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Azimut, Azimut|Benetti, headquarters, Avigliana, Giovanna Vitelli, Marco Valle, Andrea Archinà, Mayor of Avigliana, AMDL Circle, Michele De Lucchi, Settanta7, Gabetti & Isola

Azimut upgrades Avigliana headquarters

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Azimut upgrades Avigliana headquarters

July 30, 2025
8:59 pm

Giovanna Vitelli and Marco Valle inaugurated the Italian builder’s new-look headquarters, designed by AMDL Circle and Michele de Lucchi.

The inauguration’s ribbon-cutting ceremony

Giovanna Vitelli and Marco Valle, Azimut|Benetti Group’s Chair and CEO respectively, and Andrea Archinà, the Mayor of Avigliana, inaugurated the new Azimut Yachts headquarters, which will open its doors to staff from September. The new headquarters is part of a €50 million investment plan for the Avigliana production facility, which has a total of about 1,500 employees.

AMDL Circle and Michele De Lucchi spearheaded artistic direction for the brand’s new-look headquarters, which included restyling of the main building and construction of the new multifunctional pavilion. Offices were completely renovated based on an architectural design by Settanta7, while the project included a significant energy efficiency upgrade.

Marco Valle, Giovanna Vitelli and Avigliana Mayor Andrea Archinà

The aim of the project was to sensitively reinterpret the original architectural concept of Gabetti & Isola, which designed Azimut|Benetti Group facilities in the Piedmont, Liguria and Tuscany regions in the 1990s.

Vitelli, daughter of company founder Paolo Vitelli, said: “I had the image of the Louvre pyramid in mind. A statement of changing times but above all a sign of how the new finds its full power in its relationship with the grandeur of the past. Azimut has a history spanning more than 50 years, and the best way to honour it is to continue evolving, as my father always did.”

AMDL Circle – Azimut’s longtime creative partner and creator of the iconic ‘yacht in the pool’ at Bagni Misteriosi during last year’s Milano Design Week – added an entrance pavilion, the first stop on the new heritage walk that takes you through Azimut’s history. The new pavilion includes a metallic volume, reminiscent of the nautical world, resting on an historic brick structure.

The water feature’s surface reflects the models of Azimut’s ‘firsts’, a tribute to the key stylistic and technological innovations of the brand’s yachts “born in the mountains”.

Among these was the introduction in 2003 of hull glazing in place of traditional portholes, to bring more natural light into cabins. This visionary development is echoed in the new Avigliana headquarters, with the windows extended for floor-to-ceiling glazing, underscoring the continuity between nautical innovation and the design language of this project.

The layout of the new headquarters symbolises an evolution of Azimut’s work model, focusing now on collaboration and teamwork, and moving beyond traditional hierarchical structures. Transparency dominates an architectural language that transcends aesthetics to give shape to Azimut’s vision of “a work culture based on openness, connection and trust”, with glass replacing walls, and shared environments instead of closed, oversized executive offices.

The panoramic meeting rooms, Gogamigoga, Goga and Goghina, are named after Paolo Vitelli’s boats, reflecting the company’s heritage.

A pinnacle of modern Azimut is the new Virtual Reality room, the creative and technological heart of the building, where the technical and style offices collaborate daily. Owners and guests are also welcome to use virtual reality, so selecting layouts, furnishings, colours and fabrics “becomes an immersive and personalised experience”, according to Azimut.

azimutyachts.com

Gulf Craft accepting cryptocurrency

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Gulf Craft accepting cryptocurrency

July 30, 2025
8:49 pm

The UAE builder becomes the first shipyard in the Middle East to accept regulated crypto-to-fiat payments.

Gulf Craft, parent company of the Majesty, Nomad, Oryx and SilverCat brands, has announced that it’s offering a fully regulated crypto-payment solution for yacht and boat purchases, service, and refit works.

Headquartered in the UAE, the shipyard is working with Bahrain-licensed fintech provider ARP Pay, with the payment converting stablecoins such as USDT and USDC into AED or USD. The launch of Gulf Craft’s new offering aligns with UAE’s ambition to become the world’s most crypto-friendly country, supported by VARA regulations, free-zone exchanges and a 24/7 fintech talent pool.

Mohammed Alshaali, Gulf Craft’s co-founder and Chairman, said: “By integrating ARP Pay, Gulf Craft not only meets evolving client preferences but also strengthens the UAE’s reputation for forward-looking manufacturing and financial innovation. The UAE was built on maritime trade and early adoption of new ideas. Embracing regulated digital payments is a natural next step.”

A recent pilot allowed part of a yacht purchase price to be settled in cryptocurrency, cutting transaction costs and improving client satisfaction among international buyers.

Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft’s Group CEO, said: “Adding a crypto option future-proofs our customer experience. We stay ahead of the curve by adopting technologies that shape tomorrow’s commerce and by tapping into the growing segment of crypto holders who prefer paying with digital assets.

“Whether a client is taking delivery of a Majesty or Nomad yacht or purchasing any boat or power catamaran across our Oryx or SilverCat ranges, they can now transact through a channel that is fast, transparent and fully compliant.”

gulfcraftgroup.com

Marine Italia staging two Asia premieres in Hong Kong

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Marine Italia staging two Asia premieres in Hong Kong

July 24, 2025
11:03 pm

New Azimut and Aquila models are making their regional debuts at Marina Cove in Hong Kong.

Azimut Fly 62

Marine Italia is staging the Asia premieres of the Azimut Fly 62 (click for Review) and Aquila 42 Yacht (click for Review) at Club Marina Cove in Hong Kong from July 25-27. The dealership event will run from 11.00am-6.00pm on each of the three days.

Azimut Fly 62

The Fly 62 is one of Azimut’s newest models, with the flybridge motoryacht making its world premiere at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. Featuring exterior design by Alberto Mancini and only the shipyard’s second interior by Fabio Fantolino, the Fly 62 is notable for an aft cockpit sofa that can transform into a deck-level sunlounger that extends over the swim platform.

Aquila 42 Yacht

The Aquila 42 Yacht, which had its world premiere in 2023, followed the 54 Yacht and 70 Luxury in the brand’s growing range of flybridge powercats. The Yacht collection has since been expanded by the 50 Yacht in 2024, while the 46 Yacht will debut at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

marineitalia.asia

Monaco Yacht Show line-up headed by 118m Breakthrough

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Monaco Yacht Show line-up headed by 118m Breakthrough

July 24, 2025
2:53 pm

Show organisers have published a list of exhibiting superyachts and tenders, and updated the growing number of Blue Wake-certified exhibitors.

Monaco Yacht Show organisers have publicised its online list of exhibiting yachts, with Feadship’s new 118m Breakthrough the largest in the provisional line-up two months ahead of the September 24-27 show. Featuring exterior and interior design by British studio RWD, the hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht is the largest Feadship build to date.

Organisers stated that nearly half of the current list of exhibiting superyachts will be unveiled as world premieres – marking a show record – and that they expect about 120 yachts at the annual superyacht spectacle.

The 85m Lürssen Gigia (2017) and Feadship’s new 79.5m Valor are among the next-biggest yachts along with Bilgin’s new 80m Al Reem, which was recently pictured in sea trials with the 50m Camila, also set for the Monaco show.

The Italian Sea Group is exhibiting two superyachts

The Italian Sea Group’s aqua-blue 77.7m Project 595 (2024) and 72.3m Armani-designed Project 595 (2025) are among 70m-plus builds, along with Amels’ 70m Energy (2022).

Benetti is expected to exhibit its new Project FB287, the second B.Now 67M with Oasis Deck, and a new B.Now 50M, while sister shipyard Azimut is lining up new units of the Grande Trideck (38m), Grande 36 Metri and Grande 30 Metri.

Damen Yachting could potentially exhibit two new units of the Amels 60 and a new Yacht Support 53, while Sanlorenzo is listed as exhibiting a 58Steel and the SD132, which will first show at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Benetti’s FB287, a B.Now 67M with Oasis Deck

Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, said: “Bringing together a fleet of this calibre every year is a challenge that only the Monaco Yacht Show consistently meets. The 2025 edition cements our global benchmark position, where innovation, exclusivity and sophistication converge, with a record number of superyachts revealed in world premieres.

“Nowhere else in the world can visitors discover, in one place, such an exceptional selection, from the latest builds by renowned shipyards to recently refitted yachts, all rigorously selected by brokers for sale or charter.”

Bilgin will exhibit the 50m Camila and 80m Al Reem

Organisers also revealed that the list of Blue Wake™-certified exhibitors has risen to 28 a week ahead of the July 31 deadline for exhibitors to apply. Blue Wake is a Monaco Yacht Show programme, developed with the support of the Water Revolution Foundation and sponsored by Siemens Energy.

The approved exhibitors represent a wide variety of industry sectors including hybrid, electric or renewable energy propulsion systems, on-board wastewater management, thermal optimisation, shore-power systems, marine coatings, sustainable interior design, handling and lifting equipment, recyclable shrink wraps, biological systems, and marina infrastructures.

Exhibitors also represent cleaner energy sources, dual-fuel marine engines, eco-responsible tenders, and shipyards focused on bioclimatic structures, digitalisation of operations, renewable energy use or alternative propulsion.

