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iAqua, Lithium Safety Store™, lithium fires, fuel fires, explosions, flammable liquids, lithium, battery, Kevlar, UL 94VO, fibreglass, carbon-fibre, Seabob

iAqua launches Lithium Safety Store™

News / yachtstyle2020

iAqua launches Lithium Safety Store™

May 19, 2023
9:41 am

A world leader in sea scooters, iAqua has now introduced the world’s first lithium battery fire and fuel safety storage box, with four independent early warning signals.

IAqua has released its patented Lithium Safety Store™, which has been designed to contain lithium fires, fuel fires and explosions. It can also reduce insurance premiums and prevent claim denial for improperly stored flammable liquids or lithium battery-related incidents.

Designed to store all a yacht’s lithium battery products, the iAqua Lithium Safety Store™ prevents fires caused by the thermal runaway associated with damaged, degraded, old or poorly designed and manufactured lithium batteries.

Lithium Safety Store™ is constructed with an inch-thick wall to contain all uncontrolled fires and heat, while the inner lining is made of a thick shell of Kevlar designed to withstand over 1,000°F for lithium fire, fuel fire and explosion protection.

Kevlar is lightweight yet five times stronger than steel, so ideal for containing gas or flammable liquid explosions. Due to its strength, lightness, heat-protection properties and low thermal conductivity, it’s the leading material used for bulletproof vests and fire-protection equipment, such as fire-fighter suits and gloves.

A core of specially formulated UL 94VO-rated insulation prevents heat reaching the outside casing. UL 94VO is the highest-rated level of flame resistance and means the material will self-extinguish in less than 10 seconds once the flame is extinguished, with no dripping of flaming particles.

The outside casing is made of weatherproof, high-gloss fibreglass or carbon-fibre, a lightweight option for the largest of three models.

Fitted with side handles and twin wheels, the Lithium Safety Store™ can be safely handled with normal protective gloves – even while an internal reaction/fire is underway – due to its ambient outer temperature design. This allows the unit to be moved to another area or even discarded overboard in case of emergency. The box is also equipped with ventilation ports to prevent gas entrapment.

The Lithium Safety Store™ has four non-slip rubber mounting feet and boxes are stackable. There are four lifting points moulded into the base, while the two side handles can also be used for lifting and as tie-down points. Heavy-duty marine 316 grade stainless-steel hinges and locks keeps contents secure.

It also features four independent early warnings, with the first remote signal provided by an in-built temperature sensor wirelessly connected to a phone. This unique feature can alert up to 10 people to any fire even if they’re not onboard.

By adding a SIM card as a back-up for the Wi-Fi, the Safety Store will send a text message as a second remote early warning, again to as many as 10 people. Thirdly, a 100-decibel fire/smoke detector provides a local audible alarm, while fourthly, a temperature-activated flashing red light provides a local visual alarm, which is helpful if boxes are stacked.

The Lithium Safety Store™ is available in three sizes and fits all iAqua and Seabob sea scooters plus drones, toys, power tools, larger e-foil/e-board removable batteries, flares, gas canisters, gas bottles, flammable liquids and fuel cans.

The LF18 model, measuring 40cm x 30cm x 25cm, has an internal capacity of 18 litres and weighs 5kg, while the larger models are the LF120 (65cm x 50cm x 50cm) weighing 15kg and the LF335 (1.3m x 56cm x 57.5cm) weighing 42kg.

A lightweight, carbon-fibre version of the 335-litre-capacity LF335 weighs 30kg. High-gloss light grey, navy blue and beige colours are available by special order.

www.iaquaoceansafety.com

www.iaquawatercraft.com

Shenzhen hosts spectacular Ferretti Group Privilege Day

News / yachtstyle2020

Shenzhen hosts spectacular Ferretti Group Privilege Day

May 19, 2023
9:27 am

Ferretti Group management flew in from Italy for an event featuring the China premiere of the Ferretti Yachts 1000, five other Ferretti Group yachts and a lavish gala dinner featuring an orchestra and dancers.

