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Unveiling of Veya Yachts marks new chapter in thoughtful design

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Unveiling of Veya Yachts marks new chapter in thoughtful design

February 13, 2025
3:28 pm

Currently being crafted by Fountaine Pajot and Couach Catamarans, the Veya 53 reimagines life at sea – as Miami International Boat Show 2025 visitors can discover.

Veya is a collaboration between Fountaine Pajot and Couach Catamarans

Fountaine Pajot and Couach Catamarans are currently introducing Veya Yachts, a joint venture born from shared expertise and a commitment to simplifying life at sea at the Fountaine Pajot stand at the Miami International Boat Show 2025, which opened yesterday and is on until February 16.

Under the co-guidance of Fountaine Pajot Deputy CEO Romain Motteau, and Asia veteran Brand Director Yvan Eymieu – now Managing Director of Veya, the venture has debuted its inaugural model: the Veya 53, a power catamaran designed to blend refined simplicity with purposeful innovation.

Veya is committed to simplifying life at sea, starting with the Veya 53

Formerly known as Code 07, the Veya 53 embodies a new era of intuitive engineering and timeless elegance, crafted for those who value calm over complexity.

Partnership rooted in purpose

Veya Yachts unites Fountaine Pajot’s visionary design ethos with Couach’s precision craftsmanship, creating catamarans that prioritise spaciousness, reliability, and effortless journeys. This collaboration brings a fresh perspective to yachting, redefining every moment on the water.

Veya aims to redefine the experience at sea and bring freedom on the water

Every detail of the Veya 53 reflects a commitment to thoughtful solutions, from its uncluttered layouts to innovations that quietly enhance life aboard. “With the Veya 53, we are redefining the experience at sea by combining elegance and practicality,” said Managing Director Yvan Eymieu. “Every detail has a purpose, bringing more comfort, simplicity, and freedom on the water. The horizon is always within reach – that’s the Veya philosophy.”

The Veya 53 offers uncluttered layouts and innovations that enhance life aboard

This launch marks the first step in Veya Yachts’ mission to create vessels that inspire exploration while grounding guests in tranquillity. Future models will build on this foundation, offering the same balance of sophistication and ease.

A New Standard, Quietly Set

“Veya Yachts avoids bold claims,” Eymieu said. “Instead, we let our craftsmanship speak: through catamarans engineered to endure, spaces designed to breathe, and journeys that feel effortlessly yours. We’re not redefining luxury – we’re reimagining what it means to truly belong at sea.”

The owner’s cabin of the Veya 53

Ahead of the VEYA 53’s official launch in 2026, the world premiere of the Veya Yachts’ brand at the Miami International Boat Show (February 12-16) let visitors engage with the team, discover the brand philosophy, place orders, preview upcoming models, and experience the future of maritime excellence through exhibits and detailed presentations showcasing the uniqueness of Veya.

veya-yachts.com

Dubai International Boat Show 2025 set for February 19-23, 2025

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Dubai International Boat Show 2025 set for February 19-23, 2025

February 13, 2025
3:11 pm

The 31st edition of DIBS, the largest marine and luxury lifestyle event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is set to include a number of debut yachts from a cast of international brands from February 19-23.
Words: Andrew Dembina Photos: DIBS/DWTC and shipyards

DIBS will, once again, be enjoying a prominent location at Dubai Harbour for the 2025 edition

From next Wednesday, Dubai Harbour is bound to captivate visitors, just as DIBS has done in its 30 previous incarnations of this show, with more than 30,000 visitors expected, organisers said a week before it starts.

With a rise of 12.28 per cent in yachts visiting the UAE in the 2023/2024 season, DIBS underscores Dubai’s commitment to accelerating yacht tourism and furthering the city’s position as a top global destination for maritime activities.

An impressive in-water display of luxury yachts that includes quite a number of superyachts, from producers in the Gulf and from other corners of the globe is lined up, with full details yet to be released at the time of this article.

The yacht presentations and water sports demonstrations will be joined by onshore exhibits of cutting-edge marine technology, yachting toys and lifestyle displays that will include – as ever – some outstanding supercars, alongside purveyors of luxury goods and travel.

Visitors inspecting last year’s Azimut Yachts’ display – the Italian yachts are present again in 2025

Show visitors have the chance to connect directly with industry experts shaping the future of maritime innovation, with over 1,000 exhibitors taking part. Exhibition stands will include the presence of media partner Yacht Style (stand 105), alongside marina, charter and related services representatives.

