One of the world's most appealing industries in the world from a PR and marketing standpoint, yachting often appears as a relatively untouched field to the automotive industry. Yet, over the years, several players from that market tried to venture into yachting.

Whilst the avenues they took to compete in yachting ranged from simple concepts co-designed with shipyards to actual yachts built with partner yachting brands to outright acquisitions of stakes in shipyards, the perspective of a potential success in yachting has continued to excite car manufacturers for several decades.

Ferrari and family



Brands: Ferretti Group (13.2%)

The Italian sports car manufacturer's history in yachting stretches all the way back to 1990 with the delivery of the Riva Ferrari 32. In total, 30 hulls of this speedboat line styled by Ferrari were built. In 2016, a barely used model was auctioned off by Sotheby's in Monaco at a starting price of  €180,000. Powered by Vulcano engines, the boat can reach a top speed of 100 km/h.



Ferrari's most significant step into yachting seems to however have come in 2016, when Piero Ferrari, the son of Ferrari founder, Enzo Ferrari, bought 13.2% of Ferretti Group, the company behind brands such as Riva, CRN and Pershing. Controlled by Chinese conglomerate, Weichai, Ferretti Group posted earnings before tax of €11 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Porsche and family



Brands: Royal Falcon Fleet, Fearless, Kormaran

Partners: Dynamiq Yachts

Through its majority-owned subsidiary, Porsche Design Group, the German company first tried entering yachting with the Fearless 28, an 8.5-meter luxury speedboat reaching top speeds of up to 78 knots, four of which were built.

The German's sports car manufacturer's second attempt to enter yachting came in 2009 with the introduction of a concept for a 41-meter catamaran in combination with Royal Falcon Fleet, a now Swedish-based company that had developed the project for a fractional ownership program with a break down of about 10 owners per RFF135. 



The delivery of the first RF135 was however postponed first from Q4 2010 to 2012 and then later seemed to disappear from the map. Part-built, the catamaran is currently still lying in Oregrund, Sweden where Royal Falcon Fleet offices are now located.

In 2012, Peter Daniell Porsche, great-grandson of Porsche founder, Ferdinand Porsche became a partner in Kormaran, a company trying to bring to market a transforming watercraft capable of cruising in six different positions, including a monohull and a trimaran, which is set to retail for near to €1 million.



Following their delays with the RF135, Porsche design was ultimately able to put a yacht on the water. The first superyacht they designed to be built became the 35-meter GT115 built together with yachting upstart, Dynamiq Yachts. Delivered earlier this year, the GTT115 is now on the market asking €13,950,000.



The second largest model in the company's Gran Turismo Transatlantic range, after their 39m GTT 130, the launched 35m yacht has a beam of 7,1 meters and a shallow draft of just 1,45 meters letting the yacht access sheltered bays.

Built out of aluminium, the GT 115 can boasts 3  or 4 cabins for a total of 6 or 8 guests and carries a crew of 6. With a gross tonnage of 198 tons, she can reach a top speed if 21 knots and cruise for up to 3,400 nautical miles at 10 knots. At 9 knots, she consumes just 52 l/h. According to the shipyard, production of the GT 115 will be limited to 7 units to make the yacht a collector's item, with prices starting at €12,500,000, going up depending on customisation.

Mercedes-Benz




Partners: Baltic Yachts

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz, the famed German car manufacturer, introduced their first yacht designed by Mercedes-Benz Style, a 14-meter luxury speed boat nicknamed, Silver Arrow of the Seas. Powered by twin Yanmar engines of 480hp each, the yacht can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. With a price tag of near €2,5 million, only 10 of these boats will be manufactured at Baltic Yachts for this first edition.



Baltic Yachts will produce all the composite components for the Arrow460 Edition1 and be responsible for assembly.  Each yacht will be produced in Jakobstad using a ‘just in time’ manufacturing system, common motor industry practice noted for its streamlined efficiency. All partner companies in Silver Arrows Marine’s Network of Excellence supply chain will deliver direct to Baltic Yachts.

Aston Martin




Partners: Quintessence Yachts

In partnership with Quintessence Yachts, a boat builder based in the Netherlands, Aston Martin have introduced their first 37-foot luxury speedboat at the Monaco Yacht Show last year. Having spent two years in research and development, the A37 will come in two options with top speeds of either 50 or 45 knots.



All AM37s benefit from a unique sliding cockpit cover which can be remotely operated with a mobile app. Navigation, control monitor and entertainment systems are integrated within a 15’ touchscreen in the dashboard, with advanced functions to control the electric anchor, retractable bimini and retractable swim platform. Each of these phenomenal day cruisers is manufactured using the latest in composite technologies and features many carbon fibre mouldings, including the deck of the boat.


Bugatti




Partners: Palmer Johnson

The result of a partnership between French car manufacturer, Bugatti and former US shipyard, Palmer Johnson, the Niniette series features several models between 50 and 88 feet. Amongst the project's key amenities are a large sunbathing area on the main deck as well as a spacious living room and a large master cabin on the lower deck.



An advanced stabilized hull achieves speed with efficiency, whilst the super slim main hull means higher speeds with lower input power and fuel burn. Side sponsons give additional vessel beam and hence increased stability at rest. Bugatti Niniette 66 reaches a top speeds of 44 knots and has a shallow draft of 0.83 metres. 



"The Niniette is a genuine member of the Bugatti family. With its accentuated centre line and the duotone colour split of the exterior, it encompasses key elements of Bugatti’s heritage." explained Etienne Salomé, Design Director at Bugatti. "True to the company’s guiding design principle of ‘form follows performance’, the clear lines and dynamic stance of the yacht in combination with the characteristic, Bugatti signature line fused into the side profile of the boat are a reference to the recently launched Chiron. Even from a large distance when entering a port, the Niniette will always be recognized as a true Bugatti"

Lexus




Partners: Marquis-Carver Yacht Group

Lexus, a division of Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, had recently launched a concept for a 12.7-meter luxury speedboat built by Marquis-Carver Yacht Group in Wisconsin. The proof of concept could reach a top speed of 43 knots powered by twin 440hp Lexus engines but is not set to go into mass production.



The captain controls and monitors onboard systems from a color touchscreen panel at the helm; screens show GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The forward passenger cabin is inviting in luxurious Lexus leather with wood and glass details. A standing height, sofa seating for six with a table, and air conditioning create a comfortable environment for intimate entertaining.

Henrik Fisker



Partners: Benetti

The lead designer behind luxury electric car manufacturer, Fisker Automotive, Henrik Fisker partnered with Italian shipyard, Benetti, the shipyard delivering the most yachts per year in the world, on a 50-meter concept. 



Taking a new look at traditional yachts delivered by Benetti, the concept boasts a range of intriguing features. In addition to an open sundeck, with a round lounging area forward of the main deck, the yacht would feature a hot tub forward on the bow to utilise space more.



In addition to a large beach club created through folding platforms on either side and aft of the yacht, another intriguing feature of the concept is a master cabin on the bow of the yacht with floor-to-ceiling windows and a working fireplace.

Latest News

42m Song of Songs Listed for Sale
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
Sixteen Swan Yachts to Compete in 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race
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
Azimut Yachts Unveils Renovated Avigliana Headquarters
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
Ferretti Yachts Launches New 800 Model in Cattolica
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
Sanlorenzo Prepares SL110A Asymmetrical Yacht for Cannes Premiere
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