The 2019 has made a significant impact on the yachting industry not only through multiple megayachts delivered during the year, but also with several yacht losses. Yacht Harbour recalls some of the most striking episodes causing yacht losses in 2019.
#1. 40m Baltic sailing yacht My Song falls from cargo ship
On May 25, the sailing superyacht My Song from Baltic 130 line fell from the cargo ship that was carrying her across the Atlantic, from the Caribbean to the Balearics. The vessel was hauled out to Palma de Mallorca, ahead of her owner's confirmation of being 'not salvageable’.
Yacht transport company Peters & May that was responsible for the transportation, released an official statement in response, claiming that My Song might have fallen due to the collapse of her cradle. Photographs and videos taken showed extensive damage to the yacht, with several holes in the hull.
The winner of last year's Loro Piana Rehatta, My Song’s crew set a new speed record during the RORC Transatlantic Race last December. The journey of 3,000 nautical miles from the Canary Islands to Grenada took 10 days, 5 hours, 47 minutes and 11 seconds for the crew — almost 1 hour and 20 minutes less than the previous record of 2015. Sails, rising on the 56-metre mast, accelerated My Song to 30 knots.
#2. Hurricane Dorian
Photo: Reuters
The devastating Hurricane Dorian that had hit the North of the Bahamas this September, has been already called one of the strongest Atlantic storms in history. The strongest wind blows of up to 82.5 m/s were taken by the Islands of Abaco and the Island of Grand Bahama, bearing reported death toll of 70, with 282 people still missing.
The US NATIONAL Hurricane Tracking Center assigned Dorian the highest fifth category, Catastrophic. It has caused significant damages to homes, businesses and other buildings and marine infrastructure. Media sources report, the reconstruction of such ports as Marsh Harbour will run into billions of dollars.
The pictures of the disaster meanwhile show numerous yachts and other craft driven ashore through the storm. Only Marsh Harbour had nearly 30 boats based there at the time of storm, with not all of them being moved in time.
On November 16th, properties at Fort Lauderdale went on fire, leading to destruction of two superyachts, the 49-metre Lohengrin and 32.6-metre Reflections. According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the estimated loss from the fire amounts to over $20 million representing “the biggest fire loss in Fort Lauderdale history”.
The city fire marshal reported, the fire broke out in the morning, with loud explosions waking up residents. Allegedly, the blaze started on-board Lohengrin and spread to a neighbouring Reflections. It is understood that the two yachts were under maintenance and refit work at the time of the fire.
Reportedly, around 100 firefighters from several agencies were called out to the blaze. Many cellphone videos spread on social media witnessed flames going out, with huge plumes of smoke in the air. However, the fire brigade managed to bring it under control.
#4. 55m superyacht Lady D totally burnt down in Thailand
Photo by Achadtaya Chuenriran
In the early hours of August 7, the 56.39-metre superyacht Lady D, anchored at Phuket Grand Marina, Thailand, caught fire. All crew members left the ship safely but the vessel totally burnt down.
According to the report of the municipal mayor of Paklok, the fire started at the stern of Lady D, quickly spreading over the upper floors despite the crew’s attempts to stop it using fire extinguishers.
From the pictures, it seems that the damage done by the fire is beyond repair, and the owner and the insurance might decide to send it to scrap. Meanwhile, Phuket Marine Office Chief Wiwat Chitchertwong told the media, the value of the damage done would amount to nearly B240 million, or $7.8 billion, according to what they had heard from the marina.
#5. 34-metre yacht D'Angleterre burnt down in the Mediterranean Sea
The fire on-board the 34-metre yacht D'Angleterre occurred on August 24 off the coast of Mallorca in Spain. At the time of the fire, 15 people were on board, all of them were rescued. Multiple photos and videos of the fire depict the back of the yacht blazing with fire, and thick clouds of black smoke rising into the sky.
#6. 29m sailing yacht Asia sunk in Indonesian waters
On November 22, the 29-metre sailing yacht Asia with 4 crew members on board sank 50 miles off Indonesian coast. Reportedly, the vessel hit an undefined object in the water. The crew had managed to sail a lifeboat to land, where they were found undamaged marine police 8 hours later.
