastructure and coastline regulations. A few years ago, when some of our competitors sold partly or fully to Chinese groups, they announced they would start production in China for the local market. This never happened.

In Asia, all of us should work on fostering the yachting culture, which has moved forward but not as much as Russia, for example. From the time Russia opened to the Western world, it instantly jumped into the marine lifestyle. More time is needed in Asia and probably better crew quality. There’s a great opportunity for well-paid jobs in this sector and I believe the area has the manpower, but high-quality training is needed.

Is your current focus on Asia influenced by the US-led trade war?

We’ve been experiencing an interesting position in recent years. The fact we could organise this year’s Azimut Asian Rendez-Vous in Japan, with 10 yachts on display, was very encouraging. We’ve seen an increase in sales and interest, so we want to boost it.

Hopefully, we won’t have to substitute the US, because it represents 25-30 per cent of our global market. A major part of our sales in the US are 24m-plus yachts that aren’t normally US-flagged, so it’s not such a big issue.

Vitelli cuts the ribbon at the opening of Azimut’s new headquarters in July

In the smaller segment, fortunately, we are a truly premium brand in the US, so we believe this perception will make the difference. It’s like a Ferrari car or an Hermes bag: customers will be ready to buy even if there’s a 10 per cent increase in price.

Can you give us an update of Azimut|Benetti Group’s facilities and any changes?

We recently made some acquisitions. We expanded in Tuscany, around Pisa and Massa. We created a hub for building fibreglass and another for building small yachts in steel and aluminium. Previously, these were normally purchased externally or outsourced. The decision was made not to buy suppliers but to control quality by transforming those areas into production sites.

We’ve invested in 100,000sqm close to Avigliana, Piedmont, to be ready for potential new activities. Even in the boom years, the strategy was to expand our facilities. Whenever it was possible, we enlarged all our production sheds in Avigliana, Livorno and Viareggio. We believe in organic, internal growth by building on what we have.

Refit is another focus and area of expansion. In Livorno, we’ve invested €12 million for Lusben to become one of the big refit players in southern Europe, competing with France and Spain, including in the 100m-plus yacht segment and sailing yachts, due to the addition of a dedicated shed for the booms in Lusben’s Livorno facility.

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Giovanna Vitelli outlines the success of the family-owned Azimut|Benetti Group – Part 1

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Giovanna Vitelli outlines the success of the family-owned Azimut|Benetti Group

August 28, 2025
1:28 pm

Having succeeded her father as Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group, Giovanna Vitelli explains how the company maintains its leadership in the yachting industry, in the first of a two-part interview. Interview: Gael Burlot; Photos: Azimut|Benetti Group

Giovanna Vitelli, Chair, Azimut|Benetti Group

How has Azimut|Benetti Group managed to top the Global Order Book for 24m-plus yachts for 25 years in a row?

First of all, I believe in a privately owned, family-led company. This is a business model where we have the pleasure and privilege to look at long-term vision and not have to make short-term decisions. We don’t have to answer to a private equity fund or the stock exchange. I believe this is key, especially in this industry where investments and decisions might impact in a medium or long term. Consequently, we have three main strategy pillars deriving from this framework.

To start with, we have a very wide product range. Again, this is a very long-term vision because there are times in the market where you have more success with a certain size of yachts and others when smaller boats are the answer. We’re a group, but we are two companies with Azimut and Benetti, even three, if we take Lusben [refit company].

For each, the management, marketing and sales approach are very different, but the fact we have such a wide portfolio covering all the high-end motoryacht segments has been one of our keys to success.

Second is geography. Our presence is very capillary, with a very widespread presence in the Asian markets, for instance. We manage the whole world with a clear strategy, by never depending too much on one market. We are well spread between the Americas, Europe and the rest of the world, which in many cases has proven to be successful.

Benetti launches XWave, a new hull from the B.Now 50M series

For example, when there was the Russian issue, some Northern European shipyards faced major problems, as the market was their number one customer. I believe we applied a clever strategy. The sales network is completely different between Azimut and Benetti. Each brand has its own sales model.

Azimut has exclusive dealers, which we believe in when we see other companies switching to direct sales. This can look attractive in terms of apparently higher margins, because you don’t have to pay a commission, but we believe there’s nothing stronger than a local entrepreneur who’s absorbed in the local scene, interpreting the brand with the local culture and therefore adding value to the sales proposition. Also, even though we coordinate it from both Italy and locally, aftersales services managed by the dealers provide an immediate and very local answer to customers’ needs.

On the Benetti side, it’s a different story because we have Area Managers based in the different regions. Either we sell directly or we sell through a broker’s network, not through dealers. This strategy, which has been very clear and consistent, is also obvious for our people in terms of where we are heading – to the helm and to keep our leadership.

What else is key to the Group’s success?

Another essential element is product innovation. With reference to our large product range, in this business, you win if you have the right product and you lose if you don’t. In other luxury businesses, if you’re good at marketing, you might be able to get away with it, but in our business, a good yacht is a good yacht.

Giovanna worked with her late father Paolo at Azimut|Benetti Group from 2000, succeeding him as Chair in early 2023

From my father’s vision, we are a product-based group, and this is a key element of concentration. I’d say we had an interesting journey in this respect. Over the decades, innovation has had different interpretations. At the pioneering time of my father, it was more concentrated on pure technology and materials.

For example, the Azimut Targa was the very first yacht with an opening roof on top of your head. In early 2000, we had the first windows in hulls. The approach was to blend function and beauty. However, the challenge there was how to put a piece of glass in the hull, a structural element.

Nearer to my time with the company, innovation has not been forgotten on the technological side but there has been a switch, an evolution of the market. Over the last 10 years, our winning approach has been technology but combined with lifestyle, so we’ve introduced different concepts and ways of living onboard. This has been the key element of our success. It’s not me saying this: the sales speak for themselves.

Think about beach clubs. Up to the 1990s or even 10 years ago, remember those boxes down some steps we used to call ‘beach clubs’? They were ‘caves’! The idea was to completely revolutionise that concept, with a platform open on every side, and the connection between indoor and outdoor becomes completely different with windows surrounding you.

CGI of Benetti’s B.Loft 65M, which includes an enormous waterside beach club

Benetti’s Oasis Deck embodies this, while Azimut’s Grande Trideck offers another interpretation. Other design innovations include Azimut’s Grande 26M with its deck-to-deck terrace, the Seadeck Series by Azimut, or the Veranda Deck in Benetti’s upcoming Motopanfilo. Benetti’s B.Loft is another interpretation of the beach club.

Would you say Azimut|Benetti Group was a pioneer in this area?

Absolutely, we’ve reinterpreted the on-board experience by ensuring that the joy of being close to the sea is built into the very essence of the yacht. There’s no need for the crew to reconfigure spaces or move furnishings. Thanks to innovative solutions, the connection with the sea is always there, effortless, immediate and deeply immersive. That’s the true value of our approach.

For instance, when the sides are up on a Benetti Oasis Deck, there are descending terraces, an infinity pool in front of you, the social life around that pool. In the evening, even if you’re sitting in a port and sipping your cocktail right there, you’re enjoying a certain lifestyle. In other examples we see, the beach club needs to be cleared of toys or a tender, or you have the presence of cranes or other stuff, so the area requires a total transformation.

CGI of Benetti’s B.Now 67M with the Oasis Deck option

Again, having a family owned or privately owned company can make a difference. The Oasis series did not sell for two years – from the initial renderings presented to the market to when the boat was ready – before becoming one of our major international successes. These are the risks and investments you can take if you’re free to decide yourself.

Do you agree that your self-confidence and stability is linked to your family heritage, which we also see in such long-serving staff, including a CEO who has been with Azimut|Benetti Group for almost three decades?

I think this is a very big compliment and I believe it has always been the signature not only of my family but the spirit of the company. This is about touching the people.

I’ve been offered huge amounts of money to sell the company, which I decided not to pursue because I would like to give continuity. I feel I learned from the best mentor in this industry and can rely on a solid company foundation that has grown with me and involved many key people. This is certainly a strength.

My wish would be to succeed in something that is not common in Italy, and certainly not in this industry. Yachting is a big passion for many entrepreneurs. It’s a world where we have very good entrepreneurs, but in most cases, it’s a one-man show. It’s difficult to pass it on or to transform it into a more professional, managerial, team-led structure.

The aft ‘Fun Island’ on Azimut’s Seadeck 7

However, I believe this is not an industry where you can easily manage without a clear vision, so that’s why I still act as an Executive Chairman. I believe the family needs to steer the strategy, but we’re a company heading towards €1.5 billion turnover with an order book valued at €2.6 billion and 2,500 employees. We’re playing in the ‘big league’.

Most of my colleagues in the industry didn’t succeed when the company size reached a point where one person was no longer enough to direct it. This was a message from my father. The founder and owner normally has the company in their heart, so often they never leave the company until the very end.

My father’s succession plan started 20 years ago by building up how the company should grow, even after me. In fact, long before his passing, he had given the helm to me and the management, which was an extremely good thing. It was seamless.

What are the most important words of advice your father gave you?

One of his great mottos was ‘rich company, poor family’, which means every profit must be reinvested in the company. In a way, the family is at the service of the company, so the wealth should be used to grow the company. This remains a strategy of the Group. Staying humble, not getting full of oneself, and working hard to keep success going are other principles.

Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez have focused on natural and sustainable materials for Azimut’s Seadeck Series interiors

Among the many messages I received when he passed away, one called him ‘the humble giant’, which I like as a definition. Many people recall him not only as the greatest in the industry but also as somebody always listening, always sharing some teachings and as a gentleman. I think this is generally part of the company: not to be arrogant, not to overdo it and work hard.

You created the Paolo Vitelli Foundation, which has been renovating the Asilo Picco Nursery in Avigliana, a kindergarten used by children of many Azimut employees. What other such initiatives are you behind?