“This year, we are introducing new avenues to expand opportunities for our audience – from a dedicated brokerage section, where buyers can explore a premium selection of pre-owned yachts through expert intermediaries, to an Innovation Zone designed to empower SMEs driving the future of marine technology,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre. “As the region’s leading platform for the yachting and maritime sector, DIBS remains at the forefront of innovation, investment, and industry collaboration.”

On February 18, the day before DIBS commences, the Annual Leisure Yachting Conference sets the stage for new standards and evolving expectations in the industry. Across design, technology, and destination influence, this year’s sessions reflect the unwritten codes shaping the next phase of yachting. Themes will include sustainability mandates, digital resilience and experiential ownership, every topic is linked by a drive to rewrite the rules of luxury at sea.

Mohammed Alshaali, Chairman of Emirati yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft said: “The Dubai International Boat Show has always been more than an exhibition for Gulf Craft – it is a celebration of the incredible journey Dubai has taken to become a global marine and superyacht hub.”

Presenting yachts as a key participant at DIBS since the show’s inception, Gulf Craft will show an unprecedented number of new launches: 11 new boats among its 18 vessels on display. Highlights include the anticipated Majesty 100 Terrace. While it was revealed at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, DIBS marks the vessel’s international premiere. This delivery from Majesty is one of three new launches for the Gulf Craft line. Gulf Craft’s Nomad Yachts line will feature the 30m tri-deck Nomad 101, while the SilverCat series will introduce new models focused on space and versatility. The shipyard will also present a refreshed leisure line – a monohull collection that emphasises enhanced functionality and design.

Part of Gulf Craft’s DIBS 2024 fleet; this year the UAE yacht builder is to display 18 models. Photo: Gulf Craft

Sunreef, the Poland-founded catamaran builder, is showing its 80 Sunreef Power and solar-electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco.

Sanlorenzo brings four models: the SL90A – asymmetry applied to a yacht under 30m; the SD96, the semi-displacement line that blends classic and innovative solutions; the SX88 and SX112, from the crossover line that fuses classic flybridge and new explorer design.

Italy’s Ferretti Group showcases three of its brands. There is a Middle-East premiere of the wallytender48 from Wally; a Riva 82’ Diva; and a Ferretti Yachts 860.

Also from Italy, Azimut Yachts show four models. From the Flybridge line, the Fly 53, Fly 58 and Fly 68 will be shown; as will the second model from the Seadeck line, the new S7.

Yacht Vision GCC, representing Absolute Yachts, will display an Absolute Navetta 52.

Overmarine Group will be exhibitor of the 109ft Mangusta GranSport 33 on display in the water. And a blue-hulled Italian 35ft 5in Apreamare Gozzo 35 is to be displayed by local dealer Yachts Expert.

UK shipyard Princess Yachts will exhibit a show debut of the Y80 in its display, which made its world premiere at Cannes Yachting Festival in 2023, alongside X80, Y72, F55 and Princess V40.

Another UK builder, Sunseeker, presents its market debut of the Superhawk 55 luxury dayboat; the 74 Sport Yacht; and the 88 Yacht.

Some shipyards will represent their yachts at stands. Italian superyacht builder Benetti will show scale models of Benetti yachts, including B.Loft, with its loft-style interiors; and Project Life, an in-build 85m megayacht designed for versatile use, with plenty of social entertainment areas and adaptable gathering spaces on each deck.

Pearl Yachts, the UK builder, is participating through the new Pearl Gulf, with virtual reality viewings offered of the flagship Pearl 95; the Pearl 82; the Pearl 72; and this year’s new Pearl 63.

Five supercar Middle East show debuts are expected this year, from Koenigsegg, Pagani, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Mclaren

Besides the motoring and travel concierge aspects of lifestyle exhibits, expect property and fashion also to be displayed.

And for on-the-spot lifestyle attractions, culinary experiences will be on offer and VIP food and drink areas will also be available, notably at Nikki Beach.

Book tickets here.

boatshowdubai.com

Excess hosting Factory Tour in March

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Excess hosting Factory Tour in March

February 12, 2025
6:07 pm

Visitors can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Excess shipyard in France, and tour the brand’s smallest and largest sailing catamarans.