Shenzhen Bay Marina Club and the Sea World Culture & Arts Center hosted a spectacular combined Ferretti Group Privilege Day and Ferretti Yachts 1000 China Premiere, which featured yacht owners, VIPs and Ferretti Group management visiting from Italy and Hong Kong.

Beside the country debut of the Ferretti Yachts flagship (click for Review), the event included Ferretti Yachts 920, 780 and 670 models, as well as Riva 110’ Dolcevita and 90’ Argo.

Inspired by the Confucian saying, “It is such a delight to have friends coming from afar”, the event was elevated by the presence of senior Ferretti Group management from Italy including CEO Alberto Galassi, CCO Stefano de Vivo and Commercial Director Alessandro Tirelli, while Asia-Pacific Sales Director Andrew Pitchford was among staff visiting from the regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

Playing on the word yue, which can mean both joy and music in Chinese, the gala dinner was dubbed ‘Joy Above the Sea’ and highlights included a performance by the Shenzhen City Philharmonic Orchestra.

During the gala, a fleet of drones rose into the air and produced stunning forms above the Ferretti Group yachts fleet and the star of the evening, the Ferretti Yachts 1000.

Other highlights included Galassi and James Li of Speedo Marine, which represents Ferretti Yachts, Pershing and Riva in China, welcoming yacht owners onto the stage to present them with customised gifts in appreciation of their support of Ferretti Group brands over the years.

“This is a fantastic moment for Ferretti Group and its seven brands. The Chinese market is experiencing rapid growth and more and more owners are choosing the beauty, heritage and innovation of our magnificent boats,” Galassi said.

“This spectacular event marks an extraordinary China debut for our flagship Ferretti Yachts 1000, consolidating the fame and success of our comprehensive and inimitable range.”

The event’s Italian and international luxury partners included Rugiano (furniture), Agresti (furniture), Elie Saab (fashion), Contardi (lighting), Bluemarine Home (bedding), Fuli (carpets) and Locherber Milano (fragrance). F&B and entertainment partners included Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (champagne), Kaluga Queen (caviar) and Lavazza (coffee).

Majority owned by China’s Weichai Group, Ferretti Group owns seven yacht brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, CRN, Custom Line and Wally. Last year, Ferretti Group became the first yacht manufacturer to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the only Italian company to do so in the last decade.

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

CRN welcomes hull of 67m Project Maranello

News / yachtstyle2020

CRN welcomes hull of 67m Project Maranello

May 19, 2023
9:13 am

The hull of the Nuvolari Lenard-designed CRN M/Y 143 has been transported to the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona.

CRN has welcomed the hull of the Nuvolari Lenard-designed 67m M/Y 143, Project Maranello, which was transported to the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard. The hull was then wheeled into a shed, where the builder is focusing on carpentry, fitting out, machinery, systems and equipment prior to the installation of the furniture. The hull exterior will also be primed and painted.

Built for an owner concerned about safeguarding the environment, the five-deck Project Maranello will feature a hybrid-propulsion system for enhanced energy efficiency and significantly improved fuel economy. The megayacht features accommodation for up to 14 guests and 17 crew.

Moran Yacht & Ship is the owner’s representative and is assisting the client through the build process, technical review, inspection and acceptance, from project management to on-site supervision and coordinating the external suppliers.

Besides Project Maranello, CRN is working on two more full-custom yachts: the 85m M/Y 144 and 70m M/Y 145. Other ongoing builds at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard include the first Custom Line Navetta 50, hulls three and four of the Pershing 140, the third Riva 50Metri and first Riva 54Metri.

The Custom Line facility is simultaneously working on about 27 fibreglass yachts in the sheds and in the water for finishing, testing and delivery to their owners.

www.crn-yacht.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Prestige F-Line model sold at Asia Yachting Boat Show

News / yachtstyle2020

Prestige F-Line model sold at Asia Yachting Boat Show

May 17, 2023
9:53 am

Asia Yachting announced the sale of a Prestige F-Line model at the regional dealer’s three-day show in Hong Kong.

