1. How Russian oligarchs shaped the yachting industry
Photo by Julien Hubert
Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, some Russians were able to amass vast fortunes putting them amongst the richest men in the world. According to Forbes, Russia currently has 77 billionaires despite the country's current economic crisis. In the past two decades, these oligarchs have been instrumental to the development of the yachting industry, setting a new benchmark as to what could be considered to be a megayacht. Here are some of the most advanced and industry-leading yachts that were commissioned by Russian oligarchs over the past two decades.
Photo by Guillaume Ettori
Pelorus is a luxury motor yacht, built by Lurssen in 2003 to a Tim Heywood exterior design and Terence Disdale interior style. Measuring 114.5m, the vessel was commissioned by a Saudi Arabian billionaire before Roman Abramovich bought it at launch. Pelorus' highlights include two swimming pools and the vast sea-level platform that is created by opening the transom, as well as two helicopter pads. Other features include a movie theatre, dance floor, gym, spa and Jacuzzi.
British yacht designer Andy Waugh presented the 45m concept named Revolution. As with the projects Expedition, Epiphany and Nouveau, the new concept pushes the boundaries of yacht styling. According to the designer, "it should appeal to the kind of client who is bored by traditional yachts and wants to stand out in the crowd and make a bold statement".
Eddie Jordan, the former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix Formula 1 team and current Top Gear co-presenter, has put his 47m yacht, Blush up for sale. Represented by Camper and Nicholsons International, Blush's asking price has been set at £19,500,000.
Photo by Kurt Arrigo
Heesen Yachts has shared the new images of recently delivered superyacht Amore Mio. Official photoshoot of the 45m vessel took place in Gozo and Comino, Malta.
Photo by Julien Hubert
The most innovative yacht from Feadship, 83.5m Savannah, has been spotted in the South of France. Launched in January 2015, she was built by the Dutch yard to a design of CG Design in collaboration with Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects. The superyacht hosts a nine-metre swimming pool, an underwater lounge at port side, where guests can watch fish swim past, and a cinema. Moreover, Savannah boasts an exceptionally high-end tender bay finished in teak with a hatch that doubles as a mooring platform. After docking, guests can walk inside the garage and take the stairs straight up to the main deck.
Dennis Ingemansson is a Swedish superyacht designer, who is behind the 50m concept Follow the Sun, made in collaboration with the Turkish shipyard NedShip Group. The concept focuses on ecological solutions such as 160+ square meters solar cells area and hybrid solution with additional e-engines for propulsion during slow cruising.
Italian shipyard Overmarine is proud to announce the launch of 42m Mangusta Oceano. The yacht was presented at the launch ceremony on 4th June and was attended by her owner and the mayor of Pisa. Alberto Mancini designed the vessel and put an emphasis on creating an open experience with the glazed surfaces becoming a source of natural light. The yacht's key feature is a sunbathing area with a swimming pool hosting an infinity-style waterfall.
Photo by Julien Hubert
Recently delivered Feadship vessel, 66.25m Vanish, has been spotted in Antibes after being seen in London last month. Styled by Eidsgaard Design, she is another superyacht which the Dutch yard has made in collaboration with the London-based studio following such projects as Tango and Halo. One of her highlights includes the large free-standing staircase that is flanked by a glass wall in the full-height atrium. Vanish also boasts two touch and go helipads and an outdoor cinema.
When one thinks of sports and physical activity onboard a superyacht, one's mind typically jumps to watersports or gym-based workouts. However, as owners' expectations grow with regards to the amenities that they require, new sports have made their way onto the water.
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