Sanlorenzo SD132

Robert van Tol, Water Revolution Foundation’s Executive Director, said: “Blue Wake highlights MYS exhibitors that have been developing concrete, innovative eco-responsible solutions for the yachting sector over the past several years. Our mission is to ensure that only robust and operational initiatives are included in this programme, thereby guaranteeing the true credibility and viability of the solutions presented at the MYS.

“The Monaco Yacht Show plays a vital role in showcasing these efforts, reinforcing the collective commitment of the entire yachting industry towards a sustainable transition. Yet showcasing innovation is only half of the story. Real change happens when buyers choose to embrace and adopt these solutions in their new build and refit projects. That’s how we collectively move the yachting industry forward.”

monacoyachtshow.com

monacoyachtshow.com/en/superyachts

monacoyachtshow.com/en/blue-wake

Leopard using single shot hull infusion

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Leopard using single shot hull infusion

July 24, 2025
2:45 pm

The hulls for Leopard’s catamarans are benefiting from single-shot resin infusion at the Robertson and Caine shipyard in South Africa.

Leopard Catamarans, the catamaran brand from South African builder Robertson and Caine, has introduced single-shot infusion for hull construction. Building on the traditional three-step hull construction, the new method uses one shot of resin infusion to infuse the entire hull at once, bonding all core components in a straightforward, one-time process.

Providing an even distribution of resin, the technique leads to a more durable, stronger and lighter hull, removes the need for secondary bonding, and eliminates the need for structural repairs along the hull’s join lines, so enhancing overall integrity, according to Leopard.

Robertson and Caine has also adopted advanced acoustic leak detection. This technology verifies the vacuum system’s integrity before each infusion, further improving success rates.

The Cape Town shipyard’s other developments include carrying out a second phenolic hull sounding inspection on all vessels under construction. Carried out 30 days after the initial post-demoulding check, the inspection identifies any delayed anomalies and the testing of a thicker 600 CSM print blocker across all models to improve hull aesthetics and reduce the visibility of future rework.

Early this year, the shipyard updated all mould-shop quality documentation, reinforced key hold points and added new focus areas to strengthen the hull process control. Improvements included a redesigned infusion resin feed pipe layout to reduce dry spots and voids, providing a more consistent and robust construction.

Robertson and Caine is currently developing and testing a new resin recipe with its supplier to slow down the infusion process and improve consistency during the southern-hemisphere summer, with implementation planned for the end of 2025.

“The shipyard is also working on a project to implement hull temperature control versus entire factory temperature control to limit the environmental impact, as resin and temperature are influential factors in successful infusion,” said a Leopard Catamarans spokesperson.

“We support these improvements and believe they will enhance our already robust yacht’s durability, quality, and overall craftsmanship.”

leopardcatamarans.com

Azimut Seadeck Series soars

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Azimut Seadeck Series soars

July 24, 2025
2:36 pm

With cork decks and materials made from upcycled water bottles and fishing nets, plus the world’s first hybrid version of Volvo Penta’s IPS, Azimut’s Seadeck 7 raises the series’ green credentials while adding more levels and space for waterside chilling.
Words: Katia Damborsky; Photos: Azimut

Seadeck 7 is the world’s first yacht to use the hybrid-electric Volvo Penta IPS propulsion

When Azimut introduced the Seadeck Series to the market, its USP was simple: a more back-to basics approach to boating. More closeness to the water, less bells and whistles. It worked a charm for the first model in the line, the entry-level Seadeck 6, and it left the industry curious to see how the Italian builder would approach the extra space and length on the Seadeck 7.

The second instalment of the Seadeck line debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, and made its Asia-Pacific debut with dealer Marine Italia at the Singapore Yachting Festival in April 2025. A fresh galley position, an extra cabin and a new deck are all among the checkbox features that the new 71-footer provides.

The 71ft Seadeck 7 is almost 15ft longer than the Seadeck 6

The new model also attracted attention for being the first yacht in the world to use Volvo Penta IPS hybrid propulsion, a still-in-development technology which comes with a huge sense of pride for the Italian shipyard.

“Our creative energy should be directed towards more sustainable solutions,” Federico Lantero, Azimut’s Head of Product Design, told Yacht Style. “And research is part of our DNA.”

SEADECK STYLE

Alberto Mancini is to thank for giving this series such a recognisable look, toeing a fine line between sports yacht and cruiser. The result includes a high hull, plumb bow, pared-back wheelhouse and an elegantly swooped sheerline that meets the cockpit at the aft.