Prestige 590

Asia Yachting announced that it received a cheque deposit for a new Prestige 590 “on the spot” at its latest event at Club Marina Cove. As well as the 590, the three-day Asia Yachting Boat Show featured a Prestige 520 and a Prestige 680 – the former flagship of the French brand’s F-Line of flybridge motor yachts – as well as a Fountaine Pajot MY6 power catamaran.

Marina Cove hosted the Asia Yachting Boat Show

“The new owners of the Prestige 590 have been looking at different yacht brands on the market in the past months in search of their dream yacht,” Asia Yachting stated. “They weren’t too happy about the design or layout of some models they found in the market until they were introduced to Prestige by our yacht broker Vinci Cheung a few months ago.”

Prestige 520 at Asia Yachting Boat Show

The dealer said the yacht’s sleek outline and spacious layout caught the attention of the prospective buyers and that after an initial viewing a few weeks ago, they decided to close the deal when they saw the Prestige 590 again at the show. The 590 features a roomy saloon, three cabins for six guests, and a large flybridge.

Prestige 680 and 590 at Asia Yachting Boat Show

Olivier Besson, founder and CEO of Asia Yachting, said: “We would like to keep this positive momentum and keep the sales going. The yachting season has just started so we are very optimistic about the coming months.”

www.asiayachting.net

www.prestige-yachts.com

Groupe Beneteau raises full-year revenue forecast

News / yachtstyle2020

Groupe Beneteau raises full-year revenue forecast

May 12, 2023
3:10 pm

The French-owned conglomerate has raised its financial forecast for the year following a buoyant first quarter.

Following an excellent fourth quarter in 2022, Groupe Beneteau maintained a strong rate of growth during the first quarter of 2023, with revenues of €478 million, up 51 per cent from 2022 (+49 per cent at constant exchange rates).

The Boat division generated revenues of €375m during the first quarter, up 57 per cent (+55 per cent at constant exchange rates), with factors led by an improvement in sourcing conditions. The Housing division’s revenues totalled €103 million, up 31 per cent from the first quarter of 2022, which was affected by the fire at the Luçon site in 2021.

Groupe Beneteau’s boatbuilding brands comprise Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon, Excess, Delphia, Four Winns, Wellcraft and Scarab.

The Sailing business, up 81 per cent for the quarter, benefited from the industrial ramp-up operations rolled out in 2022. The Motor business, up 47 per cent, recorded consistent growth across the ‘Dayboating’ and ‘Real Estate on the Water’ segments, reflecting the premiumisation of the Group’s offering.

With the improvement in sourcing conditions seen in the first quarter of 2023 and a solid order book, Groupe Beneteau is raising its Boat division’s full-year revenue forecast to €1,450 million (vs €1,360 million previously), with 16 per cent growth versus 2022 based on reported data and 18 per cent growth at constant exchange rates.

The Housing division is confirming its forecast for growth of over 15 per cent, which is expected to take its revenues for the year to more than €300 million. Like-for-like, the Group’s consolidated revenues are expected to exceed €1,750 million, with 16 per cent growth versus 2022 based on reported data.

This additional revenue growth is expected to enable the Boat division to achieve an ordinary operating margin of 11 per cent in 2023 (vs 10.5 per cent previously). The Housing division is forecasting an ordinary operating margin of nearly 10 per cent (vs 9.5 per cent previously). On a like-for-like basis, the Group’s income from ordinary operations is expected to reach €190 million (vs €170 million previously), with growth of over 22 per cent versus 2022.

On May 5, Groupe Beneteau announced it had entered exclusive negotiations with Trigano, a European market leader for leisure vehicles, concerning the sale of its Housing business, specialised in manufacturing leisure homes for the camping tourism sector.