This year’s Factory Tour includes Excess 14 viewings

Excess Catamarans is hosting its annual Factory Tour from 10am-4pm on March 22, with clients and prospects able to request an invitation to the event by contacting their local dealer. Part of the Beneteau Group, the Excess factory is situated at Le Poiré-sur-Vie shipyard in the Vendée region in western France. Nearby cities include Nantes to the north and La Rochelle to the south.

Visitors can learn about construction methods

Excess created the Factory Tour “to reveal what goes on behind the scenes in the building of our catamarans”, so visitors can “discover the fascinating world of our production processes, from moulding to assembly, right through to our quality-control methods and pool testing”.

Pool testing at Le Poiré-sur-Vie shipyard

This year’s event will also offer visitors the chance to tour the Excess 11 and Excess 14. The 37ft Excess 11 is currently the smallest model in the builder’s range, while the Excess 14 is currently the largest model in the series. During the day, visitors can also meet Excess staff, partners and dealers from around the globe.

Guests can network with Excess staff and partner companies

Thibaut De Montvalon, Director of Excess, said: “The image that comes to mind is that the Excess Lab is the keyhole where you catch a glimpse of part of the boat construction, and the Factory Tour is about stepping through the door.”

excess-catamarans.com

Riva reveals Iseo Super

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Riva reveals Iseo Super

February 12, 2025
3:27 pm

The Italian shipyard has updated its smallest model, having already produced an electric version of the 27ft runabout.

Iseo Super can top 40 knots with 355hp Volvo Penta V8 petrol engines

A year after debuting the production version of the El-Iseo electric boat at Boot Düsseldorf, Riva’s world premiere at the 2025 show was the Iseo Super, an evolution of the brand’s original 27ft runabout launched in 2011 and still the smallest boat in the entire Ferretti Group portfolio.

Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, the exclusive designer of all Riva yachts, penned the Iseo Super in collaboration with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee chaired by Piero Ferrari and its Engineering Department.

The 27ft runabout has an 8ft-plus beam

Exterior features include high-gloss striped mahogany – treated with 24 coats of varnish – on the deck and stern platform, steel detailing, an aquamarine waterline, plus a new hull colour, Vulcan Grey, which joins the brand’s exclusive palette.

Significant changes include a completely new windscreen, which features the typical counter-curvature that has become one of the most recognisable features of Riva boats.

The helm includes either a Volvo Penta chart plotter or Böning screen

The helm station is available with a 9in Volvo Penta chart plotter or 12in Böning screen in a central position between the analogue helm to starboard and port-side storage compartment, which includes a USB socket, an SD reader and the sound-system control panel. A drawer fridge is under the storage compartment, while a large locker for the fenders is beneath the plotter.

The new cockpit has a larger dinette featuring an elegant U-shaped sofa, upholstered in waterproof Sky fabric coordinated with the chosen hull colour. The sofa is integrated with an electric up-down table to starboard that can be hidden under the cushions when not in use, while the port side includes more storage.

The U-shaped sofa includes a hidden pop-up table

Aft of the sofa is the stowable, hand-operated bimini top. The sunpad in the stern – which covers the engine room – is upholstered in the same Sky fabric as the dinette cushions.

Iseo Super retains a traditional sterndrive propulsion system and is fitted with a hydraulic gearbox that reduces the engine sound by eliminating noisy gear changes. Standard propulsion includes a 300hp Volvo Penta D4 inboard diesel engine paired with Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic DPI Duoprop sterndrive, giving a top speed of 38 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots, based on preliminary data.

The aft sunpad covers the engine space

Engine options include twin 305hp or 355hp Volvo Penta V8 petrol engines – paired with the Aquamatic DPS Duoprop sterndrive – for a top speed of 38 knots and 41 knots respectively. For stabilisation underway, the Iseo Super has auto-trim control for the sterndrive engine and a Zipwake interceptor for trim correction.

Options with the Riva Iseo Super include an automotive-inspired boat cover, which has a waterproof external layer to protect against the weather and a breathable wool inner layer that absorbs moisture.

riva-yacht.com

ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Prestige M48 and X60 displayed in Thailand

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Prestige M48 and X60 displayed in Thailand

February 12, 2025
3:09 pm

Displayed by regional dealer Asia Yachting, the French builder’s first M-Line multihull made its Thailand debut alongside the second-biggest X-Line model.

