One of several anomalies that were present in the yachting market shortly before the 2008 crisis, yacht flipping had rapidly gained momentum before disappearing within weeks. Now, the trend is starting to reappear on a larger class of vessels.
Demand was so strong back in 2006-2007, that an already built superyacht was selling at a premium over a newbuild as clients had to wait to get the newer yacht. Exploiting the arbitrage opportunity, a portion of UHNWIs started ordering yachts and selling them before or shortly after they hit the water to a cohort of impatient buyers.
Some realised this method could yield even greater results if ordering multiple yachts at the same time from a shipyard to gain volume discounts. Perhaps the most noticeable of these projects was one led by real estate developer Warren E Halle.
In 2003, the American entrepreneur ordered a 67-meter Lurssen codenamed Project Marlin, now named Apoise, which he sold in 2006 for €65 million to Canadian entrepreneur David Ritchie. The year prior, he had ordered another 2 yachts of similar size, Project Shark and Project Nemo, both for €48 million a piece. In 2008, he sold Project Nemo for €71.500.000, with her new owner renaming her to St Nicholas.
The 3rd yacht, Project Shark, became known as Martha Ann, which Warren Halle kept for his personal use. Stretching over 70-meters the yacht had a standard 6-cabin layout and an exterior by Espen Oeino. Halle ultimately sold the yacht in early 2019 at an asking price of $79 million, with her owner renaming the yacht to Horizons III.
Shortly after the completion of Halle's 3 Lurssens, yacht flipping was widely considered to be extinct with demand for brokerage yachts falling well below its past levels and failing to recover to pre-crisis levels to this day. Amongst megayachts, the trend is, however, starting to reappear within the past quarters.
Graeme Hart, New Zealand's richest man, placed an order for the 107-meter Ulysses in 2013, at Kleven, a commercial shipyard, with designers at the time saying it was picked thanks to its quality standards, delivery times and price point. Later in November 2014, Hart placed an order for a larger, 116-meter version of Ulysses.
Amongst Ulysses's key features are a 21m tender, lifted by specially designed cranes onto the foredeck, an 11m x 5m swimming pool, a large jacuzzi, a sauna, a gym and a massage room. Listed for sale shortly following her delivery in 2016, the yacht was ultimately sold in 2017 at an asking price of €155 million. The 116-meter Ulysses was sold in 2019 at an undisclosed price.
Whilst Halle's and Hart's projects differ in size, it could be argued that the 70-meters a decade ago rivalled in standing today's 100-meter yachts. The entry barrier to the world's largest 100 yacht list has indeed been increased from 65 to 85 meters. This could make yacht flipping one of several signs in yachting that a recession could be coming.
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
June 26, 2025