This operation, which could be carried out by the end of 2023, remains subject to the procedures for informing and consulting with the employee representative bodies and obtaining approval from the competition authorities.

www.beneteau-group.com

Benetti launches 67m Cassetta design

News / yachtstyle2020

Benetti launches 67m Cassetta design

May 12, 2023
1:10 am

The Italian shipyard’s Livorno shipyard staged the launch of the 220ft FB285, which features an interior designed by the owners for “their new home”.

Giorgio Cassetta designed the exterior of FB285

Benetti has launched its 67m FB285NK, which features exterior design by Giorgio Cassetta and an interior by one of the owners, an experienced luxury real estate designer. The couple commissioned the megayacht as “their new home”, according to Benetti.

The 220ft megayacht has a beam of 11.2m (36ft 9in), a displacement of 1,250 tonnes, two 1,350kW CAT 3512E engines and fuel capacity of 127,000 litres.

The owner was involved in the project from the design phase when, together with the yard and the designers, she outlined a boat that reveals ingenious solutions behind the traditional lines. She played an important role in the interior decor, wood selection and layout, which includes just five guest cabins and accommodation for 19 crew in 11 cabins.

Circular hull windows are a signature feature

Benetti has described the yacht as “an elegant and refined beach house with a breathtaking view and fully appointed with every comfort for spending the day in complete relaxation, tranquillity, peace and quiet”. The lounge on the main deck features almost 2m-wide circular side windows, a signature feature desired by the owner.

FSC®-certified teak is used extensively for the decks, doors, pillars and furniture, providing a striking combination with the chromatism of the steel elements and the hull coat. FSC® certification is a guarantee that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests with a planned cycle of environmentally sustainable tree harvesting and replanting.

www.benettiyachts.it

Damen Yachting teams up with Blue World Technologies

News / yachtstyle2020

Damen Yachting teams up with Blue World Technologies

May 12, 2023
1:00 am

The Dutch superyacht builder has signed a strategic partnership with the Danish methanol fuel-cell technology specialist.

Torben Mørch Sørensen of Blue World Technologies with Haico van Roeden of Damen Yachting

Damen Yachting and Blue World Technologies have signed a strategic collaboration in the field of energy technology. Located in Aalborg in Denmark, Blue World Technologies has been working for months with Damen Yachting as part of the Dutch superyacht builder’s energy programme to research and implement more sustainable and future fuel technologies.

Specialising in energy-efficient, cost-effective methanol fuel cell technology, the Danish company is a developer and manufacturer of high-temperature PEM fuel cells running on methanol. Its focus on methanol matches Damen Yachting’s aim to reduce its carbon impact.

Torben Mørch Sørensen, Blue World Technologies’ Marine Sales Director, said: “Damen Yachting is a very strong player within superyachts. We appreciate their trust in us and our fuel cell technology, and are very excited about this collaboration, which provides both parties with valuable learning and knowledge in the path towards a greener maritime industry.

“Close collaboration between builders and suppliers, like ours, is essential to implement new and innovative technologies that will eventually benefit the climate and environment as well as the yacht owners.”

Blue World Technologies’ next-generation fuel cell technology offers higher efficiency, with the additional potential for more energy-efficient vessel operation overall due to the quality of recoverable heat.

Haico van Roeden, Damen Yachting’s Design and Proposal Engineer, said: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Blue World Technologies. From our first visit to their facilities in Denmark, it became very clear there was a great synergy between the two companies, we have a shared ambition, and our goals and way of working align very well.

“We are very excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings both companies and look forward to monitoring the developments in the coming months.”

www.damenyachting.com

CLB65 set for Asia premiere in Hong Kong

News / yachtstyle2020

CLB65 set for Asia premiere in Hong Kong

May 11, 2023
3:15 pm

Following the world premiere of CLB65 in the US, hull two of CL Yachts’ newest design is heading to Hong Kong for the model’s Asia premiere.

The second hull of CLB65

CLB65, the latest addition to CL Yachts’ portfolio, is set to enter the Asia market, following a world premiere in the US last year. Hull one debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Florida (click for Review) last October and has participated in other major boat shows on the east coast.

