Industry News

On a serene Monday afternoon off the coast of Singapore's opulent Sentosa Island, Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer's $40 million super yacht, 'Australia', found itself in an unforeseen predicament as it ran aground, drawing attention away from its usual allure of luxurious features like jacuzzis, bars, and a VIP suite, to a scene of a maritime misadventure​. The 56-meter vessel, stuck less than a kilometer from the shore, became an unexpected spectacle for the locals and raised questions on the proficient navigation of such opulent vessels in the bustling Singapore Strait.

At the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, one of the largest boat builders in Europe, ARES Shipyard, unveiled its new superyacht brand: ARES YACHTS. With a long tradition of shipbuilding and sailing, ARES Shipyard has already built a solid reputation for its naval, utility and support vessels, having delivered over 230 vessels to more than 15 countries to date. Now, the shipyard is looking to expand further into the luxury yachting arena.

ARES YACHTS will benefit from its parent company's exceptional facilities, which include carpentry, composite, metal, and electric workshops, all of which are equipped with the latest advanced technology and machinery. The combination of using both this existing production site alongside ARES Shipyard’s skilled workforce gives the newly established yachting brand a major advantage.

The Ultimate Luxe Experience in the Maldives Unveiled

The world of luxury travel has been enchanted once more, with the unveiling of the long-anticipated Soneva Secret resort. A three-decade dream now turned reality, this paradisiacal destination is nestled in the heart of Dhipparufushi, a shimmering gem in the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll.

Pushing the boundaries of bespoke luxury, Soneva Secret offers not just pristine, azure waters teeming with marine life, but 14 exclusive villas, each unrivaled in privacy and opulence. Among these is the Maldives’ first-ever floating villa, promising unobstructed, mesmerizing ocean vistas.

Andalucía, Spain - In a major coup for the world of sailing, renowned Spanish sailor Alex Pella has announced his intention to challenge the Elcano Oceanic Trophy record in early 2025.

The Elcano Oceanic Trophy is a new competitive round-the-world sailing challenge trophy inspired by the first-ever circumnavigation of the planet, which was achieved by Spanish sailor Juan Sebastian Elcano over 500 years ago.

The westabout course, which will start and finish in Andalucía, Spain, follows in the wake of Elcano, who completed the first circumnavigation in September 1522 after taking command of the expedition originally led by Ferdinand Magellan who died during the 1,082-day voyage.

Miami's marine community was left in shock with the recent passing of Lolita, the Miami Seaquarium's beloved orca. Often referred to by names such as Toki, Tokitae, or Lolita the orca, her death after five decades of captivity prompts a deeper dive into the circumstances that encapsulate the life and plight of captive sea mammals.

Lolita's story began more than 50 years ago. She was captured from her native waters in Washington state at an estimated age of four. This Lolita whale soon became an attraction at the Miami Seaquarium, where she remained until her demise. Her capture alone set the stage for decades of controversy, especially as she hailed from the Puget Sound region. Orcas from this area were recognized as endangered species in 2005. Yet, the rights and protections that come with such a label have eluded orcas like Lolita in captivity.

Camper & Nicholsons is renowned for the exquisite yachts within its sales fleet, each bearing a distinct mark of craftsmanship and luxury. But today, there's something even more special to share - the recent addition of Eurus to their sales fleet. This hull #10 of the successful Benetti Mediterraneo 116' is represented by the esteemed sales advisor Tommaso Bilotta, and it represents a golden opportunity for discerning yacht lovers.

The Eurus, delivered in 2021, boasts striking exteriors designed by Cassetta Yacht Design, a well-renowned name in luxury yachts. Its sleek design is accentuated by floor-to-ceiling picture windows spanning three meters. These windows clearly distinguish the yacht's four decks in their architectural brilliance, allowing breathtaking, unobstructed views from every nook and corner of the interiors. But there's more to Eurus than meets the eye.

Against the glittering backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge once again brings together the brightest minds and innovators in yachting. Set to commence from 5-8 July 2023, the four-day event organized by the esteemed Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) offers a unique opportunity for students, professionals, and yachting enthusiasts to converge in the shared pursuit of sustainable maritime solutions.

Since its inception in 2014, the Challenge has continued to push the boundaries of eco-friendly nautical innovation. This year's event showcases approximately 50 boats from 46 teams from 25 nations, including 31 universities, demonstrating a robust international interest in clean energy alternatives for the maritime industry.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Shines Brightly After Rigorous Global Testing Programme

The extraordinary is now ordinary for the emblematic British luxury brand Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as it recently concluded a 2.5-million-kilometer testing program for its all-electric super coupé, Spectre. The electrifying luxury vehicle has undergone a meticulous lifestyle analysis designed to mimic and meet the demands of a Rolls-Royce client's lifestyle. The endeavor marks a bold step into an electrifying future that Charles Rolls, the brand’s co-founder, envisioned as early as 1900.