Prestige M48 (left) and X60 at Phuket Boat Lagoon

Asia Yachting proudly presented Prestige’s M48 and X60 at a private viewing in Thailand, with both models on show at Phuket Boat Lagoon over a February weekend. The regional dealer declared the two open days “a tremendous success”, with over 80 guests attending.

The M48 multihull showed in Thailand for the first time

The Prestige M48 was making its Thailand debut, after the multihull motoryacht had appeared along with the M8 (65ft) at the Hong Kong International Boat Show at the end of 2024. The M48 was the first model in the French builder’s M-Line of multihulls and “her layout and design draw praise for being able to provide spaciousness without compromising on luxury”, according to Asia Yachting.

The Prestige X60 features only one side deck, creating more interior room

Three weeks earlier, the X60 had earlier appeared at the Thailand International Boat Show at Phuket Yacht Haven. At Phuket Boat Lagoon, the second-biggest model in Prestige’s groundbreaking X-Line made a strong impact on visitors. “With its sleek and modern aesthetics, the guests were impressed by the extra-wide saloon layout, giving it more room for social events,” Asia Yachting stated.

Asia Yachting hosts guests visiting the M48

The two yachts remain in Phuket, with Asia Yachting able to arrange private viewings.

prestige-yachts.com

asiayachting.net

Nimbus flagship wins European award

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Nimbus flagship wins European award

February 11, 2025
2:57 pm

The Swedish brand’s biggest motoryacht has enjoyed acclaim at one of Europe’s most prestigious powerboat awards.

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge has an overall length of 49ft 7in

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge was named European Powerboat of the Year in the ‘Up to 18m’ category, meaning the 49ft 7in model triumphed over competitor models up to 59ft long. The jury for the award comprised representatives of eight of the leading European powerboat magazines.

Nimbus, whose dealers in Asia include Asiamarine, stated that “the judges highlighted the meticulous attention to detail in the design of the Nimbus 495, including its high-quality craftsmanship, efficient use of space, and strong emphasis on safety and stability at sea”. The Swedish brand said the boat’s impressive fuel efficiency and environmentally conscious construction also contributed to the award.

The swim platform and enclosable cockpit

“We are very happy and grateful that the Nimbus 495 Flybridge has received this international award,” said Joacim Gustavsson, Head of Design at Nimbus Group, which includes Alukin, Aquador, EdgeWater, Falcon and Paragon. “With the 495 Fly, we want to magnify the coupé concept, while further consolidating Nimbus’s heritage from earlier and existing coupé models.”

Mats Jacobsson, Nimbus Group’s Technical Director, added: “This award is proof that our in-house design team can create a yacht in this world class from concept to production, and that our fantastic boat builders in the Nimbus factories can deliver the highest quality.”

The flybridge can be covered by a bimini

The 495 Flybridge is part of the builder’s Coupé Cruisers range, although Nimbus is best known in Asia for its enclosed Commuter, semi-enclosed Weekender and open Tender versions of the 8, 9 and 11 motorboat lines.

With an overall length of almost 50ft and a beam of 14ft 9in, the 495 Flybridge is a huge step up from the 405 Flybridge – currently the second-biggest model in the Nimbus portfolio – and makes it a direct competitor of models from some of the leading luxury motoryacht builders in Italy, UK and France.

Jonas Göthberg, Commercial Director of Nimbus, said: “We are extremely proud that our first entrance in this category dominated by big Mediterranean shipyards has won this prestigious award. The 495 Flybridge is a floating home, an ‘Island of its own’ that is both comfortable and safe, allowing you to feel embraced. It’s the perfect boat for extended voyages and easy to handle.”

The flexible dining area in the saloon

“The European Powerboat of the Year award is a prestigious honour that celebrates excellence in the powerboat industry, and the Nimbus 495 Flybridge’s win solidifies its place as a leader in the luxury motorboat segment.”

nimbusboats.com

asiamarine.com

Sunreef completes hull of the first 43M Eco

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Sunreef completes hull of the first 43M Eco

February 11, 2025
2:47 pm

The Polish shipyard has passed a major landmark on its way to completing the first order for its flagship sailing catamaran.

The 43m hull is 15.4m wide

Sunreef Yachts has celebrated another milestone in the development of the first Sunreef 43M Eco, as it announced the completion of the 43m-long and 15.4m-wide composite hull at the builder’s newest and largest shipyard in the north-coast city of Gdansk. The hull is designed to integrate over 120sqm of integrated solar panels, almost half of the total of 250sqm across the vessel.