Hull two was recently launched and is now moving to Hong Kong, where the boat will make her Asian debut and showcase luxurious features inspired by her larger sisterships. The plans for the future of the second CLB65 foresee new events and boat shows that will help the shipyard and the dealer network to strengthen their presence in Asia, an important sales area for CL Yachts.

Built upon the combined expertise of naval architect Howard Apollonio and leading marine structural engineers at Gurit, CLB65 has a resin-infused composite hull and features strategic use of carbon-fibre to improve efficiency, performance and durability.

The 64ft 6in flybridge yacht boasts a 19ft 10in beam, making her much wider than many European-built competitors. Outdoor areas include an oversized swim platform, an aft cockpit offering alfresco dining, a foredeck fitted with sunpads, and a large flybridge with a two social areas, an L-shaped wet bar and an upper helm.

CLB65 hull two will debut in Hong Kong

The modern interiors include an aft galley – a first for CL Yachts – and a bright saloon and three guest cabins including a full-beam master suite midships.

With twin 800hp Volvo Penta IPS1050 engines as standard, CLB65 can reach 27 knots and cruise at 21 knots, and offers owners and skippers the close control and manoeuvrability of the Volvo Penta pod system, beneficial out at sea or in a crowded marina.

www.clyachts.com

Princess to show five yachts at Sanctuary Cove

News / yachtstyle2020

Princess to show five yachts at Sanctuary Cove

May 11, 2023
11:03 am

The British motor yacht builder has announced the Y72 among its five-model line-up at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Princess Y72

Princess Yachts Australia plans to display five motor yachts at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which will be held from May 25-28. The line-up includes the Y72, the entry model to the British builder’s Y Class of larger flybridge motor yachts now headed by the new Y95.

The F55 will represent the F Class of flybridge motor yachts, while there will also be three models from the V Class of sports cruisers: V65, V55, and V40.

Princess F55

First held in 1988, the show will again take place at Sanctuary Cove Marina on Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast, with Princess exhibiting at Marina Boulevard MB1 + Marina H Pier. As well as the five yachts, the Princess display will include an owners’ lounge that will host numerous events at the four-day show including a wine tasting.

Greg Haines, Dealer Principal at Princess Yachts Australia, said: “The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is Australia’s premier boat show. The atmosphere is electric at SCIBS, with the Intercontinental Hotel, restaurants, boutiques and cafes throughout the village. Our clients look forward to the show each year.”

www.princessyachts.com

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Ferretti Group backlog reaches almost €1.5 billion

News / yachtstyle2020

Ferretti Group backlog reaches almost €1.5 billion

May 11, 2023
10:51 am

Following the approval of its first-quarter financial results, Ferretti Group announced an order intake of €307.5 million in three months led by made-to-measure and composite yachts.

Ferretti Group announced an order intake of €307.5 million (about US$338 million) in the first quarter of the year as its order backlog increased 15.4 per cent in three months to €1,496.3 million, “a result of strong demand in international markets”. The company’s yacht-building brands comprise Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, Itama, Custom Line, CRN and Wally.

As of March 31, the Italian company’s total order backlog was led by made-to-measure yachts (36.7 per cent) followed by composite yachts (32.7 per cent) and superyachts (25.7 per cent), with other businesses including Wally Sail and FSD accounting for 4.9 per cent.

Other highlights of the approved Q1 financial results included a 9.3 per cent increase in revenue to €280.3 million, split between Europe, Middle East and Africa (48.2 per cent), the Americas (28.6 per cent), Asia-Pacific (11.4 per cent), and other areas and superyachts (11.8 per cent).

Ferretti Group’s adjusted EBITDA of €40.0 million in the first quarter represented an increase of 26.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2022 and with a margin equivalent to 14.3 per cent, representing an increase of 130 basis points compared to Q1 last year. The company announced net profit of €18.6 million and a net financial position equivalent to €301 million of net cash.

In March, Ferretti Group announced its acquisition of a 70,000sqm-plus production site in San Vitale (click for article), an inland location within Ravenna province on Italy’s Adriatic coast.

Financed with equity raised by the recent listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange, the San Vitale site acquisition represents a 20 per cent increase in the company’s production. The purchase involved an initial investment of about €40 million to be followed by a further €40 million over the three years to create new production areas and an R&D centre.

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, said: “The luxury yacht market continues to see strong expansion and, once again, Ferretti Group shows vision and foresight, as witnessed by the important acquisition of Cantiere San Vitale, the cornerstone of a future-looking growth strategy.

“The huge interest shown by the financial community after the Group’s first Capital Markets Day, and the very positive financial results reported in Q1 2023, are another demonstration of our solidity and confirm once again that our shareholders and our customers were right to place their confidence in us.”

www.ferrettigroup.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Asia Yachting Boat Show in Hong Kong

News / yachtstyle2020

Asia Yachting Boat Show in Hong Kong

May 11, 2023
10:41 am

Three Prestige motor yachts and a Fountaine Pajot powercat are in the line-up for the Asia Yachting Boat Show at Club Marina Cove.

Prestige 680

Asia Yachting is hosting four yachts at its three-day show at Club Marina Cove from May 12-14, with a selection of Prestige F-Line flybridge motor yachts and a Fountaine Pajot power catamaran set to star in the three-day showcase ahead of the summer boating season.

Prestige 590

The regional dealer held a show at Marina Cove last October and the upcoming edition of the Asia Yachting Boat Show is focused on its French brands, Prestige and Fountaine Pajot.

Prestige 520

The Prestige 680, the brand’s former flagship, will be the largest model on show and will be joined by a Prestige 590 and Prestige 520, currently the F-Line’s second and third largest models respectively. The Fountaine Pajot MY6 is the formerly named MY44 and among the La Rochelle catamaran builder’s popular motor yacht models.

Fountaine Pajot MY6

The show is open from 11am to 6pm on each of three days. For more details and to register interest, please visit: https://asiayachting.net/events/24324/

www.asiayachting.net

Third Pershing 140 launched

News / yachtstyle2020

Third Pershing 140 launched

May 11, 2023
10:22 am

The third hull of Pershing’s current all-aluminium flagship has splashed at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard.

The third Pershing 140 has been launched at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, which specialises in 40m-plus steel and aluminium yachts. Pershing’s first all-aluminium superyacht, the 43.3m motor yacht is a design collaboration between architect Fulvio De Simoni, Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and its Engineering Department.

The first Pershing 140 was sold to a Hong Kong owner and launched in 2019, while the second hull was launched the following year. The third Pershing 140 has four 2,600hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines with jet drives, a top speed of 38 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots.

The yacht’s standout features include its three-sided beach club, which features a fold-out aft garage door and two fold-down sides. On the main deck, two side wings are incorporated in the superstructure at the start of the walkways, while the sun deck can be fitted out with a bar, a sunbathing area and a second helm station as a back-up to the semi-raised pilothouse.

The interior on the main deck large features a large saloon and dining area, while the owner of the third unit has included a professional winery. Illuminated, white and fitted with mirrors, it creates eye-catching optical illusions and fills the space with even more light.

There’s also a fully appointed bar in the aft starboard corner with independent lighting, hidden behind doors decorated with a special textured lacquer that’s coordinated with the lounge décor, so the bar is only visible when in use.

Forward on the main deck is a full-beam master suite accessed through a private study containing a small lounge. The master suite includes a generous walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom with a steam shower, which – like all the yacht’s bathrooms – is decorated with mosaics and finished in a special mother-of-pearl lacquer.

For the décor, the owner has chosen a Pershing-style interior throughout, but with paler colour tones than those selected for the two previous units. The interior decoration makes extensive use of white lacquer to create a brighter, more relaxing space, helped by the choice of a light grey wood.

The yacht also features fine materials and furnishings and fixtures by top luxury design brands including Poltrona Frau – a longstanding Pershing partner – Minotti, Roche Bobois, Artemide, FontanaArte and Molteni.

www.pershing-yacht.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com