The Fun Island expands when the aft bulwarks fold down, while the swim platform with integrated steps can lower into the water

A long-time Azimut collaborator, Mancini has done a nice job drawing on elements from past models, giving the Seadeck a clear Azimut personality but with a certain freshness that should fare well on the market. And, with almost 15ft extra to play with, the Seadeck 7 looks a little slenderer and more proportionate than the Seadeck 6.

This also comes from the fact that the Seadeck 7 has a fully-fledged flybridge. It’s not class-leading for a yacht of this size, but it does come with a generous crescent of seating and a coffee table, which is a substantial upgrade. Azimut could have plumped for more seating space up here, but chose to give over some real estate to solar panels.

The flybridge is dominated by a C-shaped sofa

“The idea of using the end of the deckhouse as an area for solar panels is an excellent opportunity to support battery recharging during the day, at anchor,” Lantero points out. “It can be an additional guarantee to keep the batteries charged, even when leaving the boat in the marina for long periods.”

ISLAND LIVING

The other key reason for the decision to limit the size of the flybridge is the Fun Island. Without saying as much, Lantero wonders why anyone would want to use the flybridge for relaxing when an expansive oceanfront lounge exists.

Bird’s eye view of the Fun Island, a Seadeck signature by Alberto Mancini

The Fun Island is where the Seadeck series really shines, and it also highlights what the Seadeck was designed for. Spanning the swim platform and the aft cockpit, the space features unfolding sea terraces at main-deck level and submersible steps that extend well below the waterline for easy access to the sea. When not in use as a swim platform, this area acts as a launch pad for a tender (up to 3.4m/11ft).

On the aft part of the cockpit is a very generous sweep of sunpad with backrests that allow you to look out over the water. This is helped by a glass balustrade, cleverly shaped so it slightly juts over the swim platform below to give crucial extra inches to the sunbathing space.

Thick, luxurious sunpads lie aft of the covered dining table

Immediately forward of the sunpad is a dining area that could comfortably seat about six, but with room for a few more at a pinch. It’s directly connected to the sunpad, effectively creating an entire social hub where everyone can get together and enjoy time on board.

The unfolding bulwarks are a highlight here, paralleling Benetti’s wildly popular Oasis Deck, but in a more petite and manageable size. During boat shows and photo shoots, the Azimut teams add little hammocks and plants to give a nice idea of how these spaces can be used.

NATURAL INTERIORS

The interior is by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, a Milan-based design studio and architecture firm experienced in shoreside properties. The Seadeck 6 was the team’s first foray into yachting, with Azimut tasking them to develop a slightly more evolved and mature style for the Seadeck 7.

Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez designed the interiors, which feature sustainable and recycled materials

Key to the Seadeck Series is the commitment to eco-focused materials, evident in decks made from upcycled cork and carpets made from old fishing nets. Additionally, there’s a sense of harmony in the decor which comes with unique touches like custom-made wallpaper inspired by the design of the exterior decks. The galley is forward of the saloon, compactly tucked alongside the helm.

“Thun and Rodriguez pioneered a style of architecture that sought greater synergy with nature, capable of generating a feeling of wellbeing,” Lantero says. “They spoke of a boat that’s more tangible

because of the tactile richness of the different natural materials that have been combined.”

The light-filled saloon (above) leads forward to the galley (below) and helm station

The result is an atmosphere compatible with the relaxation that comes from a seaside vacation, adds Lantero.

The lower deck features four guest cabins, with the full-beam master midships, a VIP in the bow, as well as two guest cabins in-between – a double to port twin to starboard – that share a bathroom. The two-berth crew cabin is in the forepeak, forward of the VIP.

HYBRID PIONEER

The Seadeck 7 has been built in GRP mixed with carbon-fibre. According to Azimut, the use of R-PET, a type of recycled material that comes from plastic bottles, makes up 30 per cent of the total structure of Seadeck yachts. The material is infused into the bulkheads, floors and 75 per cent of the inner deck, making up an equivalent of up to 15,000 plastic bottles recycled for each boat produced.

The owner’s suite midships has storage to port, and a walk-in closet and bathroom aft

Those efficiency claims continue under the hood, where the new IPS system combines twin diesel engines with electric motors and batteries to deliver a range of drive modes. These include pure electric for quiet cruising up to 11 knots, hybrid standard, and hybrid boost for faster cruising, while other modes are in development.

According to Azimut, the hotel mode lets onboard systems run silently for up to 12 hours emission-free, while the setup can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent annually. As Azimut-Benetti CEO Marco Valle told Yacht Style: “When you go boating these days, people are less formal. Everybody is more relaxed on board, and we wanted to transfer this attitude to the Seadeck.”