Asia was designed by Don Brooke and built by Culham Engineering in 2009. With a beam of 7.5 metres and a draft of 3 metres, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Her interior volumes of 135 GT enables accommodation of 10 guests across 5 cabins. The yacht is powered by Gardner engines to a maximum speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 8 knots.
The vessel was listed for sale with Fraser asking $2,900,000. On November 23, she was withdrawn from the market.
#7. The 1883-built sailing ship Elbe No 5 sinks near Hamburg
A 36.8-metre wooden sailboat Elbe No. 5 just launched after restoration, sank on the Elbe River near Hamburg, Germany. The vessel collided with a 142-metre Astrosprinter dry cargo ship flying the flag of Cyprus on June 9, according to CNN.
Despite quick evacuation via rescue boats, several people of the 43 (including 14 crew members) on-board the vessel were injured in the collision and taken to local hospitals. The causes of the incident were being investigated.
The 42.2-meter motor yacht Song of Songs has entered the market at EUR22,888,000 through Camper & Nicholsons, with Chief Commercial Officer Asia Julien Solari and Sales Broker Della Pearce representing the central agency. The vessel is also available for charter in Southeast Asia.Constructed in 2023 by Heysea Yachts as the first model on their Asteria 139 platform, Song of Songs was designed in collaboration with VYD Studio. The 431GT yacht features a semi-displacement hull powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, achieving a top speed of 19 knots with a 2,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots cruising speed.The yacht's layout accommodates twelve guests across six cabins, including an upper deck master suite with private aft terrace, a main deck secondary master, and three VIP suites plus one convertible cabin on the lower deck. Crew quarters provide for seven staff members.Notable amenities comprise a 120 square meter sun deck with hardtop-covered dining area and bar, a main deck beach club with transformer platform, and a forward lounge area featuring a hot tub. The contemporary interior design utilizes light oak joinery and marble finishes throughout the living spaces.With 26,300 liters of fuel capacity and average consumption of 320 liters per hour at cruising speed, the yacht is equipped for extended voyages. A 120KVA Kohler generator handles onboard power requirements. The vessel's design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extensive glazing and multiple al fresco entertainment areas.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
July 25, 2025
Nautor Swan will field sixteen yachts in this year's Rolex Fastnet Race, representing nearly the entire production history of the Finnish builder. The fleet includes models ranging from classic Sparkman & Stephens designs to contemporary German Frers creations.The 100th edition of the 695-nautical-mile race begins July 26 from Cowes, Isle of Wight, with a record 451 entries from 34 nations. The course passes Fastnet Rock off Ireland before finishing in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.At a pre-race reception hosted by Nautor Swan Global Service at the Royal Air Force Yacht Club in Hamble, the all-female crewed Swan 46 Anne Bonny received the Spirit of Swan Award. The yacht is sailed by Belgian team "Swanne Bonny."Notable entrants include:Coco De Mer (Swan 62RS)Truwen (Swan 38)Galiana Withsecure (Swan 55)Miri (Swan 48)The participation follows recent Swan successes including ClubSwan 125 Skorpios' 2021 line honors victory and Swan 441 Best Buddies' dual handicap win at the Aegean 600. Simultaneously, the new ClubSwan 28 makes its competitive debut at Lake Garda.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
July 25, 2025
Azimut|Benetti Group has completed the renovation of its corporate headquarters in Avigliana, Italy, representing a €50 million investment in the historic facility. The project was inaugurated on July 24 by Chair Giovanna Vitelli and CEO Marco Valle, along with Avigliana Mayor Andrea Archinà and approximately 1,500 employees.The redesign was led by AMDL CIRCLE and architect Michele De Lucchi, who oversaw the restyling of the main building and construction of a new multifunctional pavilion. Settanta7 handled the complete renovation of employee offices, implementing modern workspace configurations to facilitate collaboration. The project included significant upgrades to the building's energy efficiency systems.The new metallic-clad entrance pavilion creates a visual dialogue with the original 1990s structure designed by Gabetti & Isola. Floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout the complex reflects Azimut's nautical design philosophy, mirroring the company's 2003 innovation of replacing portholes with hull glazing. Three panoramic meeting rooms - named Gogamigoga, Goga and Goghina after founder Paolo Vitelli's boats - offer views of