There are some we started together and others I’ve been working on during this recent period. The Foundation was active two years ago and has promoted areas where we have group activities and supported local communities. Local associations can bid for support. The Foundation’s committee – including my son, who was involved during my father’s time – looks at all the bids we receive and chooses the project to sustain.

The founding idea was that there are already many volunteering associations, so there was no need to add one more but rather support the best ones in place. This is the focus of the Foundation.

The kindergarten in Avigliana was ready to close its doors because there was not enough support, but will be reopened for the children of the local area and of our employees. Also in Avigliana, we’ve acquired 100,000sqm in front of our shipyard for future developments. One idea is to possibly develop an area for social activities, for people.

Fabio Fantolino started collaborating with Azimut on the interior of the Fly 72

In Tuscany, the company already supports employees by providing support for the kindergarten, social welfare and scholarships for employees’ children who get the highest marks in school. We also organise cancer-awareness visits at the shipyard and arrange visits for employees’ children.

This year, we added a unique element by giving supplementary health insurance to all employees, not only at the top level but to all blue-collar workers. This has been quite an investment, but we really wanted to share a little of the company’s success over these years by providing true support where people need it.

Can you outline your journey to becoming Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group?

I started as a lawyer working in Milan in a major Italian law firm (Bonelli Erede Pappalardo), specialised in M&A transactions. In 2000, as I was about to leave for New York and join a partner firm, my father told me: “Ah okay, you’re going to do your own career. I’m happy for you. In that case, I might consider selling the company.” I asked why and he said he had a good offer from a repeat Asian customer, so I said: “Wait a minute … ”

That’s why I moved back home and started my career in Azimut|Benetti Group, and was appointed a Board Member in 2000. At the beginning, I was assigned to a marinas division, which was still a small company in a big Group. I had the chance to see everything. We then built up the legal department due to my background and subsequently we both agreed that product development was key, the essence of this business.

Vitelli has worked for Azimut|Benetti Group since 2000

I then joined Azimut, fully responsible for the Magellano range, then the Atlantis range and key functions of the brand. I eventually moved to Benetti.

About a decade ago, I became Head of the Product Development Committee. My father told me: “I’ve been the pioneer in the past. I could see new trends and even anticipate them, but I feel I don’t have that freshness anymore. Now it’s your time.” He gradually gave me full responsibility for that aspect. I think it was also a smart way to see if I could manage, while supported by key people in the company.

How did you respond to the increase in responsibility?

We did well. Actually, there were extremely good years. One of the first big changes was considering a shift in the lead designer for Azimut after 25 years of cooperation with Stefano Righini. One of my very first decisions was to appoint Alberto Mancini, which was a good step in refreshing the Azimut range and make it evolve.

I started considering interior designers from outside the industry, before anyone else. We moved from Carlo Galeazzi to Achille Salvagni, who was mostly in retail. That was a shock to the industry, to see a designer being a bit disruptive, with interiors being completely different.

CGI of Azimut’s upcoming flagship Grande 44M, with exteriors by Alberto Mancini and interiors by m2atelier

As Azimut and Benetti both have many series of yachts, my clear idea was to grow those brands while making the ranges very distinct, to appeal to different customers. That’s why, as in the case of Azimut, while different Series may share the same exterior designer, each has its own dedicated interior designer.

I think we played a big role in switching the interpretation of luxury on board, as each range has its own personality, its own style. The interiors of Azimut’s flybridge motoryachts were designed with Salvagni, but are now with Fabio Fantolino for Fly models (below 80ft) and to m2atelier for the Grande Series (above 80ft). These are different to a Magellano model, which needs to be cosy, more like ‘home’ because these yachts are for long cruises.

They’re also completely different from the Seadeck Series, the contemporary interpretation of wellbeing and harmony. These interiors are very ‘zen’, almost with an Asian touch, so we chose Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, who were pioneers of eco resorts, interpreting the idea that interiors and systems should focus on low consumption and recyclable materials.

I think their interpretation – which is proving very successful in terms of sales – is a good mixture of this contemporary approach with an elegant, yachting touch.

Benetti works with Lazzarini Pickering on Motopanfilo models, introducing the Veranda Deck on the Motopanfilo 45M (CGI above)

In Benetti, we chose the incredible duo of Bonetti/Kozerski for the Oasis interiors to broaden the brand’s appeal and capture a younger demographic. They are based in New York, therefore acquainted with the American market, but also have an Italian and British blend as they came from the Peter Marino Architect studio, with a fashion and retail background.

For the Motopanfilo line interiors, we work with Lazzarini Pickering Architetti, again giving a modern interpretation of the historic navettas, so the design language must be focused on yachting. These are just examples of how much we’ve benefited from the design world outside of yachting.

As a woman, would you say your mindset and vision helped open these external influences?

I’m passionate about this field and very attracted to it. I’ve been called ‘The Queen of Contest’ within the company because every now and then I’ll say, “let’s start a contest again”, to bring new fresh air.

Not every designer or every interior architect is suited to yachting, because you can’t interpret it like a house or a Milan loft. It still needs to be a boat. We declined some famous talents, but I think it has become part of our DNA, our new style evolving from the past.

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Boris Diaw living the life aboard his Lagoon

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Boris Diaw living the life aboard his Lagoon

August 28, 2025
11:28 am

An NBA champion and former France captain, Boris Diaw is living the dream, spending half of each year as General Manager of the men’s national team and the other half aboard Babac, his Lagoon Seventy 7 catamaran.

Diaw set up Babac for scuba diving, with an advanced compressor and dedicated tank storage

It’s easy to think that Boris Diaw is truly living the dream. A former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, the 43-year-old now spends half of each working year as General Manager of the France men’s team, having represented and captained Les Bleus during his exceptional playing career.

At last year’s Paris Olympics, the current team delighted home crowds by reaching the final, although their dream of gold was ended by the hot favourites, an all-star US team featuring Lebron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. But don’t feel too sorry for Diaw. The Frenchman spends the other six months of each year aboard Babac, the customised Lagoon Seventy 7 he has owned since 2018.

Diaw’s original plan for the yacht was a 13-year tour of the world. Babac spent its first year in the Mediterranean then crossed the Atlantic to spend two years in the Caribbean as well as Central and South America. For the past four years, the boat has been based in the South Pacific, where Diaw has travelled around the likes of French Polynesia, Fiji and Bora Bora.

Babac, Diaw’s customised Lagoon Seventy 7

“It has been perfect so far. I really feel like I’m at home when I’m on the boat,” says Diaw, who is a qualified diving instructor and sailboat skipper, complementing his former role as capitaine of France.

“We do a lot of exploration and we’re able stay for weeks at a time at remote islands, away from civilisation. The boat was principally made for me to enjoy, so it only charters when I’m not using it. We could charter it more, but I use it a lot!”

BIG LEAGUE

At 6ft 8in, Diaw towers over most of us and comes across as the archetypal ‘gentle giant’ – relaxed, with an easy smile and seemingly happiest when talking about his darling Babac. But he’s no pushover.

The 6ft 8in Diaw is a French basketball icon

The son of Issa Diaw, a Senegalese high jump champion, and the former France centre Elisabeth Riffiod, herself 6ft 2in, Diaw had athletic genes and international-calibre sport in his blood. Born and raised in Bordeaux, he was 21 when he moved to the US to play in the NBA, one of the world’s most high-profile and competitive sports leagues.

His ambition to reach for the top drove the power forward to compete in the league for 14 years, initially for Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns – where he won NBA Most Improved Player in 2006 – and Charlotte Bobcats. His career peaked at the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent four years as teammates with superstar Tim Duncan and close friend Tony Parker, Diaw’s long-time France teammate. Diaw had even been best man at Parker’s wedding to actress Eva Longoria.

In Diaw’s first full season with the Spurs, the team reached the 2013 NBA Finals, eventually losing 4-3 to a stacked Miami Heat side starring Lebron James, Ray Allen, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. However, when the teams met again in the Finals a year later, Spurs ran out 4-1 winners, with Diaw leading the assists table and ranking second in rebounds across the best-of-seven series.

Babac’s itinerary included periods in the Mediterranean and Caribbean before the South Pacific

Diaw was also a long-time captain of France, making 247 appearances for the national team and helping Les Bleus win EuroBasket in 2013, plus silver and two bronzes in the biennial event, as well as a bronze at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Off the court, he was President of JSA Bordeaux and Metropolitans 92 basketball clubs, during and after his NBA career respectively.

BIRTH OF BABAC

Diaw eventually called a halt to his competitive basketball career at the age of 36 in 2018, the year he took delivery of Babac. However, the self-confessed perfectionist had been carefully preparing for his retirement for several years before that.

For much of his NBA career in the US, Diaw’s base in France between basketball seasons was in Arcachon Bay, where he made the most of his love of the sea and water sports by enjoying many days out on his RIB, diving and fishing. However, his decision to buy a yacht to enjoy after the end of his playing career was prompted by a diving trip aboard a friend’s Lagoon 420 sail cat in Martinique, part of the French West Indies.

Diaw is a qualified dive instructor and boat skipper

“I was only on the boat for a couple of days, but it was like a life revelation,” Diaw admits. “I was still playing basketball, and played for another five or six years. However, I realised in the future that I could buy a boat and have the freedom to travel the world and go diving whenever I wanted, so I decided to get into boating.”

Despite his positive impressions of Lagoon and having been raised in Bordeaux, where the Groupe Beneteau brand builds its 50ft-plus models in the Construction Navale Bordeaux (CNB) facility, Diaw is adamant that Lagoon wasn’t an automatic choice for his first yacht.

“I was a perfectionist when I was playing, so I also wanted to be a perfectionist at retirement! I had a long career, so I wanted to have the best retirement I could,” Diaw smiles.

“I didn’t know much about boating and owning a yacht was a new world for me, so I wanted to make sure I had the right one for what I wanted to do. I did a lot of my own research and looked at many different builders. I also learned boats are very expensive!

