The inaugural Superyacht Summit Türkiye, which took place in Istanbul on November 30th, 2023, brought together 250 elite figures from the superyacht industry worldwide. Held in the Ciragan Palace, the summit attracted industry leaders not only from Türkiye but also from Europe, the US, and the Middle East, establishing it as a global gathering of significance.


Ciragan Palace

Against the opulent backdrop, the one-day summit featured a stellar line-up of speakers and industry experts.

“I was privileged to speak at the SST 2023 and be amongst such an illustrious panel of speakers. It was a real pleasure for me to see people of significant seniority and depth of expertise within the superyacht market gather in Istanbul. The overwhelming feeling is that we can't wait for the next edition, I highly recommend you make the journey in 2024,” says James Jaffa, CEO Jaffa & Co and one of the speakers at Superyacht Summit Türkiye.  


James Jaffa

The diverse range of topics covered included the current state of the Turkish market, regulatory issues, charter, law, sustainability, branding, marketing, luxury tourism, and submersible technology. The presentations, conversations, and keynotes comprised a full day's program, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborative discussions among attendees.

Co-Founder of event organizers WeAreSuperyachts Oguz Bilgin added “The Superyacht Summit Türkiye stands as a catalyst for the ongoing expansion of the thriving Turkish market. Beyond being a meeting of minds, the summit represents a strategic intersection where expertise, innovation, and collaborative spirit meet. It's the dynamic that keeps the magic happening in the world of yachting. 


David Seal

The summit boasted C-suite attendance from all major Turkish shipyards, brokerages, lawyers, designers, and subcontractors. Approximately 20 superyacht captains and some yacht owners were also present, alongside the active participation of major Turkish associations, including YATED, TYBA, and YBA. The summit spanned a full day, running from 9 am to 8 pm, ensuring ample time for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Commenting on the resounding success of the summit, Bogdan Gusarev expressed, "Our mission was to bring industry leaders together to connect, learn, and explore better business practices in Turkey while also fostering stronger ties with the global market. With over 30% of attendees joining from outside the country, I believe we've successfully achieved our goals.


TYBA members at the SST

Building on the resounding success of the 2023 event, event organizers WeAreSuperyachts announce the date and expansion of the Superyacht Summit Türkiye 2024 #SST2024, which will span two days on November 26th & 27th, 2024. The 2024 edition will feature a larger EXPO area, additional masterclasses, and even more networking opportunities. They are also proud to announce the first Superyacht Summit Adriatic, scheduled to take place in April 2024. 

Founded in 2023, WeAreSuperyachts is a young, dynamic superyacht events company founded by Bogdan Gusarev and Oguz Bilgin, who met at the YPY Turkey. Their mission is to facilitate connection and collaboration between global and local companies in Turkey and beyond. In 2024, they will host two further summits—the first Superyacht Summit Adriatic in Croatia in April 2024 and the 2nd annual Superyacht Summit Turkiye Istanbul in November.
 