The angular VIP suite forward features an angled bed

With its boundary-blurring layout and laid-back interiors, it looks like Azimut has scored full marks with the Seadeck 7. The new Volvo Penta hybrid-electric package is the icing on an already-appealing cake.

azimutyachts.com

Jeanneau’s newSun Odyssey 415

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Jeanneau’s new Sun Odyssey 415

July 23, 2025
1:29 am

The French builder will unveil the first model from Sun Odyssey’s ninth generation at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

Jeanneau’s world premieres at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival will include the Sun Odyssey 415, which launches the ninth generation of the historic Sun Odyssey series. Jeanneau designed the sailing monohull with the Piaton Yacht Design company founded by Jean-Marc Piaton, with Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group handling naval architecture.

The new model benefits from the Sun Odyssey 410’s proven hull, which is 12m long with a 4m beam. The hull design features an inverted bow, a continuous, well-defined hull chine, and twin rudders with self-aligning bearings. The Sun Odyssey 415 is offered with the option of four sail plans and three keels.

The yacht features Jeanneau’s signature walkaround side decks and high, protective coamings. The new transom features a backstay that benefits from a position further aft, adding comfort to the twin helms.

Deck hardware is in the recessed cockpit, which has a spacious, versatile table integrating electronics, storage and handrails, while the area also offers easy access to the swim platform.

The interior is just three steps down from the deck via a gently inclined companionway. A new layout starts with an L-shaped galley where features include a removable sink cover/splash guard, and a sponge holder under the sink. Forward, the C-shaped dinette includes storage under the seating for five people.

Opposite is a chart table with storage and a library, flanked by two corner seats, while the guest bathroom is aft to starboard.

The owner’s suite in the bow has an aft-facing bed, hull windows and skylights, and the option of an en-suite bathroom. Aft of the saloon are two guest cabins with aft-facing beds, or one cabin and a workshop.

jeanneau.com

Numarine launches 40m flagship

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Numarine launches 40m flagship

July 23, 2025
1:16 am

The Turkish builder of long-range explorer superyachts has completed the first hull of its new 40MXP ‘Mediterranean Explorer’.

Numarine has launched the first unit of its new 40m flagship, the 40MXP, with the new ‘Mediterranean Explorer’ tag reflecting the beach-club lifestyle typical of the Med region. The Turkish shipyard is scheduled to deliver two units of the 40MXP to owners by the end of this year, while at least one more is in build.

An evolution of the 37XP and the new flagship of the XP series, the 40XMP has a significantly enlarged aft deck, due to both the yacht’s increased hull length and by moving the saloon’s aft sliding doors slightly forward.

The large aft deck includes alfresco dining, an outdoor lounge, a bar and a glass-backed pool aft overlooking a hydraulic swim platform spanning the yacht’s 8m beam. The expanded outdoor area can be shaded by an awning to provide protection from the sun, ideal for warmer climates such as Southeast Asia and Australia.

Ömer Malaz, Numarine’s Chairman, said: “Preserving the same stylistic cues and DNA of all our models, the 40MXP retains our high-volume, low-maintenance, long-range ethos while offering a number of new design features that enhance the intimate connection with the sea that a yacht provides.”

The 40MXP retains the explorer DNA of the shipyard’s XP series, with an optimised hull form developed by long-standing naval architecture partner Umberto Tagliavini and a 6,000nm range at eight knots. Standard propulsion is provided by twin 800hp MAN engines, with the option to upgrade to a Tier III-compliant configuration with 900hp MAN engines.

Can Yalman designed both the exterior and interior, where accommodation can be arranged across six suites for up to 12 guests, including a full-beam master on the main deck, along with two additional customisable cabin spaces.

The 40MXP includes the expansive flybridge, and generous upper and main decks seen on the 37XP, which has proved a commercial success. The 40m superyacht also offers a substantial tender deck capable of carrying a 9m tender and three full-size jetskis, with additional space for water toys.

Chris Gore, Numarine’s Sales & Marketing Director, said: “We are extremely excited to have delivered the first unit of the 40MXP. Our new flagship offers true luxury blended with versatility, be that for family or charter use, while maintaining our core Numarine DNA.”

numarine.com

GX42 passes another build milestone

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GX42 passes another build milestone

July 22, 2025
11:40 pm

Following the hull turning in Turkey earlier this year, the aluminium structure is now complete and the yacht remains on course for 2026.

GX Superyachts has announced that its first superyacht, the hybrid GX42, is “moving confidently through the build schedule” at SES Yachts’ advanced facilities in Istanbul and remains on course for delivery in summer 2026.