Babac is equipped with a 16ft Williams DieselJet 505 tender, plus a wide range of water toys

“However, I fell in love with Lagoon and the brand, visited the CNB shipyard, and learned more about how they make the boats and their focus on ecology. I also managed to see some older Lagoon catamarans that had aged well, and this was important to me because I was in this for the long run.”

EXPLORING THE BIG BLUE

When Diaw was looking to buy a sailing catamaran, the 620 was Lagoon’s largest model, which led him to consider a custom version, although he was ultimately looking for something bigger.

He was then alerted to Lagoon’s plans to build bigger yachts, with a model provisionally entitled the 720 eventually expanding into the Seventy 7. The new flagship premiered at the 2016 Cannes Yachting Festival and was the brand’s biggest sail cat until the Eighty 2, which will debut at Cannes this September.

During his research period, Diaw even travelled with Lagoon Brand Director Thomas Gailly to the Monaco Yacht Show with the mission to find a submersible, but was soon made aware that a sub-80ft sailing catamaran would struggle to carry and deploy a 5-tonne sub! However, the Seventy 7 did have more than enough space and headroom for a man standing 2.03m tall, with Diaw only requiring one change due to his size: the lowering of the shower floor by 15cm.

An avid traveller and explorer, Diaw says he feels “like I’m at home when I’m on the boat”

Diaw had Babac set up for long, autonomous diving trips. Customisations included the installation of a scuba compressor, including for Nitrox and Trimix, while the forepeaks are dedicated to storing tanks and other diving equipment. A qualified diving instructor, Diaw soon learnt to sail and became a qualified skipper after taking ownership of Babac.

“I wanted a boat that’s functional for diving because a lot of the cruising programme and itinerary is about diving,” he says. “And although Babac wasn’t made for a charter programme, I think it fits perfectly for charters and Babac has a lot of returning clients, which is the biggest compliment I can pay to the boat and Lagoon.”

Just past the halfway mark of his 13-year circumnavigation, Diaw seems truly happy with his purchase, which has maintained its condition as well as he hoped, an aspect commented on by charter guests. “The boat has aged really well and people that come on don’t believe that it’s seven years old,” Diaw says. “So far, so good.”

catamarans-lagoon.com

How Primus Marine is navigating Thailand’s boating scene

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How Primus Marine is navigating Thailand’s boating scene

August 20, 2025
10:33 am

As co-founder of Primus Marine, Howard Prime explains how representing established yacht brands is just one aspect of a company focused on the entire boat ownership journey of its clients.

Howard Prime (second left) and Primus Marine colleagues

Having worked in both the yachting and automobile industries before coming to Asia, I’ve been solely dedicated to boating since moving to Thailand six years ago, which led to me co-founding Primus Marine last year. Already, we have operations across the Kingdom and a reputation built on expertise, service and passion. We’ve become synonymous with quality experiences on the water.

Our profile benefits from representing global brands such as Beneteau, renowned for both its power and sailing monohulls, while we also cover other sectors with Aquila and Excess, leading builders of power and sailing catamarans respectively.

But what exactly makes us more than just a showroom for sleek vessels? The answer lies in our holistic approach, offering not just boats but entire lifestyles centred around the sea.

CRAFTING NAUTICAL EXPERIENCES

At the heart of our success is dedication to matching clients with the right vessel for their needs, whether it’s a high-performance sailing yacht, a family-friendly catamaran, or a powerboat built for exploration. Rather than focusing solely on specific brands, our team curates a broad selection of internationally respected options, offering something for seasoned captains and first-time buyers alike.

Our customer-first philosophy is reflected in every stage of the process. From the initial consultation to delivery and beyond, we provide tailored advice and personalised support, ensuring buyers feel confident and excited – not overwhelmed – when stepping into yacht ownership.

PLAYGROUND FOR BOATERS

It’s no surprise that Thailand has emerged as a dream destination for yachting. With its turquoise bays, scattered islands and tropical coastlines, it’s one of the most scenic boating environments in the world.

What’s perhaps more notable is the steady growth in domestic interest – and the demand is incredibly diverse. We’ve helped place everything from compact sailboats to superyachts over 40m.

It shows that people across Thailand – from Bangkok to Phuket – are embracing the boating lifestyle. With our strategically located offices in major hubs, we ensure that support is never far away, no matter where a client is based.

RIDING THE WAVE OF GROWTH

Thailand’s marine sector is benefitting from more than just good weather and postcard-perfect waters. Ongoing investment in tourism and infrastructure is transforming the Kingdom into a regional hub for boating, making it an increasingly attractive home base for both local and international yacht owners.

And as the number of high-net-worth individuals grows in Southeast Asia, so does interest in premium leisure activities including yachting. We’re ideally positioned to meet that demand by offering a gateway to the region’s waters backed by international experience and local insight.

SERVICE THAT LASTS BEYOND THE SALE

Perhaps what really sets us apart is our commitment to what happens after the sale. Maintaining a yacht is no small task, but with Thailand’s expanding marina network and advanced service facilities, the challenge can become a pleasure – with the right partner.

Our company has heavily invested in service infrastructure at key locations such as Ocean Marina Jomtien near Pattaya and Phuket Boat Lagoon, ensuring comprehensive care wherever owners dock. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a complex refit, our experienced team ensures each vessel remains in peak condition.

SAILING SCHOOL AND SEAMANSHIP

We also play a key role in growing the country’s sailing culture. Our sailing school is among the most respected in Thailand, offering internationally recognised instruction for beginners and advanced sailors alike. It’s a natural extension of our mission to make life on the water accessible, enjoyable and safe for all.

Whether you’re learning to hoist your first sail or refining your offshore skills, our certified instructors provide a hands-on, confidence-building experience, set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds.

A PARTNER IN EVERY JOURNEY

As I’ve outlined, our company isn’t just about selling boats. We want to open the door to adventure, leisure and freedom on the sea. With a solid foundation of knowledge, a passion for customer care, and a finger on the pulse of Thailand’s marine evolution, we do it well.

So, whether you’re dipping your toes into the boating lifestyle or planning your next big upgrade, Primus Marine will ensure the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination

primus-marine.com

HOWARD PRIME

Following multiple roles within the yachting and car industries, representing many of the world’s leading brands in both, Prime has spent his last six years in Thailand working in marine company management, developing yacht sales, aftersales, charter and tuition in Southeast Asia. In 2024, Prime co-founded Primus Marine, which represents Beneteau, Aquila and Excess for sales and aftersales.

howard.prime@primus-marine.com

Federico Rossi explains why Rossinavi is ‘one of a kind’

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Federico Rossi explains why Rossinavi is ‘one of a kind’

August 7, 2025
1:48 pm

Now COO of Rossinavi and Nolimits Yachts, the son of company co-founder Claudio Rossi explains how the family-owned shipyard has carved its own niche creating one-off masterpieces.
Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Rossinavi

Federico Rossi, COO, Rossinavi

Since Rossinavi was founded in Italy 45 years ago, how did it evolve to specialise in custom superyachts?

My father Claudio co-founded the company in 1980 as a mechanical workshop in Viareggio. Over time, it specialised in metal carpentry, supplying turnkey hulls and superstructures to other shipyards.

In 2008, following the financial crisis and a drop in third-party demand, we decided to enter the market with our own brand. We debuted with two yachts, of 54m and 70m, which were both sold on design and immediately put into construction.

Focusing on one-off builds came naturally. We were already used to working on customised specifications and adapting to the most diverse requests. This approach allowed us to enter an exclusive niche, offering unique and highly personalised yachts. To date, we’ve built yachts ranging from 40m to 75m. Our largest yacht is currently under construction.

One of Rossinavi’s two facilities in Viareggio

How big is the company today?

We have about 150 direct employees and 650 external collaborators. We are active in three cities and two continents, with two main shipyards in Viareggio, five production sites in Pisa and an after-sales department in Fort Lauderdale, United States.

How did you rise to COO of the shipyard?

I grew up in the family business. When I started working with my father, there were just seven of us. As often happens in family enterprises, each of us found our own specialisation. Today, my father, my sister and I run the shipyard together, each with complementary responsibilities.

What can you tell us about the 50m Bel¹, which Rossinavi is exhibiting at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show?

Bel¹ is a reinterpretation of the displacement yacht concept, entirely built in aluminum to ensure lightness and high performance. The yacht offers exceptional volumes, with very spacious guest cabins and a fully equipped 135sqm sundeck including a pool, outdoor kitchen and operational bar. The beach club has been redesigned with a mezzanine deck, creating the visual perception of a yacht over 60m.

The all-aluminium 50m Bel¹

Thanks to its efficient hull and reduced weight, Bel 1 reaches 18 knots with the same propulsion system that, on a steel displacement yacht, would barely allow for 15 knots, while also reducing fuel consumption by up to 50 per cent at cruising speed.

For Bel¹, can you outline the design process with Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design and Team For Design – Enrico Gobbi, and how long you’ve worked with each studio?

We’ve been working with Team For Design – Enrico Gobbi since 2009 and with Fulvio De Simoni since 2014. Bel¹ stems from a concept developed with De Simoni, called Infinity, designed for sporty high-volume yachts. Bel¹ is like an SUV version of that line, like what happened in the automotive world with brands like Porsche or Lamborghini.

Seawolf X is Rossinavi’s first catamaran

What was it like working with Fulvio De Simoni and Meyer Davis on the design of the 43m Seawolf X, the shipyard’s first catamaran?

It was an exciting experience. We started from a high-performance naval platform, adapting the lines of the Infinity 42 to the proportions of a catamaran. Once the hull was defined, we brought in Meyer Davis for the interior design, working closely with the owner. The collaboration worked immediately, blending creative vision with meticulous attention to detail.

Since Seawolf X was launched and presented in 2024, what has been the reaction to the yacht?

Seawolf X generated a strong wow effect thanks to its sporty lines, a rare feature in a catamaran. The interior spaces – from the owner’s cabin to the saloon – were compared to those of much larger yachts. Visitors appreciated the comfort and spaciousness, as well as innovative approach of the design.