Francis Lapp, Sunreef’s founder and President, said: “The hull unmoulding brings us closer to building one of the most revolutionary vessels in the yachting industry. The Sunreef 43M Eco’s composite structure offers the best of robustness and weight efficiency. Her architecture, build quality and green tech solutions make her the world’s most advanced electric superyacht.”

The yacht is in build at Sunreef’s largest shipyard in Gdansk

The hull was created using a single-shot infusion technique, allowing for a lighter and stronger structure while lowering volatile organic compound emissions. By employing a modular construction approach, yacht components can be developed simultaneously, enhancing project management efficiency and maintaining precision.

As well as the extensive array of solar panels, the Sunreef 43M Eco will utilise ultra-modern batteries with a capacity of 1MWh (megawatt-hour) and include a hydrogeneration system for clean power while sailing.

The 43M Eco is Sunreef’s biggest sailing cat to date

“This super catamaran represents a major change in the industry, redefining the superyacht experience by making it more energy-efficient and responsible,” Sunreef stated. “This advanced solar technology, combined with electric propulsion, aims to transform the superyacht experience into a cleaner and more energy-efficient one.”

sunreef-yachts.com

SAVE THE DATE for the Yacht Style Awards 2025

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SAVE THE DATE for the Yacht Style Awards 2025

February 6, 2025
3:11 pm

This year’s Yacht Style Awards and Gala Dinner will be held on April 9 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, on the eve of the 3rd Singapore Yachting Festival, which runs from April 10-13.

Get ready for Asia’s biggest, grandest and most relevant yachting awards presentation of 2025!

The Yacht Style Awards and Gala Dinner, an established and essential event in the yachting calendar, is set to return on the evening of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, the night before this year’s Singapore Yachting Festival opens.

The lavish Gala Dinner in the Constellation Ballroom will be home to an invitation-only audience of more than 350 VIPs, yacht owners and prospects, and major personalities and representatives evolving within the region’s yachting lifestyle industry.

The Awards and Gala Dinner night offers an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to network, engage with current yacht builders and distributors, learn of new and historical models, and hear about trends and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of the industry.

Recognising the best of the yachting industry in the extended Asia region and internationally, this year’s Awards night covers more than 35 categories, selected to showcase excellence and creative flair in the industry, both regionally and globally. Criteria for the yacht categories include innovation, style and build quality across yacht types and sizes, as well as owner and charter-client experiences, with a focus on the Asia market.

Some of the Yacht Style Award 2024 winners celebrating at the event, at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore

Feel or relive the celebratory, yachting-industry excitement at last year’s edition of the Yacht Style Awards in our YouTube channel here: youtube.com/watch?v=gAEa24ZQVkA.

For further information, ticketing and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: awards@lux-inc.com

Singapore Yachting Festival 2024 – this year it is being held a little earlier to catch slightly cooler weather

About Yacht Style

Working with highly experienced consultants and contributors across five continents, Yacht Style provides up to 50 thorough boat reviews and tests every year, focusing on the practical needs of active boaters – always with the Asia-Pacific in mind.

Associated with key boat shows and events worldwide – from Boot Dusseldorf, Cannes Yachting Festival, Dubai International Boat Show, Monaco Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – and across the best shows in the Asia-Pacific region, not to mention races and regattas, Yacht Style is at the forefront to extensively cover the latest yachting industry news and trends.

Founded in 2007, Yacht Style is Asia’s definitive yachting and lifestyle media with up to 38,000 copies circulated in print and online. With activities in print and digital media and events, key targeted markets include Hong Kong / southern China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE. On the digital side, Yacht Style nurtures communities of followers on the Yacht Style website (yachtstyle.co) – up to 50,000 unique visitors a month, Facebook (facebook.com/YachtStyle.co) – 7,000+ qualified followers, YouTube (youtube.com/c/YachtStyle/videos), Instagram (instagram.com/yacht.style/) – 52,300+ followers – and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/yacht-style-6204b0156/) – 30,000+ followers, and has a strategic partnership with Asia’s leading luxury lifestyle portal, LUXUO (luxuo.com/yachting), which has an average of over 450,000 unique visitors and 1 million page views a month.

yachtstyle.co

Fraser hosting Open Day in Phuket

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Fraser hosting Open Day in Phuket

February 6, 2025
11:05 am

The superyacht brokerage is hosting an open day for the Sunseeker 90 Maxxx 2 and 104ft sailing yacht Silverlining.