Following the hull turning and superstructure joining earlier this year, the aluminium structure has since been completed, with the yacht now entering a new phase of outfitting. The GX42 has a raised pilot house design, which allows for generous accommodation including a main-deck owner’s suite and full-beam VIP cabin.

Inside the 42.1m superyacht, thermal insulation is approximately 80 per cent installed and the main piping systems are 80 per cent complete, as of mid-July. The paint application is 50 per cent finished and electrical installation has advanced to 25 per cent. Bespoke interior furniture is also progressing well, with 50 per cent of items complete in the workshop.

The vessel’s advanced hybrid propulsion system, which combines a diesel-electric drive with significant solar power generation, has successfully completed its factory testing phase and is now ready for delivery and installation at the shipyard.

The next phases of construction also include the finalisation of insulation and piping, continued electrical installation, and onboard interior fit-out, with sea trials scheduled for early 2026.

Vladimir Zinchenko, founder and CEO of GX Superyachts, said: “It’s inspiring to witness the GX42 taking shape so smoothly and exceeding expectations. Each milestone reinforces our belief that the GX42 will set a new benchmark in responsible yachting – a vessel that delivers both elegant design and low-impact cruising.”

Zinchenko praised the efforts of both the SES Yachts shipyard and Marco Casali, who has designed the exterior of all GX Superyachts. Casali has also designed the family-friendly interior of hull one of the GX42, which will feature natural materials, soft curves and a calming palette to reinforce the yacht’s ethos of comfort and sustainability.

CGI of GX42

Zinchenko also paid tribute to naval architect Francesco Rogantin as well as Andrea Armas, consultant to the Board of Directors at GX Superyachts, who said the GX42 would usher in a new era within the superyacht sector.

Armas said: “We are pushing the boundary of responsible yachting navigating through a new era of technological advancement, tailoring the dream of yacht owners into a sustainable reality.”

gx-superyachts.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

Amanda Teale: Making impossible possible

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Amanda Teale: Making impossible possible

July 22, 2025
10:47 pm

Founder of Minerva Private Travel and working only on referral, Teale prides herself on understanding, planning and realising her clients’ dream escapes.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake; Photo: Four Seasons

After more than three decades in the industry, I’ve learned that the most valued luxury isn’t opulence – it’s seamlessness. The world’s most discerning travellers want to move through the world effortlessly, without disruption.

They want access to the extraordinary, but without spectacle. They expect their preferences to be anticipated, and every detail managed flawlessly, before they even realise it needs to be done.

It’s the seamless choreography behind every journey and every experience that truly makes the magic, from collecting luggage a day before departure, direct access to the aircraft steps via our private fleet, the child’s correct car seat already installed, the hotel room already adjusted to personal temperature preferences – this is just as precious to our clients (and us) as the trip itself.

Minerva Private Travel was founded in 1999 as an invitation-only service for a select global clientele. Our clients include leading figures in film and entertainment, prominent entrepreneurs, legal professionals and industry chiefs, many of whom I now consider extended family.

Every experience we craft is entirely unique. There are no one-size-fits-all templates, and we never send our clients anywhere unless it has been meticulously experienced and vetted by me or my expert team.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake; Photo: Four Seasons

No matter the trip, at Minerva, every journey begins with a one-on-one conversation that goes far beyond logistics. It’s about uncovering passions, preferences, habits and even dreams.

From dietary requirements to personal tastes, hobbies and even fears, we take it all ‘on board’. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a restorative break or a spontaneous escape, the experience is tailored from the ground up.

We’ve intentionally remained focused, growing organically through high-value referrals and repeat clients. This deliberate approach allows us to deepen relationships and refine every element of what we offer.

Over the years, we’ve amassed a trusted network of highly valued partners who meet our exacting standards, ensuring we consistently deliver the utmost service and truly exceptional experiences for our elite clientele.

YACHTING ESCAPES

Yacht charter and sailing holidays remain a top priority for our clients, and we don’t see that changing. There’s something about time spent at sea that perfectly blends adventure with unparalleled luxury.

From a romantic honeymoon on a luxury charter in the Aegean to a week-long, multi-generational family getaway exploring the British Virgin Islands, yachts provide sanctuary, freedom and the feeling of ‘home’ in equal measure.

The 55m Purpose is among yachting options

For a completely customised experience, you could explore Thailand’s myriad of islands onboard the stunning 55m Trinity superyacht Purpose. From Koh Tao’s crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life and abundant coral reefs to savouring the local culture and cuisine, a luxury yacht holiday creates unforgettable memories.