The 66m diesel-electric Alchemy

Can you tell us about the hybrid technology on Seawolf X and how it compares to other hybrid systems you’ve used for other yachts, such as on the 66m Alchemy (Vitruvius/Gobbi) and the 50m No Stress Two, both 2023 launches?

Alchemy uses a diesel-electric system, while No Stress Two features a hybrid setup with a thermal propulsion focus.

Seawolf X uses a truly battery-dominant hybrid system, integrating solar, diesel and batteries within a single intelligent architecture managed by AI. This system optimises energy and consumption, can absorb or return power to the marina, and is designed for maximum flexibility and sustainability.

Why has Rossinavi focused so much on AI?

Artificial intelligence is a strategic tool for us in the energy transition. AI manages consumption in real time, activates only necessary systems, and optimises energy use based on the route, weather and tides. It also collects useful data to develop increasingly efficient yachts. Our goal is to significantly reduce consumption and prepare the industry for real, measurable sustainability.

CGI of Solsea, designed by Yves Behar

You’ve unveiled the Solsea catamaran concept, designed by Yves Behar. What are the similarities to Seawolf X and what are the main differences?

Solsea shares the technical platform, hybrid approach and AI integration with Seawolf X. The main differences lie in the style and interior design, which reflect Yves Behar’s personal and artistic vision.

In 2024, Nolimits Yachts was launched and was followed by the news of Camper & Nicholsons representing the brand in Asia-Pacific. Can you please give us an update on the market reaction to the designs?

Nolimits Yachts represents a new generation of explorer yachts from 30-45m: robust and ocean-going but with the comfort and finishes of a superyacht. The market responded with interest, particularly for the larger size. A first unit of the NL45, sold in America, is already under construction and will be delivered in 2026.

The collaboration with Pininfarina for the interiors, together with Fulvio De Simoni for the exteriors, has been crucial for the Asian market. We are developing a distinctive and international design language, further reinforced by Pininfarina’s direct presence in the region.

CGI of NL45, Nolimits Yachts’ first build

Having visited Hong Kong as part of the Nolimits Yachts and Camper & Nicholsons announcement, can you tell us about your learnings on this visit and other trips to Asia?

A key difference is that yachts are often used for social activities, rather than as tools for isolation at sea. These are two entirely different perspectives. A yacht designed for the Asian market is far more complex, equipped with more features, with volume and interior spaces maximised and used in every corner. These yachts are typically lived in more indoors than outdoors.

Finally, can you pinpoint what Rossinavi stands for and why someone should choose your shipyard to build their yacht?

Rossinavi’s DNA is uniqueness. Every yacht is a one-of-a-kind project, tailor-made for the owner. Those who choose us want to create something that reflects their lifestyle and their way of experiencing the sea.

Building with Rossinavi means entering an immersive experience where every detail – from materials to layout – is defined together with the client. It’s a bespoke process that puts the owner’s needs, and often those of their family, at the centre, turning an idea into a tangible and deeply personal reality.

rossinavi.it

nolimits.yachts

cn.nolimits.yachts

Burgess’ winning team in Asia

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Burgess’ winning team in Asia

July 31, 2025
1:27 am

As Burgess honours its 50th anniversary in 2025, its Asia chapter is celebrating its first decade of operations, with a win at this year’s Yacht Style Awards and a party in Singapore among highlights.
Words: John Higginson; Photos: Yacht Style & Burgess

Burgess colleagues Jiyu Xie, Mark Woodmansey, Jean-Marc Poullet and Hwee Tiah, with Associates Alister Brunskill, Vrit Yongsakul and Julian Chang

In 2020, Jean-Marc Poullet shared that the Burgess operation in Asia had secured 12 superyacht transactions in the five years since he co-founded the regional chapter of the global brokerage house. This year, as the Asia division celebrates its 10^th anniversary, Poullet was happy to share with Yacht Style that his team recently completed their 40th transaction of the past decade.

Just as significant as the number of transactions is the size of yachts that Burgess has helped buy or sell for its clients in Asia over the past 10 years, with the yachts averaging about 53m in length – and including six above 75m. This is significant, even on a global scale.

The scale of the yachts Poullet and his team are buying and selling is also one of the reasons Burgess won the ‘Global Brokerage in Asia, Above 40m’ category at this year’s Yacht Style Awards in Singapore. The gala dinner at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove was held on the eve of the Singapore Yachting Festival, and provided a fitting place to honour the company’s achievements.

“It’s always nice to receive an award, but it’s more rewarding to see the team’s hard work help deliver the best-possible results for our clients, making successful transactions and charters happen,” says Poullet, who was joined on stage by colleagues including Mark Woodmansey and Hwee Tiah – his first two hires after setting up the company a decade ago – and Monaco-based Jiyu Xie.

“We officially launched our Asia operation in April 2015 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, during the then Singapore Yacht Show, so we had our 10-year celebration at the same marina during this year’s Singapore Yacht Festival. The marina has a special place in our hearts.”

TEAM BUILDING

Poullet, who keeps his 33m yacht at ONE°15 Marina, has been based in Asia since 1993. He became Burgess’ Chairman for Asia after retiring as a Senior Partner of McKinsey & Company following more than 25 years of advising leading Asia-based businessmen and entrepreneurs, skills that helped him transition to the superyacht industry.

An 85m Lürssen was among 2023 transactions by Burgess’ Asia team

“I feel great pride in what the Asia team has become and collectively achieved, rising from a start-up in 2015 to be the clear superyacht industry leader in Asia 10 years later. We were fortunate enough to help transact some very large yachts by global standards, something that I was not expecting when we started the [Asia] business 10 years ago,” Poullet says.

“It was a unique opportunity to build this Asia operation in partnership with Burgess, which is truly a world-class firm with very talented yachting professionals and unequalled expertise. I’m grateful to all the clients who trusted us to assist them with their yachting lifestyle and helped us grow our business over the years.”

The Belgian is quick to acknowledge the power of the brand, with Burgess long established as one of the world’s leading superyacht brokerages. Furthermore, Burgess’ head offices in the likes of Monaco and London have played a pivotal role in the success of the Asia chapter, helping to ensure the team is integrated into its work practices and adopts Burgess’ company values.

“The benefits of working with Burgess are very important, from brand recognition as a global leader to its exceptional accumulated experience and expertise over 50 years,” he says.

“There’s also a great global spirit of teamwork that makes colleagues work together across geographies and departments to provide the best-possible advice and service to customers. In Asia, we’ve adopted the same teamwork values, and work closely with our colleagues globally. It also just makes doing business more fun and interesting that way.”

Even so, Burgess’ close-knit Asia team has achieved a lot in just 10 years. Poullet hired Woodmansey and Tiah in the middle and end of 2015 respectively, with the pair joining him as the brokerage house’s most familiar faces in Asia.

Based in Hong Kong since 2003, Woodmansey spent over a decade with Simpson Marine before joining Burgess, holding the title of Head of Brokerage, Asia since 2018. Tiah is Burgess’ Head of Charter and Business Development for Asia, the Singaporean having formerly worked in the shipping and marine insurance industries.

“It has been great to see Mark grow into a top superyacht broker by global standards and certainly Asia’s most successful superyacht broker,” Poullet says. “Hwee’s roles evolved rapidly from marketing to business development to now heading our charter department. She’s great at building strong relationships and keeps a wide network of close friends in Asia’s yachting and luxury industries.”

Jiyu Xie, Hwee Tiah, Jean-Marc Poullet and Mark Woodmansey in 2022

The core leadership team for Asia is completed by Xie, who has been part of the ‘fab four’ since 2022, when he took on the role of Yacht Fleet Manager and New Build Advisor for Asia. Based in Monaco, he has been with Burgess since 2018, having obtained a Master’s in Maritime Engineering at the University of Southampton and spent 12 years with Lloyd’s Register in China and the Netherlands.

“Jiyu came to us with very strong maritime and yachting technical background, focused primarily on Lloyd’s certification of Amels new builds yachts. As the Fleet Manager for Asia, he manages yachts from 35m to over 100m. Collectively we combine about 60 years of superyacht industry experience, and coordinate Burgess’ Asia business in close collaboration with the global departments.”

WIDENING NETWORK

As well as solidifying its core leadership team, Burgess has steadily widened its network of Associates across the region in addition to Japan-based Lyu Kamikage, who has represented Burgess since 2010. Since 2019, that network has also included Julian Chang in Singapore, and Boat Lagoon Yachting for Thailand, with Vrit Yongsakul and Alister Brunskill.

More recent appointments include Anju and Gautama Dutta of India’s Yacht Solutions, Edwin Ho of Hong Kong’s Starship Yachts, and Leo Yang of Wanda and Shanghai Yachting Prestige in mainland China.

“Our Associates are all very experienced Asian yachting professionals, typically representing global leading brands in their market, and each with their own network of clients, typically more active in the sub-30m range. They all have business values like ours and are nice people to hang out with,” Poullet smiles.

“Occasionally they have clients who want to upgrade to larger yachts or charter a large yacht, so we collaborate with them to advise and assist their clients. It’s a very synergetic relationship.”

A 92m Oceanco was among 2023 transactions

Poullet says Burgess has not only survived but thrived during the post-Covid era. In fact, 2023 stands out as the company’s strongest year to date in Asia, with four very large yacht transactions headed by a 92m Oceanco, an 85m Lürssen and a 75m Amels.

Last year was also a good year, with its four transactions comprising a 55m Amels, 42m Custom Line, 42m Sanlorenzo and 29m Princess, while a 28m Sanlorenzo new build and 40m Princess have been among transactions this year.

“Our strategy and focus have remained the larger yachts segment and providing world-class yachting advice and services to our Asia customers anywhere in the world,” Poullet says. “Moving forward, we plan to be more active in the 30-40m segment in closer collaboration with our Associates, adding resources in our team to identify and market high-quality yachts in this segment.”

As Poullet and his team prepare to lead Burgess’ Asia operation into its second decade, the regional yachting market is in a soft state, especially when compared to the Covid surge. In addition to China’s economic challenges, there are also fresh global geo-political challenges around the globe including conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as volatile US trade strategies.

“Inevitably, the current macro-economic and geo-political challenges are slowing down the growth of Asia’s yachting market. However, any industry in Asia has always been made of ups and downs, with more ups than downs, and yachting is no different,” Poullet says.

“If I look back over our first decade, I guess I was hoping the Asia superyacht market would develop a bit faster. While there has been continuous steady growth, we’ve not yet seen the acceleration the region’s potential could justify. For the coming five to 10 years, I see the Asia superyacht market set to continue its slow but steady growth.”

burgessyachts.com

Adam Blackmore joins Camper & Nicholsons

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Adam Blackmore joins Camper & Nicholsons

July 22, 2025
11:21 pm

The Brit will operate between the company’s Hong Kong and London offices, serving clients in both Asia and Europe.

Adam Blackmore

Camper & Nicholsons has announced the appointment of Adam Blackmore as a Sales Broker, with the Brit set to operate between the company’s Hong Kong and London offices. Camper & Nicholsons describes Asia, where it has established offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, as “one of the company’s most strategically important and fast-evolving regions”.

Among almost 18 years as a professional yacht broker, Blackmore has spent over a decade in Asia and has a proven track record in brokerage sales and new build projects.

Julien Solari, Asia Chief Commercial Officer at Camper & Nicholsons, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Adam to our team. His extensive experience, keen eye for all things marketing, and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional yachting experiences. We look forward to seeing his contributions in both London and Hong Kong.”

Based in Asia since 2013, Blackmore “has an in-depth understanding of the region’s unique market dynamics and client expectations”, according to Camper & Nicholsons. He has worked for many of the region’s leading dealerships, from Simpson Marine to Asia Yachting and then Asiamarine, where he also became a Sales Broker for Fraser, before co-founding Iseo Yachting in early 2024.

Having joined Camper & Nicholsons in July 2025, Blackmore will be based between London and Hong Kong with the aim of delivering bespoke yachting solutions to clients across Europe and Asia.

“Joining Camper & Nicholsons is an exciting opportunity to work with a prestigious brand renowned for its heritage and innovation in yachting,” Blackmore said. “I am eager to leverage my experience to serve clients in these vibrant markets and contribute to the company’s continued success.”

camperandnicholsons.com

Richard Allen on promising new era

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Richard Allen on promising new era

July 16, 2025
4:24 pm

In a Column for Yacht Style Issue 84, Allen explains how he has embarked on a significant new chapter of his career as CEO of Boat Lagoon Yachting, while remaining co-owner of Fairview Yachting.

Richard Allen, CEO, Boat Lagoon Yachting

The maritime industry is always evolving, and in Asia it changes quickly. As Chief Executive Officer of Boat Lagoon Yachting, my new role marks a significant milestone not only in my career but also in the journey of this long-established company. This opportunity brings with it immense excitement and responsibility, and the promise of a transformative future.

After 12 years in Hong Kong with Simpson Marine, leading the company as it transitioned from a multi-brand dealership to part of the Sanlorenzo shipyard in Italy, I was presented with the opportunity to try something new. I moved to Thailand earlier this year and began my new role with Boat Lagoon Yachting in April.

Boat Lagoon Yachting is recognised for its commitment to quality and its status as the most prominent yacht dealership and service provider in Southeast Asia. As CEO, my aim is to guide the company towards greater success and longevity, along with implementing some strategic organisation, processes and systems.

COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

As I reflect on the lessons learned from my previous experiences, I’m reminded of the importance of adaptability and foresight in this constantly evolving industry. The maritime sector is a dynamic realm, where trends shift rapidly and customer expectations grow ever more sophisticated. This realisation has motivated me to embrace this new chapter with a clear vision: to position Boat Lagoon Yachting as a leader not only in excellence but also in innovation and customer experience.

Boat Lagoon Yachting won Regional Dealer in Asia at the Yacht Style Awards in April 2025

Technological advancements are changing the way we navigate, design and experience maritime leisure. Under my leadership, Boat Lagoon Yachting will continue to be at the forefront of innovation. With yacht manufacturers developing new propulsion systems and onboard amenities, we must adapt to provide the support and infrastructure for these new technologies.

By integrating smart systems, sustainable energy solutions and advanced navigation, we will aim to redefine luxury yachting for the modern era.

INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY

One of the pillars of our future growth lies in sustainability. As environmental concerns rise globally, the yachting sector must adapt to meet the challenges of eco-conscious consumers. With many yachts now equipped with hybrid engines and eco-friendly materials, we will help lead the charge in creating a greener maritime industry and protecting the oceans, which are the playgrounds of our industry.

Alongside this, we will continue to foster our long-established CRM (customer relationship management) initiatives through events such as the BLY Phuket Rendezvous, where our yacht owners from across Southeast Asia gather annually in both Phuket – a world-renowned yachting destination – and Singapore.

Held since 2011, these occasions are more than just celebrations of the yachting lifestyle. They also serve as meaningful opportunities for our owners to come together and participate in CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities, giving back to the coastal communities that welcome us.

EXPANDING THE NETWORK

Boat Lagoon Yachting has already established itself as a most trusted name in Asia and beyond. However, expansion is key to tapping into new markets and reaching a broader audience. We will focus on strengthening our presence in existing regions while exploring opportunities in emerging markets throughout Asia.

Boat Lagoon Yachting has represented Princess in Southeast Asia since 1994, selling hundreds of the British builder’s yachts into the region. And the numbers will continue to grow, with some of our clients now owning their sixth or seventh Princess yacht, a testament to Boat Lagoon Yachting’s customer service and support of its owners. It’s also a testament to Princess, as it continues to evolve to keep up with clients’ demands.

With Jeanneau and Sacs, our other long-term partners, we will continue to provide a wide selection of yachts available to all our clientele, and will grow our network throughout the region.

Customers have always been the heart of Boat Lagoon Yachting, and their satisfaction defines our success. As CEO, I prioritise the enhancement of customer service across all touchpoints. This includes creating personalised services, offering exclusive experiences, and ensuring seamless transactions for our buyers and charterers.

From the first enquiry to the final sale, we want every interaction to be imbued with excellence. In addition, we’re looking at other forms of ownership such as boat clubs, charter management, leasing and fractional ownership. We already have some experience of this with one of our partners, Flow Yacht Club, which I’m keen to see develop.

The strength of any organisation lies in its people. Building a cohesive, motivated and skilled team is at the forefront of my plans. Training programmes, leadership development and fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork will ensure Boat Lagoon Yachting remains a magnet for top talent. Collaboration and shared vision will drive the company forward, reinforcing our position as an industry leader.

CHARTER OPPORTUNITIES

I’ve had a long history with yacht charter, from my early days at Sunsail and later with Simpson Marine. After leaving the latter last year, I established Fairview Yachting. Once the acquisition of Simpson Marine by Sanlorenzo was completed, it was clear that part of the charter business I had set up in 2013 in Thailand was not in the shipyard’s long-term plans.

Following some discussions, it was agreed I could buy the Simpson Yacht Charter Thailand business that I had established and overseen for over a decade. My business partner at Fairview Yachting is Andy Byham, who has over 20 years of experience running a successful charter company and a corporate events business in the UK. He comes out to Phuket every couple of months.

The SYC charter business is run by the existing team, who are managing the day-to-day sales and operations, and relishing the greater responsibility. In fact, the business has grown, with 15 staff now handling sales and looking after the charter fleet and our owners.

As part of the growth of the business and ensuring a good supply of new yachts joining the fleet from time to time, it was important to represent one of the leading catamaran brands. Recently, Fairview Yachting was fortunate to be able to take on the Bali Catamarans dealership for Thailand and Hong Kong.

Already I’ve seen ways that Fairview Yachting can cooperate with Boat Lagoon Yachting and its own charter division, Boat Lagoon Cruises, which is focused principally on day charters in larger power boats. Fairview is a more traditional charter business, with bare boats and predominantly sailing catamarans chartering for several days or even weeks, so they have different business models.

Over time, we may see closer collaboration between the two companies, but for now they run independently. Both have their own management teams, and both are looking to grow and bring more clients from around the world to experience what a great destination Thailand is as a yachting hub.

LOOKING AHEAD

As I embark on my new journey, I see a future where Boat Lagoon Yachting is not only a leader in luxury yachting but also a pioneer in innovation. To ensure an even greater level of care for our clients, we’ve already agreed to create a new division within the company to cater for aftersales and service, which will also be available to other yacht owners in the region.

Our goal is to redefine the industry standards, explore uncharted waters, and inspire the next generation of yacht enthusiasts. Together, with a talented team and the support of our loyal customers, I’m confident Boat Lagoon Yachting will set sail toward a promising and prosperous future.

I thank Vrit Yongsakul for giving me this opportunity. My appointment is more than a personal achievement; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Boat Lagoon Yachting. With bold ambitions, a commitment to excellence and a vision for sustainable growth, I am honoured to lead this remarkable organisation into its next era. The waters ahead are vast and full of promise, and I’m eager to navigate them with passion, perseverance and purpose.

boatlagoonyachting.com

RICHARD ALLEN

In early 2025, Allen was appointed CEO of Boat Lagoon Yachting, Southeast Asia’s largest yacht dealership and a long-time representative of Princess, Jeanneau and Sacs. The Brit is also a co owner of Fairview Yachting, which is the umbrella owner of Simpson Yacht Charter Thailand and represents Bali Catamarans. An experienced sailor, Allen began his career in the UK, where he was Sales Manager at both Sunsail (2000-2003) and Ancasta (2003-12). In 2012, he moved to Hong Kong to join Simpson Marine (2012-2024), where his roles evolved from Groupe Beneteau Sales Manager to Group Sales Director, Group General Manager and COO.