Maxxx 2, a Sunseeker 90 Yacht

Fraser Asia is hosting an Open Day for clients at Phuket Yacht Haven on February 15 (11am-5pm), following broker viewing days from February 13-14. The brokerage house is showing Maxxx 2, a 2008 Sunseeker 90 Yacht, and Silverlining, the 104ft aluminium sailing yacht designed by Sparkman & Stephens, built in Thailand and delivered in 2011.

Maxxx 2 joined the Fraser sales fleet in mid-2024 and is listed for sale at US$2.65 million. She has benefited from an extensive refit in 2022, when her guest spaces were renovated, and “she is now offered in pristine condition” according to the brokerage.

Standout features include a spacious social flybridge, generously sized sunpads, and an expansive saloon with formal dining for up to 10 guests. The 92ft motoryacht accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins, comprising a master suite, VIP stateroom, and two guest cabins that can be arranged with double or twin beds.

Silverlining has sailed 50,000 nautical miles

Silverlining, which is listed for sale at US$3.5 million, has cruised over 50,000 nautical miles as a private and charter yacht.

The yacht was built at the Phithak shipyard in southern Thailand’s Satun province under her original owner’s management by a team of professional yacht builders. The owner’s brief was for a vessel that could go on a global adventure while his children were self-tutored, with the family going on to live this lifestyle for six years.

The owners initiated a massive maintenance programme, with the yacht now “presented for sale in perfect, sail-away condition for her next owner,” according to Fraser. The state-of-the-art navigation and communications equipment has benefited from recent upgrades, while the yacht has a 10,000-litre fuel capacity and includes a jet tender, diving gear and kayaks.

Silverlining features an interior by Chris Lenz

The exterior features a spacious deck with sunpads, custom awnings, and easy access from the cockpit to the upper saloon for alfresco dining. The interior by Chris Lenz includes expansive windows in the upper and lower saloons, and accommodation for eight guests in a full-beam master suite with a handcrafted wooden bathtub and three guest rooms on the lower deck.

To book an appointment at the Fraser Open Day on February 15, email Laura Verbrugge, Sales & Charter Broker, on laura.verbrugge@fraseryachts.com

fraseryachts.com

Benetti’s Kasper 7 wins more awards

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Benetti’s Kasper 7 wins more awards

February 5, 2025
12:54 pm

The 67m custom build topped two categories at this year’s Design and Innovation Awards in Austria.

Kasper 7 is a 67m Benetti custom build

Already a winner at the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025, the 67m Benetti Kasper 7 won two categories at the 2025 Design and Innovation Awards, held as part of February’s Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel.

Featuring an exterior design by Giorgio Maria Cassetta and interior design by Kasper 7 owner Nisrine Karagulla, the 220ft custom build won Best Naval Architecture – Displacement Motor Yachts and Best Interior Design – Motor Yachts 500GT and above.

Nisrine Karagulla holds the trophy for Best Interior Design – Motor Yachts 500GT and above

Camilla Calza, Benetti Marketing Director, added: “This double recognition fills us with pride because it underlines our excellence in the design and construction of highly customised yachts. Collaborating with the owner and turning her vision into reality was a great privilege for the entire Benetti team, made possible thanks to the know-how of our work team.”

For the naval architecture award, the jury stated that the yacht “seamlessly combined technical precision with aesthetic sophistication … her numbers highlighted exceptional hydrodynamic efficiency, demonstrating refined hydrodynamics”.

Large circular windows flank the dining room

For the interior award, one judge noted that “the bold interior reminded them of an art gallery with the most interesting objets d’art on display”. The judges also liked how the yacht’s interior designer chose to augment the shape of the windows in the dining room and modify their shapes inside.

Kasper 7 is notable for its circular windows on the lower and main deck including four large ones with a 2m diameter, a signature feature of the yacht’s profile.

Kasper 7 owner Nisrine Karagulla designed the interior

“Aesthetically original, they please the eye with their feeling of modernity and luminosity and give the yacht’s design a distinctive look,” Benetti stated. “They were strongly desired by the owner, who wanted to establish a connection between the interiors and the natural environment by framing the beauty of the scenery outside.”