In what can be described as an unswerving commitment to excellence, the Rolls-Royce Spectre has triumphed over temperature extremes of -40°C to +50°C, simulating more than 400 years of use in over 50,000 total driven hours. The motor car's resilience was tested under various conditions, ranging from Arctic snow and ice to scorching deserts, mountainous terrains, and the hustle and bustle of global megacities.

Feadship's 10th Annual Rendezvous Leaves an Imprint on Haarlem and Amsterdam.

As a beacon of classic luxury, Feadship's vessels never fail to turn heads. From the 16th to the 18th of June, enthusiasts and spectators lining the quayside in Haarlem and Amsterdam were graced with an unforgettable sight: an impressive fleet of Feadship's classic vessels, all over thirty years old, parading in proud unity. This spectacle marked the 10th Feadship Heritage Fleet Rendezvous, an annual event that brings together proud owners of these timeless gems.

For three days, the Netherlands' charming waterways resonated with the spirit of nautical heritage. This year's event put Feadship's exemplary construction standards into the limelight and paid homage to the diligent owners who painstakingly maintain these stunning vessels.

As an ardent observer of the yacht industry, I am thrilled to bring to you news of a veritable icon that has just joined the Camper & Nicholsons charter fleet. Prepare to journey through time as you set sail aboard the magnificent sailing yacht, "Black Swan."

The history of the Black Swan is an intricate tapestry of design, craftsmanship, and ownership spanning over a century. Launched in 1899 from the prestigious Camper & Nicholsons Gosport shipyard, she was designed by the acclaimed Charles E. Nicholson.

The 40.2m classic beauty initially took to the seas as Brynhild, a commissioned piece by John Selwin Calverly, who dreamt of a yacht that was an all-rounder. She was not specifically designed for racing but was adept enough to participate in handicap classes. Charles E. Nicholson excelled at creating a yacht unrestricted by any rating rule, reflecting his innovative and inspired approach to yacht design.

Over the years, Brynhild transitioned hands multiple times, witnessing several modifications, including an engine installation and a conversion from a yawl to a ketch in 1937. That was when Brynhild transformed into the Black Swan, a name she carries with pride to date.

The azure canvas of the sea has a new contender, a sailing masterpiece named Grand Bleu Vintage. We at NAVIS Magazine are delighted to introduce you to this mesmerizing 29m CNB performance sailing yacht that has recently joined the Camper & Nicholsons sales fleet, showcasing a combination of performance, elegance, and pedigree craftsmanship.

Built by CNB in 2003, Grand Bleu Vintage has been meticulously maintained under the same ownership since 2005. She's been curated by an experienced Captain who ensures annual maintenance is conducted uncompromisingly, leaving her in a superb condition, ready for her new custodian.

This maritime marvel dons sleek exterior lines, the creative masterstroke of renowned designer Philippe Briand. Her aluminum hull and sophisticated 2019/2021 refit set her apart from her peers. The refit included the installation of a new main engine, two new generators, and a fresh sail wardrobe, preparing her to slice through the waves with renewed grace and power.

Unraveling the Enigma of the Missing Titan Submarine

Unsettling waves of uncertainty have swept across the globe as a privately owned submarine, the Titan, run by OceanGate Expeditions, mysteriously disappeared in the North Atlantic on a Sunday morning. The intended destination? The eerie, silent world of the Titanic wreckage. On board were five souls: Stockton Rush, the company's CEO and founder, along with esteemed British adventurer Hamish Harding, celebrated French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Shahzada Dawood, a prominent Pakistani businessman, accompanied by his 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood.

In the luxury yachting landscape, few news can generate as much buzz as an elegant addition to the prestigious Camper & Nicholsons fleet. Today, we are thrilled to report such an announcement, as the magnificent Taiji, a Sanlorenzo SL102A, proudly joins the renowned broker's Central Agency sales portfolio.

This extraordinary vessel is represented by the seasoned sales advisor, Maël Fiolet, who brings an unparalleled understanding of the industry and a passion for first-class service.

Delivered in 2021 and in an immaculate as-new condition, Taiji stands as a testament to Sanlorenzo’s revolutionary Asymmetric design. Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman, it's adorned with a wealth of extra features, enhancing its appeal and solidifying its reputation as a yacht of exceptional specification.

In the silent, haunting depths of the North Atlantic, the RMS Titanic rests, a monument to human ambition and the indomitable forces of nature. A recent digital scan of the shipwreck has unveiled a startling discovery – a necklace bearing the tooth of a Megalodon, the prehistoric leviathan of our oceans. This unexpected find, nestled amidst the Titanic's rusting remains, has ignited a renewed fascination in the world's scientific and luxury communities alike.

The technology facilitating this discovery is a triumph of human ingenuity. Marine scientists utilized Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) equipped with high-resolution imaging systems, capable of penetrating the gloomy abyss of the ocean floor. The use of sonar mapping and 3D imaging allowed for the creation of a detailed model of the wreck, right down to individual artifacts scattered on the seabed.

Camper & Nicholsons, the renowned beacon of yachting excellence, has recently declared their latest triumph in yacht brokerage - adding the magnificent Felicità to their sales fleet. This majestic masterpiece, from the revered yacht sales advisor Tommaso Bilotta, offers an exceptional blend of luxury, design, and cutting-edge enhancements.

Felicità, a shining jewel from the successful Benetti series, exemplifies timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Built between 2000 and 2006, this range has graced the seas with 27 such iconic beauties. The Felicità, after a thorough refit in 2022, has re-emerged with a renewed radiance, restoring her to her original 35m glory.

The eternal charm of Felicità's exterior, conceived by the esteemed Stefano Righini, is matched by an interior designed by Francois Zuretti. The result is a captivating balance of design and practicality. Significant investments from the owners have propelled this yacht into a league of her own, with every upgrade maintaining an incredibly high standard.

The realm of luxury yachts has witnessed a recent evolution in style and ownership. The 27.84m (91' 4") Sonny III, a marvel of maritime engineering hailing from the esteemed Brooklin Boat Yard, Maine, United States, has changed hands. The transaction was expertly handled by Andrew LeBuhn of C&N, representing the seller, while Robert Dubsky of Yacht Masters diligently represented the buyer.

Sonny III's new chapter began in 2018 when she was launched, initially as a high-performance cruiser. Built with an experienced owner in mind, she soon attracted the attention of a prominent figurehead in the superyacht industry. With a fresh vision for Sonny III, her previous owner envisioned an upgrade that would truly make her stand out in the sea of luxurious yachts.

Today, Sonny III is more than a cruiser – she is a top-tier racing vessel equipped with a state-of-the-art racing package. The transformation of the yacht under the guidance of her previous owner is a testament to the evolution of luxury yachting and the desire to push the boundaries of comfort and performance.

In the world of luxury yachts, where exquisite design, superior craftsmanship, and unrivaled quality define the playing field, the sale of a noteworthy vessel always stirs the seas of the industry. Today, we recount such a story, the tale of the stunning Feadship yacht Callisto, which recently found a new harbor to call home.

Masterfully brokered by industry veterans Alex Lees-Buckley of Camper & Nicholsons and Bruce Brakenhoff of Edmiston USA, this sale marks a pivotal transition. Lees-Buckley, a C&N senior sales broker, expertly represented the seller, while Brakenhoff, renowned for his knack for the perfect buyer-seller match, was instrumental in introducing the buyer.

Callisto, a gem among yachts, emerged from the esteemed shipyards of De Vries Feadship in 2006. With its impressive length of 65.20 meters (214 feet), this floating marvel was home to 6 luxurious cabins, providing luxurious accommodation for 12 guests and a crew of 16.

The Power of Nature: Carnival Cruise Ship Braves Storm off Charleston Coast

In a recent and stunning example of nature's fury, a Carnival cruise ship, the Carnival Sunshine, was caught in a relentless storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. The storm, an unexpected non-tropical low-pressure system, churned up gusty winds and dangerous surf, causing hours of distress for passengers and crew alike.

In the realm of exquisite megayachts, a new masterpiece is currently taking shape. CRN, renowned for its expertise and craftsmanship, is bringing to life the CRN M/Y 143-Project Maranello—a bespoke 67-meter steel and aluminum megayacht. With its captivating design and meticulous construction, this vessel promises to be a harmonious blend of opulence, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

The CRN M/Y 143 combines the unrivaled design and build quality of CRN with the creativity of the esteemed Nuvolari Lenard studio. This collaboration ensures that every aspect of the yacht perfectly reflects the owner's vision and specifications. From the taut, fluid, and aerodynamic lines to the luxurious interiors, no detail is overlooked in creating a vessel that exudes style and sophistication.

As the construction progresses, the hull has been relocated to the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, where skilled artisans meticulously attend to the carpentry, fitting-out, machinery, and onboard systems. Every stage of production occurs in perfect symbiosis, much like the instruments in a symphony orchestra, building towards the crescendo—the completion of a magnificent work of art.