Ruurd Van Putten on Vietnam’s yachting ambitions

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Ruurd Van Putten on Vietnam’s yachting ambitions

July 2, 2025
4:39 pm

Marinetek’s Southeast Asia Director explains how the Vietnamese government is looking to develop a framework for yachting to flourish.

If it seems that Vietnam is still a blank spot on the map of Southeast Asia and surrounded by a somewhat mysterious dogma that yachting in the country is not possible or available, think again. There are about 200 registered yachts under the Vietnam flag and in the last 10 years, dozens of foreign-flagged yachts and superyachts have visited.

In addition, a large fleet of vessels offers day trips and mini cruises. Although not classified as yachts but passenger or tourist boats, their purpose comes close to the definition of yachting.

The Ministry of Transport of Vietnam is rolling out a five-year ‘Yacht Management Project’ for yachting to become a signature tourism service by 2030. The objective of this pilot scheme, coordinated by the Vietnamese Maritime Administration, is to expand cooperation with international brands to supply and provide yachts and yachting services, with a focus on encouraging the private sector. Below are some of the key needs being officially examined, to help make this happen.

DEFINITIONS

The first step is to set the definition for yachts and yachting in the National Maritime Code. When I needed to register one of the first sailboats in Vietnam for my new charter business in 2009, a Corsair 750 Sprint trimaran, they asked what the purpose of this boat was going to be.

“Just to sail around Nha Trang Bay for fun,” was my answer. That appeared to be a problem, as “fun” was not on the list of possible purposes. As fishing or transporting cargo were not part of our operation plan, we settled on passenger boat.

ESTABLISHING ZONES

The long coastline offers many benefits for the Vietnamese economy, but it also makes Vietnam vulnerable, so the navy, coastguard and immigration authority want to control territorial waters. Establishing zones for yachting activities will create clarity for all involved and make it easier to focus on developing yachting services and facilities.

I took a delegation of governmental and military officials on a survey trip to define the area in which I was allowed to sail. It was enjoyable – we did this on one of the Coast Guard patrol boats – but also a bit funny as we cruised to waypoints in the middle of the sea to confirm there were no objections to sail there.

MOORING AREAS

When I was project manager of Ana Marina, located in Nha Trang and the country’s first marina, there were no clear rules and regulations for marina design and construction. So, it was developed in accordance with international standards and that made it easier to get the required permits, although it took a long time.

It helped to put marina development on the radar of the authorities, with the result that berthing and mooring will also become regulated, which is expected to offer more opportunities rather than restrictions.

Building marinas and infrastructure for yachting is necessary for further realising its potential. The reason I became Area Director for Marinetek in Southeast Asia is to help build strong, safe and durable marinas.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

For yachts under the Vietnam flag, as well as those under foreign flags, operating requirements will contribute to the professionalisation of yachting operations and increase the standards and quality of services.

For our charter fleet, we bought a 36ft catamaran in Hong Kong in 2010 and sailed it to Vietnam under a Hong Kong flag. When we arrived in Vietnam and registered the boat there, I could no longer skipper so I often joined as a passenger to watch my Vietnamese captain operate the boat.

Luckily, we had a good team of smart young guys and girls who became capable sailors in a relatively short time, as we chartered over 300 days a year.

RESPONSIBLE YACHTING

This will probably become some sort of Code of Conduct for yacht owners, crew and passengers that is a helpful tool in a country where yachting does not have the same historical background as somewhere in Europe. It should lead to a safe, clean and pleasant environment, where everyone can enjoy yachting at its best in a unique yachting destination in Asia.

It has taken 15 years for this breakthrough in the development in yachting in Vietnam to finally happen after years of pioneering and challenging entrepreneurship in this sector.

Over the last few years, several professional yacht dealers and brokers have been established, more and bigger boats are being sold, more crew are being trained, and more mooring and berthing facilities are being built. Having a long-term vision for success makes a sustainable foundation for Vietnam to paint its contours on the map.

marinetek.net

RUURD VAN PUTTEN

Moving from the Netherlands to Vietnam in 2007, Van Putten has over 30 years of yachting and marina industry experience. A pioneer and entrepreneur in this emerging market, he founded the country’s first yacht sales, charter and management company and consultancy to provide expertise for marinas, yacht clubs and management. In 2021, he became, Southeast Asia Area Director for Marinetek, a marina and floating solutions specialist.

Cheoy Lee builds on the past, looks to the future

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Cheoy Lee builds on the past, looks to the future

June 26, 2025
8:08 am

Backed by 150 years of heritage, sister brands CL Yachts and Cheoy Lee Yachts offer a range of luxurious motoryachts from 65ft to superyachts.

Famed for its robust, finely crafted, globally cruising motoryachts, Cheoy Lee Shipyards draws on 150 years of boat and shipbuilding experience to deliver advanced and highly capable motoryachts from 19m to 60m across two key brands.

Cheoy Lee has remained family run since it was founded in the 1870s, with current management made up of the family’s fourth and fifth generations. It’s a testament not only to the longevity of the brand – which encompasses everything from yachts and superyachts to commercial vessels and workboats – but also to the forward-thinking ethos the shipyard has always applied to its builds.

After starting with yachts constructed in teak, Cheoy Lee was one of the first builders to explore and embrace GRP in the 1960s, becoming a leading brand for GRP yachts and helping pioneer glass and foam sandwich construction.

That drive to break new ground has continued throughout the shipyard’s history, and it comes in all aspects of vessel design and construction; from the adoption of hybrid technologies for the ferries it builds, to the application of hybrid styling and design to its latest range of modern explorer yachts.

Today, Cheoy Lee channels its heritage, history of innovation and highly skilled workforce into creating award-winning yachts, with two key brands: Cheoy Lee Yachts, which continues the lineage of the shipyard’s superyachts and custom builds with vessels up to 60m finished to the highest standards; and CL Yachts, launched in 2018 and which specialises in series production of refined modern GRP yachts.

Quality and safety remain key considerations – the yachts are built in ISO-certified production facilities, and all are built to class with RINA-certified GRP hulls.

The custom superyachts and CL Yachts models are constructed in Cheoy Lee Shipyard’s advanced facilities, which include state-of-the-art CNC water-jet, laser and plasma cutters, 3-, 4- and 5-axis milling machines, Leica 3D scanners, 3D prototyping and semi-automatic pipe welding machines.

Martin Lo

Martin Lo, Director of both Cheoy Lee and CL Yachts, and a fourth-generation family member, said: “These cutting-edge tools enable us to continuously enhance our manufacturing processes, ensuring the highest levels of precision and efficiency.”

CHEOY LEE YACHTS

Renowned for their quality, coveted for their go-anywhere capability and cherished by generations of passionate owners, Cheoy Lee yachts have a deserved reputation among discerning owners who are serious about their cruising. Modern design, construction techniques and technology define the cruising experience of Cheoy Lee yachts.

Cheoy Lee’s all-new 127 Discovery harnesses the shipyard’s DNA and adds modern styling and luxury to deliver a 38.7m trideck that offers a 4,000nm range at 10.5 knots. Part of Cheoy Lee’s Explorer series, the 127 Discovery is a collaboration with Nick Boksa of Boksa Marine Design who, like Cheoy Lee, draws on an extensive background in both commercial and leisure projects.

CGI of Cheoy Lee 127 Discovery

The result is a compact and efficient go-anywhere explorer that packs the features and spaces typical of a larger yacht.

It’s not just about style and space, however. Cheoy Lee approaches the engineering and construction of its superyachts in the same way it tackles commercial projects, and that means robust systems design and inherent reliability with commercial-level equipment to ensure self-sufficiency and issue-free operation even when cruising far from the beaten track.

The 127 Discovery has a traditional steel displacement hull with sharp entry and spray chine to ensure comfort and safe passage in heavy sea conditions. Features include a main-deck master suite, four guest suites on the lower deck, an aft beach club made possible thanks to stowing the main tender on the main deck aft, and a generous sundeck with a bar, grill, jacuzzi and multiple seating areas.

CGI of Cheoy Lee 127 Discovery

“The 127 Discovery 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 ocean-going yacht that delivers luxurious world cruising without compromise on facilities or service,” Lo states.

“While the yacht can be operated with a smaller crew, we have made provision for up to 10, including the possibility for a captain’s cabin on the bridge deck, and comfortable crew spaces with two crew lounges. These aspects, along with the consideration of things like professional galley design and storage space, are critical for extended explorer cruising, and they epitomise Cheoy Lee’s approach to the design and construction of exceptional yachts for adventure and fun.”

CL YACHTS

The CL Yachts model line brings the Cheoy Lee experience and expertise to three ranges of series custom and production yachts – CLX, CLB and CLA. “From the timeless elegance of Series A and B to the cutting-edge design of Series X, each model is meticulously crafted for exceptional performance, unparalleled comfort, and sophisticated style,” Lo explains.

CLX96

Heading the pack are CLX96 and CLX99, two modern explorers that combine the essential ruggedness and seaworthiness of Cheoy Lee’s explorer yachts with styling by Milan-based industrial designer Jozeph Forakis. CLX96 splashed in late 2022 to wide acclaim, with its larger CLX99 sibling – unveiled in autumn 2024 – serving as an evolution of the model with increased interior volumes, more exterior space, and the same futuristic styling from Forakis.

Angular lines, an aggressive plumb bow and reverse windscreen – mirrored in reversed profiles at the aft end of the superstructure – serve not only as references to the shipyard’s workboat heritage but also have practical functionality, improving vision from the helm, increasing the sense of interior space, and maximising natural light and connection to the outside.

CLX96 features best-in-class innovations, including five large, distinct outdoor zones and a striking main saloon with windows that are almost without mullions. This, plus the impressive performance which allows for cruising at close to 20 knots and a top speed around 25 knots, has been made possible by marrying Forakis’s disruptive design ideas with finessed naval architecture by Earl Alfaro and structural engineering by Al Horsmon and the CL Yachts team.

CGI of CLX99

It’s the same combination that has created CLX99. “The groundbreaking CLX99 is fully designed and is ready to be built as soon as an order is placed,” Lo confirms.

It’s not just the Series X which is grabbing all the attention. In the Series B line-up, the Forakis-styled 24.9m CLB80 brings exterior space and interior comfort to a highly capable cruiser with more conventional raked windscreens and distinctive boomerang fashion plates in the superstructure.

An angled bow with a large overhang and an extended sundeck – which not only provides shade for the aft cockpit but which also serves as a boat deck with launch crane for a tender – deliver a contemporary take on classic bluewater motor cruisers.

CGI of CLB80

Offered with an aft-galley, forward-seating layout as a main deck option, with the main helm located in the sky lounge, CLB80 can be configured according to a client’s needs. These include the enclosed skylounge – a boon both for cooler climates and off-season cruising, as well as for hotter climates where shade and air-conditioned spaces are at a premium – and an impressive beach club that serves as a base for waterborne activities.

Series B is also getting a boost with CLB65 SUV, which was presented at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2025 and is currently in production. The 19.7m yacht takes the SUV concept to new heights as a compact and versatile model that strikes a balance between timeless elegance and practical functionality.

That functionality is coupled to versatility in deck spaces and interiors, including a multipurpose area that can serve as a beach club, command centre for fishing and diving, or even a temporary crew cabin to complement the master suite, VIP stateroom and ensuite guest twin cabin. In addition, CLB65 SUV presents fine performance with either Caterpillar or Volvo Penta engines that can push the yacht to a 30-knot top end.

CGI of CLB65 SUV

“CLB65 SUV is the sportiest and most compact yacht to date in the CL Yachts series, and it builds not only on the success of our CLB65 but also on five generations of boatbuilding prowess to deliver performance, manoeuvrability and comfort in equal measure,” says Lo.

“It’s the perfect embodiment of all that learned experience and traditional seaworthiness offered in a model that features the contemporary styling and modern features that clients expect from CL Yachts.”

GLOBAL REACH

It’s not just in construction and design that Cheoy Lee has been investing. The brand now boasts an extensive network of dealers around the world, building on its key operations in Fort Lauderdale, US. The network extends to Australasia, the Middle East, Europe, Turkey, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, ensuring that clients worldwide can enjoy a seamless yacht-buying and after sales experience.

The culmination of that heritage, design, engineering and global network is a portfolio of yachts that are not only continuing to enthral owners but which are also garnering international acclaim. CLX96 has won multiple awards, while CLB80 came out top in the 2024 GOOD DESIGN Awards.

Martin Lo and Fiona Li at the Yacht Style Awards

Cheoy Lee and CL Yachts combined have also received recognition, winning Yacht Style’s 2025 Builder in Asia award. Not that the shipyard is resting on its laurels. As has been the case for more than 150 years, it continues to push boundaries.

“Beginning in 2022 we embarked on the development of hybrid and alternative-powered vessels tailored for our commercial endeavours,” Lo explains. “This expertise also extends to the creation of new yachts as we see increasing demand from yacht owners for sustainable and more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional diesel power and conventional materials.”

Cheoy Lee Shipyards is also collaborating with prestigious universities in Hong Kong to explore innovative technologies and approaches to production, such as artificial intelligence and human-robotic manufacturing techniques. The goal is clear: to enhance production efficiency while at the same time enhancing quality in all the shipyard’s offerings.

“With both the Cheoy Lee and CL Yachts lines, we’re driven by innovation, design and performance, and our brand creates visionary solutions that set new benchmarks,” Lo concludes. “With every detail carefully considered, we deliver creations that inspire and excel in every way.”

cheoylee.com

clyachts.com

Marco Valle on how Azimut-Benetti leads from the front

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Marco Valle on how Azimut-Benetti leads from the front

June 17, 2025
3:34 pm

Working at Azimut-Benetti Group since 1996 and CEO from 2020, Marco Valle outlines the latest projects from a shipyard that has led the Global Order Book for quarter of a century and invested in a new style of boating with the Seadeck Series.
Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Azimut-Benetti Group

Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut-Benetti Group, at Yacht Style Awards 2025

Having led the Global Order Book for 24m-plus superyacht orders for 25 successive years, how does the Azimut-Benetti Group currently stand financially?

We have a good portfolio of orders and a strong backlog, of about €2 billion. The global market is not as good as it was a few years ago, but there’s still a lot of action. The global landscape is evolving rapidly, and we are closely monitoring how developments such as tariff policies in the US may influence the market.

We had great results from the last US shows in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach, and my concern is not on the strong affinity that American owners continue to show for our brand and products but on the whole market in case clients adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude. Once again, our strategic choice to ensure a balanced presence across all key markets has proven to be a forward-looking decision.

How are Azimut designs evolving with Alberto Mancini, who now handles the exteriors of four of the brand’s series?

Alberto was the right person to succeed Stefano Righini and provide continuity for the Fly (flybridge), S (sportbridge) and Grande (superyacht) models. He’s also doing the new Seadeck Series. His latest designs include the Grande 44M, which will be Azimut’s new flagship. Alberto has a gifted touch and the ability to interpret different styles with solutions driven by pure creativity.

Alberto Mancini designed Azimut’s upcoming Grande 44M

Mancini’s recent designs include Azimut’s upcoming Grande 30M, with the first hull sold to Hong Kong by Marine Italia. How is the Asia market developing?

We have a great distribution network across Asia, so we’re quite satisfied, but we’re also convinced there’s still untapped potential to be unlocked. The Asia market has been quiet for a while, and this may well be the right moment to further strengthen our presence in the region.

This is especially relevant considering that we’ve recently sold several Grande superyachts into Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan. We had a Grande 32M delivered to Vietnam earlier this year, we’ve sold a couple of other Grande superyachts to China, so superyacht sales are encouraging but the flybridge models have slowed down a little.

So, Azimut-Benetti is making a conscious effort to step up activity in Asia?

In the past three decades, I’ve travelled many times to Asia including right across China. My first trip to Asia with Azimut was in 1996, with the Sales Director at the time, and we visited Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

The first Azimut Grande 30M has been sold to Asia

The potential in Asia is high, but the challenge lies in finding a way to unlock its full promise, no easy task in such a vast region that encompasses a wide range of cultures and includes a lot of very different markets, from China to Singapore, which right now is growing faster than Hong Kong.

There are also exciting new markets like Vietnam. Our investment in Asia is driven by the goal of further energising the market, tapping into regions that are growing as yachting destinations and embracing a new generation of young owners.

Are you surprised by the traction in Asia for the new Magellano models?

We’ve sold a couple of Magellano 30M, which again shows the demand for the larger models in Asia.

Have the new Seadeck 6 and 7 motoryachts that debuted in 2024 achieved what you hoped?

With the Seadeck Series, the idea was to truly create something that stands apart from what’s available on the market in terms of lifestyle, design and technology, by offering a compelling counterpart to flybridge or sportbridge models.

Seadeck 7 features Volvo Penta’s first hybrid IPS package

This is the reason why the Seadeck 7 (71ft 2in LOA) includes the first helm-to-propeller hybrid-electric package by Volvo Penta, which is unique. This system was included on hull one and is still being developed by Volvo Penta.

It has been a big investment, but we believe in the Seadeck design and the results in the market have been better than we expected. The Seadeck 6 had a great reaction. We were worried that the size (56ft 7in LOA) was maybe too small for this kind of boat, but it proved that it wasn’t. The Seadeck 9 (84ft) is the next model in the Series and could debut at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Designed for a slow pace of life at sea, the Seadeck concept appeared to be a change in direction for Azimut. Has it helped attract new clients?

This is a good point. The idea with Seadeck was to build something different. However, the new models are not only satisfying our clients but also attracting different kinds of customers who would never otherwise have been interested in Azimut. We had some external clients who saw the Seadeck and said they liked it but had never previously approached us.

Azimut’s Seadeck 6 introduced the ‘fun island’ concept

Some of the Seadeck models have been bought as a second boat – like a day boat or family boat – by owners of megayachts. Sales have mainly focused on Europe so far, as the models are only starting to enter new markets around the world.

The Seadeck 6 appeared in America late last year and the Seadeck 7 had its US debut at this year’s Palm Beach show in March. The Seadeck 7 then had its Asia-Pacific premiere at the Singapore Yachting Festival this April. I look forward to seeing the reaction in these markets as these boats are attracting a new kind of client.

What has been the reaction when people have first boarded the Seadeck models?

The first feeling is that it’s not a conventional boat. People realise that you use the side balconies from a different perspective. It’s like having the external area of an express boat but without comprising the interior space and volume.

When you go boating these days, people are less formal. Everybody is more relaxed on board, so we wanted to transfer this attitude to the Seadeck. Even if you compare the lobbies of hotels, they’re now much relaxed compared to 20 years ago and more like a lounge. We’re trying to match this attitude that people are looking for now. You don’t need a formal area in this type of boat.

Seadeck 6 interior by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez

Why did Azimut choose to work with Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez on the Seadeck interiors?

We were looking for somebody who understood the meaning of the boat, what we were looking to do. We invested a lot in the hybrid system, reducing the consumption, and the materials used in the boat, so when we looked for interior designers who could match this philosophy, we thought about Thun and Rodriguez because they’ve had a long-standing approach to sustainability. The selection of materials in the décor is in line with this philosophy.

We did our research and Azimut has enjoyed collaborating with designers who haven’t worked in yachting before, to differentiate ourselves. This was also the case when we had Achille Salvagni design interiors for so many years. This is our attitude, otherwise you’re always limited by the perimeter of yacht designers.

What led Azimut to work for the first time with m2atelier (Marco Bonelli and Marijana Radovic), on the Grande 30M?