The minimalist interior – inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of a summer house – features airy and welcoming rooms, and includes spaces for furnishings and made-to-measure works of art, while the cabins offer smart organisation solutions such as adjustable shelves. The yacht also features a uniform use of teak on the decks, floors and walls.

The gym offers spectacular views

Karagulla, a former Miss Lebanon, is co-founder of Askdeco, a Beirut-based interior design and architecture firm, and was the principal designer of Kasper 7’s interiors.

“After winning the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025, these awards are another important recognition of the collaboration with Benetti,” Karagulla said. “Kasper 7 embodies our dream of creating a true home on the water, a result made possible thanks to the excellence of the shipyard’s skills and the close synergy we established with them.”

benettiyachts.com

Benetti expands Asia-Pacific team

Leaders, News / yachtstyle2020

Benetti expands Asia-Pacific team

February 5, 2025
12:31 pm

Matthew Walford has been appointed as Benetti Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Matthew Walford, Benetti Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand

Benetti has announced the appointment of Matthew Walford as its Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, effective February 1, 2025. “I am honoured to have been appointed, and I look forward to contributing to the continuing growth story in this region,” Walford said.

Benetti described Australia and New Zealand as “a rapidly expanding and strategically important market for the shipyard”.

Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director, said: “Matthew has notable relevant experience and regional market knowledge that is strategically valuable for Benetti. We look forward to strengthening our service and client relationships in this important market.”

Boasting over two decades of industry experience including expertise in new build, brokerage and refit, Walford was most recently CEO of d’Albora Marine, running Azimut’s sales business in Australia for the past seven years.

Since 2003, he has represented several other leading European motoryacht builders as Sales Broker at Chapman Marine Group, and Senior Broker at CRS Yachts and later Ray White Marine. Walford’s other roles included Business Development Manager for aluminium shipbuilder Austal Oceanfast.

Founded in 1873, Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group and builds yachts from 34-44m in composite materials, and from 37m to over 100m in steel and aluminium.

benettiyachts.com

Hong Kong’s Skytopia to include 500-berth marina

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Hong Kong’s Skytopia to include
500-berth marina

February 5, 2025
12:09 pm

The new Airport City development blueprint includes a large marina and Hong Kong’s largest water recreation area.

Skytopia will bridge the airport on Chep Lap Kok and HZMB’s Hong Kong Port (foreground)

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced that it plans to include a 500-berth Airport Bay Marina as part of Skytopia, the newly branded version of the Airport City development blueprint. AAHK showcased Skytopia’s development potential and investment opportunities to over 300 business leaders, with the multi-phase project set for completion between 2026 and 2031.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is situated on Chek Lap Kok, just north of Lantau Island. Airport City was opened in 2019 and presently has a hotel and office towers, while the 11 Skies entertainment hub will open in phases, starting later this year.

Southern view over the airport to Tung Chung in northern Lantau

Skytopia developments on Chek Lap Kok include AsiaWorld-Expo’s second phase – a 20,000-capacity indoor performance venue – and Hong Kong’s first one-stop art hub and art storage facility.

The expanded project will include a 1.5 km-long CoveWalk promenade linked to the neighbouring island to the east, currently home to Hong Kong Port, which includes clearance facilities and public transport interchanges for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB).

Skytopia will include a 1.5km-long promenade

Skytopia projects on and around the reclaimed island include Hong Kong’s largest water recreation area, the Airport Bay Marina, a marine resort, a luxury hotel, a sports and entertainment complex, and the Jet Fresh Market, which will feature fresh gourmet products delivered from around the globe.

The wider Skytopia area is set to be served by a ‘green and smart’ transport system including automated car parks and autonomous vehicles.

Vivian Cheung (Acting CEO), Fred Lam (Chairman) and Cissy Chan (Executive Director, Commercial) of Airport Authority Hong Kong

Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, said: “We envisage that HKIA will not be just a place for passengers to board their flights or a portal for entering Hong Kong. Our vision is to develop Skytopia into a landmark of its own, and a world-leading destination, attracting visitors from within Hong Kong and the prosperous Greater Bay Area, as well as major markets in Asia and the rest of the world.

“AAHK’s role is to build the key infrastructure and create a platform for experts and investors to deliver services and products through their specially designed facilities. We are grateful to the HKSAR Government for the policy support and excited to see the positive responses from the business community. We look forward to working with investors to make Skytopia a key economic driver of Hong Kong and beyond.”

hongkongairport.com

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