Ares Yachts Appoints Northrop & Johnson as Exclusive Broker for 62m Simena

The yacht charter market in 2024 has kicked off with a bang, with clients clamoring for more destinations, excursions, and toys. We caught up with the Denison charter team to uncover the latest trends in yacht vacations. Kristina Gagliardi, Jennifer Saia, Megan Cashmore, and Nadia Martinez from Denison shared their insights.This year, chartering is all about the toys. Guests are requesting a variety of toys, but two stand out: e-foils and slides. "Toy lists are pretty specific sometimes," says Kristina. "Clients want the e-foils or slides, especially those who have spent hours enjoying them in the past."Nadia and Megan echo this sentiment, highlighting the popularity of e-foils and slides. "People love e-foils," Megan enthuses. "Slides are also a big hit. It's all about the toys. Clients choose yachts based on the toys they offer."In addition to toys, clients are seeking unique destinations. "Croatia, with its off-the-beaten-path allure and moderate VAT, has become increasingly popular," shares Kristina. "Greece remains a perennial favorite, with its island-hopping experiences."Jennifer notes a growing interest in extreme destinations like the Faroe Islands and the Galapagos. "Clients are seeking unique experiences, and yacht charters offer the perfect platform to explore these remote locales," she explains.Nadia highlights the surge in last-minute inquiries for destinations like the British Virgin Islands and New England. "Water temperature is a crucial factor," she emphasizes. "Guests want to enjoy water activities, so destinations with warmer waters are preferred."While amenities like hot-tubs remain popular, Nadia advises flexibility. "Focus on the overall experience rather than specific features," she suggests. "Consider alternative amenities like swimming areas."Exciting innovations are also emerging in onboard dining. "Chef provisions, akin to gourmet meal kits, are gaining traction," Nadia reveals. "These solutions streamline meal preparation, enhancing the dining experience."The charter market continues to evolve, offering more options and customizations than ever before. Denison is at the forefront of this evolution, delivering unique vacations tailored to every client's desires.As the summer season unfolds, yacht charter enthusiasts can look forward to unforgettable experiences on the high seas, complete with thrilling toys, breathtaking destinations, and unparalleled luxury. It's time to set sail and embark on the ultimate adventure.Credits: Denison Yachting

The Italian Sea Group (TISG) announces the sale of the fifth Admiral 50 meters C.617 from its esteemed "semi-custom" series, destined for the azure waters of the Gulf in the UAE."Following the recent sale of the fourth yacht in the series, the commercial triumph of TISG in the semi-custom projects segment is evident," remarks Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The design ethos of the Admiral 50m emphasizes seamless transitions between internal and external spaces, fostering a harmonious dialogue across expansive volumes and intricate structural details. The interiors, curated by the TISG Style Centre, exude sophistication and warmth through the meticulous selection of luxurious materials such as wood, stone, and refined metals.A standout feature of the project is the strategic layout of the guest and owner cabins, with the owner's area situated on the upper deck, offering panoramic views on three sides and a private deck at the bow, while all guest cabins are located on the main deck with ample windows providing stunning vistas of the surrounding seascape.With a voluminous 499 GT, the Admiral 50m yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, complemented by two additional lounge rooms that can be converted into extra cabins on the lower deck.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group

Lusben's Viareggio shipyard witnessed the technical launch of M/Y Sofia 3, marking the culmination of extensive refurbishment and modification work on the 42-meter Baglietto vessel. The project, undertaken by Lusben, encompasses a range of enhancements spanning from structural alterations to mechanical updates and aesthetic refinements.Following her unveiling at Lusben's facility, Sofia 3 is poised for the commencement of fitting-out operations. The collaboration between the discerning owners of this magnificent superyacht, crafted by Baglietto, and the Viareggio-based Shipyard, has been a multi-year endeavor. Initially engaging Lusben in 2018, the owners entrusted the yard with significant tasks, including a substantial stern extension and the installation of a pop-out transformer before the yacht's relocation to the United States. In November 2022, additional enhancements were commissioned, reflecting the owners' unwavering confidence in Lusben, leading to a comprehensive seven-month project duration, further extended to encompass a series of upgrades.Notable transformations include the application of an elegant dark grey hue to the hull and superstructure, accentuated by ceilings adorned with wood-like paint, infusing a sense of warmth and originality. The sundeck layout at the bow underwent modifications, featuring a new sofa and teak deck, while outdoor ceilings were revamped with marine ply panelling, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Structural interventions addressed water infiltration and corrosion issues, with significant glazing replacements, including the wheelhouse windows.With these enhancements completed, Sofia 3 stands poised for interior outfitting, guided by designs crafted by Viareggio-based firm La Mandragola, promising an exquisite interior tailored to complement her enhanced exterior allure.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben

With delivery just weeks away, the anticipation surrounding the unveiling of the Zeelander 8, the latest flagship from the renowned Dutch yachting brand, is palpable. Work is in full swing at the Groot Ammers-based shipyard, strategically located a short drive from Rotterdam airport, as craftsmen meticulously craft the vessel to perfection, aiming for a July delivery to kick off its new life along the glamorous French Riviera.Zeelander's meticulous moulding process has rendered extensive fairing unnecessary, allowing the hull to effortlessly pass through the paint booth. Adorned in Porsche rhodium silver, complemented by striking orange and flag blue lines at the waterline, the Zeelander 8's sleek 79-foot hull boasts flawless, gleaming perfection.The superstructure, designed to accommodate a sophisticated social space at the main deck level, exudes elegance in pearl white. The inaugural Zeelander 8 features a custom main deck salon, curated to offer unparalleled relaxation and dining experiences for the discerning owner. Positioned for optimal visibility, the helm boasts hand-stitched leather seating and an unobstructed view through a mullion-free windscreen.The next milestone involves uniting the hull and deck, a pivotal engineering feat that breathes life into the Zeelander 8. Thereafter, the focus shifts to the interior transformation, where skilled craftsmen will meticulously craft a haven of tranquility and exquisite styling.As the Zeelander 8 embarks on its journey to the south of France, it epitomizes Zeelander's prowess in boatbuilding, showcasing tens of thousands of work hours and a myriad of disciplines, from engineering to craftsmanship. Above all, it embodies a singular vision of the yachting experience, marked by purity and luxury."We are immensely proud of the Zeelander 8 project," remarks Zeelander founder Sietse Koopmans. "Born from a loyal client's desire for a larger yacht, the Zeelander 8 seamlessly integrates the iconic Zeelander aesthetic with expanded interior volumes, all without compromising performance. With the ability to reach speeds of 40 knots while maintaining exceptional soundproofing, this yacht promises an unparalleled yachting experience across the Golfe de la Napoule."Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. With the addition of the Zeelander 8, Zeelander Yachts' range now encompasses four models: Zeelander 5, Zeelander 6, Zeelander 7, and the upcoming flagship Zeelander 8.Credits: Zeelander Yachts

ISA Yachts announced that the ISA Sportiva 66-meter project, currently being crafted in Ancona, has entered the outfitting phase, marking a significant milestone in its development.Derived from the esteemed naval engineering of M/Y OKTO, renowned for its innovation and contemporary design, the ISA Sportiva 66-meter exemplifies the shipyard's expertise elevated to new heights. With a modern interpretation, the vessel embraces ISA Yachts' distinctive design elements, including the iconic arches connecting the decks and the circular entrance hall, while infusing a sporty allure with its setback superstructure and distinctive reverse bow.Crafted by the esteemed Nuvolari Lenard studio, the ISA Sportiva 66-metre boasts captivating exteriors and interiors, complemented by ISA Yachts' technical office's meticulous naval engineering.Notable features include a spacious scenic swimming pool on the aft deck, a gym, and a custom pool on the sun deck, promising unparalleled luxury and relaxation. Scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026, the vessel accommodates the Owner's cabin and a guest cabin on the main deck, with four additional double cabins below deck.The lower deck forward houses accommodation for a crew of 15 across eight cabins, with the Captain's cabin situated on the upper deck. Equipped with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the ISA Sportiva 66-meter is powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines, enabling impressive speeds of up to 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots.Dedicated to producing forward-thinking superyachts made only with superior quality materials, ISA Yachts is a leading global superyacht and megayacht builder. Every ISA superyacht is uniquely designed to her owner’s briefs, and is built using the highest technology, the best quality materials and the finest furnishings and finishes. Currently in build are two 80-meter projects due to become the new ISA Yachts flagships. ISA Yachts is part of Palumbo Superyachts, which also includes: Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Extra Yachts.Credits: ISA Yachts