When it comes to Caribbean escapes, the itineraries crafted by Ritz-Carlton’s all-suite yacht Evrima are beloved for blending luxury with discovery. And for the ultimate adventure in the Galápagos, Grace by Quasar Expeditions is a top choice. This glamorous, 16-guest yacht (once a gift to Grace Kelly) offers a refined, sustainable journey to remote islands and incredible wildlife.

We also love Asia’s largest wooden sailing yacht, Lamima, the epitome of traditional Indonesian craftsmanship, adorned with modern luxury, complete with expert local crews and bespoke itineraries from Bali to Raja Ampat.

ASIAN DESTINATIONS

As for destinations, Asian gems continue to dazzle, with clients drawn to its rich diversity and exceptional experiences, from turquoise waters to lush jungles.

For instance, the exclusive Amanwana camp on Indonesia’s Moyo Island offers a secluded, tented sanctuary in the middle of the jungle. Our families delight in the seaplane journey from Bali, and then the ride in a vintage jeep to camp. It’s a wonderful blend of understated luxury and nature with plenty of child-friendly activities and lifelong memories to be made.

Similarly, Nihi on Sumba Island epitomises laid-back luxury in a surfer’s paradise, with pristine beaches, world-class waves and family-sized villa estates. It provides a soulful, barefoot-chic retreat that perfectly balances relaxation and adventure.

The Nihi resort on Sumba Island; Photo: Nihi

For a touch of unparalleled Japanese hospitality, we love The Shinmonzen. Nestled on the Shirakawa River in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, this discreet, ultra-luxury haven offers authentic, exclusive experiences with geishas, private tea ceremonies and zen meditation in hidden temples.

For serene escapes in China, Yangshuo Sugar House in Guilin is a unique, contemporary resort born from a historic sugar mill, beautifully blending industrial heritage with the region’s glorious mountains.

Further east, the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake blends classical Chinese elegance with modern luxury, offering private lake cruises and chef-curated banquets on a private pavilion, perfectly tailored for our clients.

THE WELLNESS WAY

While destination choice is crucial, it’s the deeper intention behind each journey that truly guides us. Increasingly, wellness is becoming a central theme in how our clients choose to travel. Wellness tourism is expected to hit a value of US$1.3 trillion by 2025, and Minerva clients are emblematic of this trend.

Where holidays were once seen as indulgent escapes, they are now viewed as essential to both health and longevity. We’ve seen a year-on-year uptick in travellers seeking wellness-focused itineraries, be it healing retreats, medi-spas, personalised longevity programmes or wellness sabbaticals.

We now regularly plan immersive stays at wellness resorts that integrate ancient healing traditions with cutting-edge science, often within spectacular natural settings.

The Nihi resort on Sumba Island; Photo: Nihi

Even infrastructure is catching up. Airports are already incorporating wellness features into their main passenger areas. Some premium lounges go a little further, whether it’s an oxygen lounge at Tokyo’s

Narita Airport, a yoga room in San Francisco, or a sauna in the Finnair lounge in Helsinki.

Airlines are reviewing their wellness offerings, investing in state-of-the-art technologies including on-board wellness zones. On Qantas’ Project Sunrise planes, six first-class suites now offer customised lighting, allowing you to choose which time zone you wish to fly in.

GOOD CONNECTIONS

Sustainability is another defining expectation. Today’s ultra-high-net-worth traveller wants to leave a lighter footprint, give back in meaningful ways, and know that they are enriching the local ecosystem. We work with eco-lodges in Africa, conservation-led resorts in Southeast Asia, and heritage hotels in Bhutan.

For some clients, that might mean donating to reforestation projects; for others, visiting a local artisan or school supported by their hotel stay. We see this not as a trend but as the new standard, so that luxury and responsibility must coexist for the people that call each destination home.

While destinations and travel motives evolve, the expectations remain constant: perfection, discretion and precision. Of course, some requests are a higher mountain to climb, and access to exclusive experiences is in demand, although I prefer to move away from the phrase ‘hard to secure’.

While these experiences may be challenging for most to access, they’re rarely out of reach for us. If a client has a specific request, whether it’s centre court at Wimbledon, a private suite at the Monaco Grand Prix, front-row concert seats, or entry to a members-only event, then nine times out of ten, I will secure it.

What we offer is more than service. It’s a partnership. Sometimes that means seeing a client off at the airport or escorting the entire trip. Sometimes it means fielding a call at 3am. That’s the invisible part. And that’s what makes it seamless.

theminervatravelgroup.com

AMANDA TEALE

Teale is founder and Managing Director of Minerva Private Travel, a luxury travel and lifestyle management company with offices in the UK, Italy and USA, and a fleet of executive vehicles. Working on a referral-only basis and focused on complete discretion and exclusivity, Teale offers meticulously tailored travel arrangements and bespoke services to UHNWIs and public figures. The Minerva team provides 24/7 concierge support as clients benefit from VIP airport services around the world including direct tarmac access, luxury limousines and private lounges. Teale has recently been recognised in Conde Nast Traveller, Fortune and Inside Hook.