the Sacra di San Michele landmark.A new Virtual Reality center serves as the technical hub of the facility, allowing the Style and Technical Offices to collaborate on yacht designs and enabling owners to customize layouts through immersive technology. The workspace redesign eliminates traditional hierarchical office structures in favor of open, transparent environments with shared workspaces."The new pavilion honors our 50-year history while projecting our future," said Giovanna Vitelli. "Like the Louvre pyramid, it represents changing times while respecting the past."The renovated headquarters will become fully operational in September 2025. The project maintains the facility's original architectural character while incorporating modern workplace design principles. No operational disruptions are anticipated during the transition period.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group
July 25, 2025
The first unit of the Ferretti Yachts 800 was launched on July 18 at the company's Cattolica shipyard. Measuring 24.47 meters in length with a 5.91-meter beam, the model completes the brand's flybridge range renewal initiated in 2018.Developed by Ferretti Group's Engineering Department and the Strategic Product Committee chaired by Piero Ferrari, the yacht features exterior design by architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors by Ideaeitalia. A version with shortened swim platform (maintaining 24-meter overall length) will be available for French market compliance.The main deck incorporates a 7-square-meter beach area with glass parapet, connecting to a crew section with three cabins accessible via portside walkway. Interior spaces feature 2-meter ceilings and extensive glazing, with the showcased unit displaying Classic styling with warm tones. The layout includes a living area with corner sofa, separate dining space with galley access, and isolated crew circulation paths.Accommodations comprise a master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins totaling eight berths, all with en-suite bathrooms. The 40-square-meter flybridge offers an al fresco dining area, bar unit, and flexible aft lounge space.The inaugural unit is powered by twin 1800 hp MAN V12 engines, achieving a top speed of 31 knots and cruising at 27 knots. The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 24, 2025
Sanlorenzo will debut its new 33-meter SL110A motor yacht at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The vessel represents the latest iteration of the shipyard's asymmetrical design series, following previous SL102A and SL106A models.Developed in collaboration with Zuccon International Project for exterior design and Piero Lissoni for interiors, the SL110A combines structural innovation with performance capabilities reaching 27 knots. The asymmetrical hull configuration provides 15% more interior volume compared to conventional designs through strategic spatial planning, including staggered port and starboard gangways that maximize usable area."The asymmetry is not just aesthetic: it unlocks greater interior space, uninterrupted views, and a feeling of openness that transforms life on board," stated Sanlorenzo CEO Tommaso Vincenzi.The yacht's redesigned bow area replaces traditional anchor storage with an integrated sea-facing terrace and swimming pool. Retractable bulwarks create 8 square meters of additional deck space when anchored, while a pivoting stern platform accommodates both tender and jet ski storage. The full-beam master suite spans 45 square meters with direct access to the foredeck pool area.Interior accommodations include five cabins for 10 guests, with two convertible twin/double staterooms. Crew quarters provide six berths in three cabins with a separate mess area. Material selections feature Calacatta marble, resin-finished ceilings, and engineered wood paneling throughout living spaces.Bernardo Zuccon of Zuccon International Project noted: "Asymmetry on SL110A is not simply a formal gesture - but a tool to reshape the spatial harmony onboard." The design eliminates 30% of traditional structural obstructions compared to previous models, improving sightlines across 210 square meters of total deck area.Technical enhancements include upgraded sound insulation in engine compartments and improved stabilization systems. The flybridge offers configurable layouts as either sun lounge or dining space, while the main deck lounge incorporates sliding glass walls that expand to create a 22 square meter waterside terrace when stationary.Production will continue at Sanlorenzo's La Spezia facility, with the Cannes display model being the first of six scheduled builds for 2026 delivery. Base pricing starts at €18 million before customization options. The SL110A represents the continued development of Sanlorenzo's asymmetrical series, which currently accounts for 40% of the shipyard's motor yacht orders.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
July 24, 2025