They’re nice, they’re professional, and we like how they design the interior as a functional tool for the owner. Sometimes you have an interior designer who wants to create a showroom, which is nice to look at but not so user-friendly, but m2atelier focuses on how owners and guests use a boat. They’re more pragmatic, which I like.

M2atelier designed the interiors of Azimut’s Grande 30M

The Grande 30M includes the Deck2Deck Terrace and Infinity Skydeck features, which were introduced on the Grande 26M and ‘semi-walkaround’ Grande 36M respectively. Can you also outline the Grande 30M’s propulsion technology?

We’re including the pod system. Azimut wanted a pod system that could be used across series production of bigger boats and not just on custom superyachts. On the Grande 26M [which debuted in 2022], we introduced the new Pod 4600 propulsion system in partnership with ZF.

On the Grande 30M, we begin our new partnership with Rolls-Royce and are integrating MTU diesel engines with integrated MTU propulsion systems as part of its ‘From Bridge to Propeller’ strategy. The new Grande models will be equipped with MTU’s Series 2000 engines, ZF pod drives and MTU’s NautIQ Master integrated platform management system. It’s much more efficient to work with one supplier who can manage the entire propulsion system.

Earlier this year, Benetti stated it had 10 hybrid superyachts under construction and that seven of the 13 orders for B.Yond superyachts included hybrid technology. Is demand for eco-friendly technology growing?

Yes. Basically, about 50 per cent of B.Yond orders are for hybrid. We also have orders for much bigger boats, from about 60-67m. Benetti can offer hybrid systems for almost all its models and can sometimes even do full electric.

Benetti’s Kasper 7 won the Superyacht 60-70m category at this year’s Yacht Style Awards

Our hybrid systems are proven. It’s much easier to include a hybrid system on the bigger yachts than it is on the smaller ones because of the size of the batteries. Whenever you have 40m, 50m or 60m-plus yachts, it’s easy to have a hybrid system because it’s just a question of having the space for a battery pack on board. It’s much more of a challenge on smaller boats when there’s less space compared to the size of battery pack needed.

What has been the response to HVOlution, the biofuel that Azimut successfully debuted on the first Magellano 60 in 2023?

This was simply the first model we used bio-fuel in, but we propose and can use HVO on all our models. All our tests were done with HVO and today we have fully transitioned from traditional fossil fuels to HVO biofuel – specifically HVOlution by Eni Live, which can reduce GHG emissions by up to 90 per cent – for sea trials, technical transfers and final refuelling prior to delivery to owners.

HVOlution has a different density to diesel but all our new engines can be operated with biofuel. You can even mix them. However, currently we can only provide HVOlution in Italy. If we could make this available everywhere, it would be an easy solution to reducing emissions, but not the least expensive, as distribution costs depend on taxes and restrictions country by country.

Valle with Azimut-Benetti colleagues at Yacht Style Awards 2025

Azimut says over half of its models are Low Emission Yachts, which it defines as those with 20-30 per cent fewer emissions than the market average. How do you achieve this?

Whenever we do a new product, we decide on the level of consumption of the boat. We then achieve the target with the choice of engines or propulsion system, the amount of carbon-fibre used to reduce weight, and the shape of the hull, or a combination.

In 2023, to help the market, we commissioned Lloyd’s Register to develop a carbon-emission index for sub-24m yachts, like the SEA Index rating available for 24m-plus yachts. We’ve adopted this since last year, so each Azimut yacht has an official rating from Lloyd’s Register, although this system has not been used by other shipyards.

This kind of rating is on almost all products today, from houses to electrical appliances, but not in this industry. We decided to do it in the hope that others would follow, but I think the only way it will happen is if the clients start to ask for it or demand it. And this could increasingly happen if there’s a financial incentive for the purchase of more environmentally friendly products, as with cars.

Valle addresses the audience at the 25th Benetti Yachtmaster in Marrakesh in February 2025

Since Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired a 33 per cent of Azimut-Benetti Group in 2023, has it played an active role?

They have proven to be the perfect investor. They wanted to understand the industry and help the Group develop new businesses in Middle East. The Middle East is growing, and to have a partner like this, with local presence, is a strategic move. We will be more and more present in the future.

Finally, could you tell us what the late Paolo Vitelli meant to you, having worked under him for almost three decades since you joined Azimut in 1996?

Joining the sales team at Azimut was my first job in the yachting industry, and my last interview before I was hired was with him. When I started, Azimut was a relatively small company, and it grew by about 25 per cent each year into the 2000s.

Valle worked with Paolo Vitelli for 29 years

Being a sales person, he always wanted to be present in the market. He travelled a lot, and I often travelled with him and others. He was able to travel to Asia, complete a deal and fly back to Italy on the same day – he was unstoppable. He was very charming, very intuitive, able to understand any situation immediately, and always knew exactly what was happening in any negotiations.

Working for him was always challenging as he was never 100 per cent satisfied. He challenged me from the beginning, even in my [job] interview. He knew he was always looking at the glass as half-empty. Everything was “good-bad” – that was a typical phrase of his.

He always pushed his stakeholders to raise the bar and go beyond their limits. He was a driven innovator, working every day and night. It is this spirit that has made Azimut-Benetti the world’s leading Group in the yachting industry.

azimutbenetti.com

azimutyachts.com

benettiyachts.com

Marina and cruising needs in Hong Kong

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Marina and cruising needs in
Hong Kong

Marina and cruising needs in Hong Kong

May 28, 2025
4:46 pm

Developing new berthing facilities and a cruising network would pave the way forward for more yachting and tourism industry growth, explains Lawrence Chow, Chair of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, in a Yacht Style column.

Proposed Hung Hom marina development in Victoria Harbour; CGI image: Hong Kong Government Development Bureau

It is positive news that the Chief Executive of Hong Kong has shifted the spotlight to support yacht tourism and the pleasure boating industry. As an industry, we fully agree with the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, who urged to “Make good use of Hong Kong’s 1,180km of coastline and 263 islands, and develop wellness tourism, vacation tourism, cultural tourism and cruise tourism”.

It has been close to 20 years since a new marina was built in Hong Kong. The four identified sites for development in Hong Kong would pave the way forward for more growth for the boating industry and the local community. Each of the four sites has its merits, but should be studied in detail to maximise their full potential.

Chow and a panel at the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025, in May, discussed making Hong Kong more yachting-friendly

Hung Hom Marina: This is ideal for a landmark marina as it is in the harbour, enhancing the image of Hong Kong. It will be a natural extension of the Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars, encouraging the public to enjoy the waterfront.

Floating structures or platforms along the sea wall could enable more activities, shops or restaurants along the boardwalk. A marina with watersports facilities in this location would enable Hong Kong to host mega watersports events, which could reactivate Tsim Sha Tsui East. The proximity to The Polytechnic University could open the potential for more marine research or to provide technical courses.

Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter: An Aberdeen marina development expansion would enhance one of the most established boating hubs in Hong Kong. The enlarged sheltered water area could accommodate larger yachts above 30m to berth, and provide a new maintenance yard. It would also provide an alternative means to access the iconic Ocean Park and new Fullerton Hotel.

Airport Marina: The marina and watersports facilities in Skytopia have advantages in capturing the residents in Tung Chung, Tuen Mun and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Yacht owners from the GBA could cross the border by car and hop on their yachts to cruise in Hong Kong. Visitors could fly in, charter a yacht, and discover Hong Kong.

Alternatively, local yachts could berth at the airport marina and visit the various Lantau

attractions such as Tai O, Ma Wan, Discovery Bay, and Disneyland.

Lamma Island: A marina may not be appropriate here as there are not enough existing supporting facilities – such as water, electricity and sewage – and with no ground transportation, it is too far for the boat owners, captains and crew to provision the boats.

However, Lamma has merits in being a cruising destination with existing restaurants and cultural/tourist attractions like the fisherman village in Picnic Bay/Sok Kwu Wan, as well as plenty of beaches and walking trails.

CREATE A CRUISING NETWORK

For Hong Kong to be a yachting destination, we need to look beyond marinas and try to build a cruising network. We should upgrade and extend the landing platforms or berths at various island locations, while new and existing marinas should allocate a certain number of berths for visiting yachts.

The convenience of berthing at Hong Kong’s outlying islands could be improved

BIG ECONOMIC IMPACT

Based on Hong Kong Census figures, the Hong Kong boating industry has an average import value of US$285 million per year (2020-2024), ranging from canoes to superyachts.

The boating industry doesn’t just stop at boat sales. The local economic impact continues throughout the lifespan of the boat; on average,owners need to spend about 10 per cent of the boat value every year on maintenance.

This translates to jobs and revenue for many businesses and individuals – including captains/crew, berthing/mooring fees, shipyards/mechanics/electricians, insurance, spare-parts sales, transportation, training, fuel stations, restaurants and even the local supermarkets.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Hong Kong has a rich maritime history and is also perfect for ecotourism, as we are blessed with beautiful waters and islands, as well as a Unesco Global Geopark. Many islands have cultural and tourist attractions, as well as great local seafood restaurants.

WAY FORWARD

The pleasure boat industry has grown significantly in recent decades, but has been stifled by the lack of berthing space. To ensure these proposed marina developments are designed with the correct berthing mix, sufficient facilities, and can cater to the boating industry, we believe a government task force or committee for the pleasure boating industry is necessary.

hongkongbia.com

icomia.org

marine-asia.com

chinapacificmarine.com

LAWRENCE CHOW

Chow is Chair of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association and the Icomia Asia Working Group. He is founder and Director of Marine Asia, a marina consultancy representing Poralu Marine in Hong Kong and Macau, and the Manager of China Pacific Marine, a family-run boat dealership in Hong Kong that represents Jeanneau, Boston WhalerYanmar, Honda Marine, Sunstream and Yachtwerft Meyer.

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Marina and cruising needs in Hong Kong

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Marina and cruising needs in
Hong Kong