Karl Kwok’s Rolex Fastnet Race return

Leave a Comment / News / yachtstyle2020

Karl Kwok’s Rolex Fastnet Race return

July 22, 2025
10:31 pm

The Hong Kong sailor talks about the “great challenge” of competing in the 100th-anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, a full three decades after first competing in the bluewater classic.
Photos: Rolex

The 695nm route from Cowes to Cherbourg

Of the world’s bluewater classics, the Rolex Fastnet Race is arguably the most highly revered. Hosted and organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club since 1925, the biennial race departs from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, on England’s south coast. The race start is to the sound of cannon fire from the historic Royal Yacht Squadron, a renowned institution partnered by Rolex since the early 1980s.

Sailors then head west along the English Channel towards the south coast of Ireland, where they round the iconic Fastnet Rock. Having formerly finished in Plymouth, the race since 2021 has concluded in Cherbourg, in the north coast of France, creating a longer 695nm challenge.

The iconic Fastnet Rock

“The Rolex Fastnet Race is a rite of passage for any sailor,” says Rolex Testimonee Paul Cayard. “It is a relentless and often brutal challenge. It demands a multitude of skills – navigational and tactical awareness, flawless preparation, exemplary teamwork and resilience in the face of the harshest conditions.”

Since 2001, Rolex has been a partner of the race, which two years ago featured a record 430 yachts from around the world for its 50^th edition. Martine Grael, another Rolex Testimonee, admires the race for its inclusivity.

“The experience of offshore sailing is so raw it ignites your senses,” she says. “At races like the Rolex Fastnet Race, it does not matter who you are, your background or where you come from. The age, size and type of boat is also unimportant. This is sailing at its purest, and to participate is both a privilege and an accomplishment to be savoured.”

Karl Kwok

Karl Kwok’s TP52 Beau Geste is among entries for the 100^th-anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race (starting July 26), three decades after he first competed in the race in 1995 with his ILC 40 Beau Geste.

“It was a very light year, making it a slow race,” Kwok says. “The first night was very tricky, trying to get around Land’s End. Two of our close competitors hit the rocks while trying to avoid the strong tides. I will have a handful of friends from the 1995 race rejoin the team in 2025. I’ve had the privilege of having friends from Hong Kong join me on many races.”

Gavin Brady – who has competed in multiple America’s Cup campaigns, and Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Races – has raced for three decades with Kwok, who famously won the 1997 edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Kwok competing in the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race on his Farr 80 Beau Geste

“Racing has given me many adventures, and the team and I have had an amazing journey, experiencing so many different types of competition,” says Kwok, who has raced since 1975. “Yacht racing is so unique because you can be short-course racing in Newport or competing in a bluewater classic like the Rolex Fastnet Race.”

Kwok has owned over a dozen boats named Beau Geste including a MOD 70, a Botin 80 and a Farr 80, competing on the latter in back-to-back editions of the Rolex Fastnet Race in 2009 and 2011.

Kwok (far right) with Cowen Chiu and Margaret Kwok in 2009

“In 2009, we had a very close race with Ran 2 all the way around the course. Ran came in first that year, but we were inspired to try again in 2011. This time, we were leading but had the disappointment of having to withdraw due to structural issues with the boat. This is the harsh reality of offshore racing – going head-to-head with mother nature.”

This year, Kwok will compete on his TP52 Beau Geste in both the Admiral’s Cup and Rolex Fastnet Race, with Brady again serving as tactician. Kwok will effectively have two boats in both events as owner of a new Botin-designed Fast 40, Beau Ideal, which will be skippered by David Sweete, a member of Kwok’s team for 12 years.

Kwok also raced on his Farr 80 Beau Geste in the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race

“We’ve been focusing on the Admiral’s Cup and the Rolex Fastnet Race for a year, and we have a mix of young and experienced sailors, a balance I find important not only for our result but for the future of the sport. Our aim is to be well-prepared and ready for anything, which is easier said than done,” Kwok says.

“This Rolex Fastnet Race is a difficult one because it’s part of the Admiral’s Cup campaign for us. It’s the final race after two weeks of build-up and inshore racing. We must switch from inshore to offshore mode within 24 hours, which means changing not just equipment but the mindset of the team. It’s going to be a great challenge, one of our biggest tests in many years of racing.”

rolexfastnetrace.com

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