Credits: WeAreSuperyachts

Latest News

 SX120 Crossover Unveiled by Sanlorenzo
Sanlorenzo has introduced its largest crossover yacht to date, the 36.5-meter SX120, featuring the first marine implementation of Volvo Penta's IPS Professional Platform. The yacht will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025.The SX120 represents a technical evolution in the Italian builder's crossover range, combining elements of flybridge and explorer yachts. Its key innovation is the IPS Professional propulsion system, utilizing four compact 1,000 HP engines in twin-pod configuration. This setup reduces engine room space by 30% compared to conventional systems while improving fuel efficiency through Volvo Penta's Eco Mode automation and Selective Catalytic Reduction emissions treatment.Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the 270 GT yacht features a 70 sqm transformable beach club with retractable swimming pool and opening side terraces. The four-deck layout includes: lower deck with four convertible guest cabins, crew quarters, and hammam, full-beam master suite with private bow patio, dining area for 14 located at the main deck, and 360-degree lounge convertible to media/play room at the upper deck. "The IPS Professional Platform allows unique design solutions for large yachts by reclaiming space typically dedicated to propulsion," said Sanlorenzo CEO Tommaso Vincenzi. The system enables a 15% reduction in fuel consumption at cruising speeds of 12 knots, with noise levels reduced by 7dB compared to traditional shaftline configurations.Construction utilizes advanced composites with carbon fiber reinforcement in high-load areas. The first hull features Lissoni's signature interior design with steel-clad central staircase, backlit master suite headboard, and ceramic marble-effect bathroom surfaces.Two additional SX120 units are currently in production, with delivery slots available from 2027. Pricing remains undisclosed, though industry analysts estimate base configuration costs exceeding €25 million. The model expands Sanlorenzo's SX line that began with the SX76 in 2017 and now represents 28% of the builder's order book.Volvo Penta Marine Sales VP Nicola Pomi noted: "The hydrodynamically optimized counter-rotating propellers reduce energy losses by 18% while improving low-speed maneuverability." The propulsion package includes integrated hybrid readiness for future battery retrofits.With 40% more exterior space than conventional motoryachts in its class, the SX120 offers 215 sqm of deck areas including a 45 sqm sun deck. Storage capacity accommodates a 5.5-meter tender and water toys in the garage.Sanlorenzo reports strong interest in the model from European and Asian markets, with the first unit destined for Mediterranean cruising. The builder currently has 17 yachts under construction across its SX, SP, and SD lines at its Ameglia and La Spezia facilities.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
Silent Yachts Launches 24m Solar-Electric SY80 Catamaran for Cannes Debut
Silent Yachts has launched its new 24.38-meter SY80 solar-electric catamaran, scheduled for world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14, 2025). The first unit, a sold 2-Deck configuration, features four guest cabins including master and VIP suites.The SY80 offers three layout options (2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, 3-Deck Closed) with customizable deck arrangements. The inaugural model includes a 360-degree helm station, panoramic saloon, and storage for water toys in a concealed garage. Performance specifications include a 12-knot top speed, 7-8 knot cruising speed, and solar array capacity of 22.4 kWp with 522-696 kWh battery options.Two additional 3-Deck versions have been sold. No pricing was disclosed. The Italian-built catamaran expands Silent Yachts' solar-powered range, following previous models like the SY60.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
Design Innovation Award 2025 Opens Nominations with Walter De Silva as Jury President
Nominations are now open for the sixth edition of the Design Innovation Award, recognizing international excellence in marine design and innovation. The award ceremony will take place on September 19, 2025, at Palazzo Ducale during the 65th Genoa International Boat Show (September 18-23).Automotive designer Walter De Silva, recipient of the Compasso d'Oro and former head of Volkswagen Group Design, will chair the jury. "This award highlights how innovation and design quality merge with sustainability and beauty," De Silva commented.Organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association and the Genoa Boat Show, the competition has grown from 40 submissions in 2020 to over 90 entries in recent editions. The award evaluates projects based on technological advancement, sustainability, and design quality.All exhibitors at the 2025 Genoa Boat Show are eligible to participate. No submission deadline has been specified.Credits: Genoa Boat Show
50m Camila Interior Revealed by Bilgin Yachts
Bilgin Yachts has revealed interior details of the 49.9-meter Camila, the second hull in its Bilgin 163 series, delivered in May 2024. The yacht was sold in 2023 to a U.S. client through FGI Yacht Group and Bilgin's commercial director Berkay Yılmaz.Unique Yacht Design developed the exterior, featuring extended deck spaces including a 21-meter sundeck and 12-meter bridge deck aft. Italian studio Hot Lab created the interior design, employing champagne, cream and pearl grey tones with wood, metal accents and Italian fabrics."The clean architectural volumes feature soft transitions between materials," said Hot Lab's Enrico Lumini. Notable elements include a full-height glass lobby partition, floating staircase, and sundeck skylight. The six-cabin layout includes a large beach club, with Bilgin claiming 20% more volume than comparable 48-meter yachts."Camila combines distinctive elegance with sportive exterior lines," said Yılmaz, noting the owner's active participation in the design process. No performance specifications or pricing details were disclosed. The first Bilgin 163 hull, Eternal Spark, was delivered in 2022.Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard on the European side of Istanbul, building 50 to 120m luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s.Credits: Bilgin Yachts
VisionF Yachts Prepares 14m Superfast 46 for Cannes Debut
VisionF Yachts has announced the near-completion of its new 14-meter Superfast 46 performance boat, capable of reaching 80 knots. The model will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 (September 9-14), with the first unit launching in coming weeks.The carbon fiber composite vessel features twin Mercury 450 HP Racing Sportmaster engines with Mercury's Active Trim system and Racing Revolution X propulsion. Its 3.7-meter beam and 0.47-meter draft combine with hydraulic steering and optional joystick controls for high-speed maneuverability.Technical specifications include 600-liter fuel capacity for approximately two hours of operation at maximum speed, Garmin 19" navigation displays, and a Fusion Apollo sound system. Safety systems comprise three bilge pumps and dual fire extinguishers.The Superfast 46 represents a new direction for VisionF, known primarily for luxury catamarans like its electric E-Cat series and aluminum models up to 47 meters. No pricing or delivery timelines beyond the Cannes presentation were disclosed. VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts