Yachting Magazine

02/21/2025

Baglietto has launched the 133-foot L’Instant. It’s the first hybrid-propulsion Dom 133 from the Italian builder, and the first of what are expected to be eight yachts launching this year.

Exteriors on L’Instant are by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Leonardo Santi.

The hybrid propulsion system is made with Lloyd’s Register-certified components. It includes a diesel endothermic engine and what Baglietto calls an “ultra compact hybrid unit” fitted with an electrical motor installed between the main engine and the gearbox.

The two Caterpillar C32 Acert diesel engines are compatible with HVO biofuels from renewable energy sources, and the electrical propulsion motor can be used for silent cruising and as a shaft generator system to optimize consumption, reducing the number of operating hours of the traditional diesel gensets.

When the yacht is in full electric mode, according to Baglietto, the high-energy-density battery packs allow for nine hours at anchor with zero emissions, in complete silence.

The interior is also highly customized and includes a focus on sustainability, with carpets and fabrics obtained by recycling plastic found in the ocean, and from regenerated industrial waste. Baglietto satisfied numerous owner requests, including moving the galley from the main deck to the lower deck, making room for a VIP stateroom that can be accessed from the central lobby. The VIP and the master stateroom, which is forward, both have automated windows for fresh air. Custom-made opening portholes in the guest staterooms belowdecks serve the same purpose.

Baglietto’s team also redesigned the Dom 133’s internal staircases on the main deck and in the crew quarters to connect all decks up to the sundeck, where the bar is fitted with a dumbwaiter for easy service and the pool area is replaced by an outdoor gym.

Since the hybrid system took up additional technical space compared to a conventional propulsion setup, the 19-foot tender and the two PWC are on the upper deck, forward of the wheelhouse. Baglietto installed a davit for hauling and launching.

Interiors aboard L’Instant include light eucalyptus and walnut woodwork. Upholstery is neutral with touches of turquoise, one of the owner’s favorite colors. The Italian brands Flexform, Cassina, Vitra and Softhouse are all used in the styling, also at the owner’s request.

02/21/2025

The two-stateroom, 25-knot Grand Banks 49 Eastbay HX is on the market at $315,000.

The two-stateroom, 25-knot 1999 Grand Banks 49 Eastbay HX "Fiji" is for sale at $315,00. Located in Miami Beach, FL.

02/20/2025

Outer Reef Yachts has announced the introduction of its latest model, the 540 Adventure. Designed and engineered in the Netherlands by Bernd Weel Design, with engineering by Studio Delta Naval Architects and interiors by Julian Moore Design, the vessel is a blend of technology and elegance. Engineered for long-range and coastal cruising, it offers a 2,000-nm range at eco speed and CE Category A Unlimited Ocean certification, offering the freedom to explore remote destinations or enjoy longer cruises closer to home.

The 540 Adventure caters to a wide audience as well, since its manageable size makes it a solid choice for owner-operators as well as experienced yacht owners who are seeking to downsize without compromising capability or luxury. It features a layout with three staterooms including a full-beam master suite, two heads and optional crew quarters for added flexibility. The Volvo Penta conventional shaft drive propulsion system ensures good handling, fuel efficiency and low emissions.

02/20/2025

DT 78, a 2024 Azimut Yachts 78 Fly, with just 130 hours on its diesels, is ready for island-hopping and is on the market with MarineMax for $5.499 million.

The 2024 Azimut 78 Fly, has triple Volvo Penta IPS engines, 33-knot speed, four staterooms and is on the market for $5.49 million with MarineMax.

02/19/2025

Go far. Go fast. Go in style. The Uniesse Exuma HTC5p aims to change the outboard luxury cruiser game by letting owners do all three of those things at once. This 56-foot express cruiser with quad 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12s has details like impeccably welded stainless-steel hinges on the cockpit hull door and hand-stitched leather upholstery from Milanese leathersmiths. This is a tactile boat that invites guests to touch everything. There are bullnose-edged calacatta marble galley countertops, quarried in Tuscany since Roman times (and more exclusive than Carrara marble). There are mosaic-lined tile showers that subtly change sea tones. The anchor roller assembly is as rugged as what you’ll find on salvage tugs, but as beautiful as Tiffany jewelry. The leather-lined wheel lets owners feel the surge of those four V-12 outboards.

From outside, this yacht’s look is inspired by Italian race cars: swept-back hardtop with raked windscreen, swoopy side windows. This Uniesse is seemingly going 100 mph at anchor. Owners and guests step aboard through a cockpit side door or via the transom platform. Uniesse designed the HTC5p specifically for the Mercury motors, with all of the rigging hidden below the swim platform so everyone can walk from side to side safely. And the engines’ lower units tilt out of the water for corrosion protection without impinging on the transom space.

The cockpit has twin L-shaped settees with tables in the after corners for at-sea entertaining. A pair of consoles against the house conceal twin Elag ceramic grills, a sink, an ice maker and twin fridge drawers. A custom SureShade telescoping cockpit awning stretches to the stern for sun protection, and a clever Besenzoni passerelle under the cockpit door unfurls steps that lead down into the water for swimming, as well as up to dock level for easy boarding.

In the salon, there’s an average 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom, a wraparound windshield with no mullions, windows that extend from the overhead to the couch, and a sunroof with shades. This is clearly the primary entertaining area, with a U-shaped high-low dinette to port facing a pop-up TV that rises from the hand-stitched leather console.

The skipper and companion have ergonomic, adjustable seats with good side bolstering, set abaft a low, wide black dash that neither blocks the view nor reflects in the windshield. The HTC5p that I got aboard had a brace of 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays along with Yamaha system digital panels, and a Mercury joystick with Skyhook technology for holding station, a great feature when awaiting bridge openings.

The stairs next to the helm lead to a lower foyer, which serves as a galley with 24-inch-wide marble countertops, 6-foot-5-inch headroom and bright lacquered cabinetry. The Miele cooktop and convection oven are supported by a full-size fridge and a wine chiller.

Forward, the owner’s stateroom is a serene haven, with side windows and an overhead hatch for light above the 60-inch walk-around island berth. The private head has one of the mosaic-lined and book-matched marble showers, a glass vessel sink and an electric toilet.

Just abaft the galley to starboard is a guest stateroom, with twin berths that can be joined to form a double. The VIP is tucked aft to port, with 7-foot-6-inch headroom, an angled queen berth, and enough stowage for extended cruising. A day head is off the foyer and serves both guest staterooms, also with a mosaic-tiled shower and electric head.

The mold work on the Uniesse is impeccable, with the boat built to RINA Class A and US Coast Guard standards. One detail is particularly notable: The yacht’s fuel tanks are sealed from the rest of the boat. A separate hatch allows removal of the roto-molded tanks, which are held in place by custom Uniesse brackets. The compartment is fully ventilated overboard.

As for the boat’s model name, the small “p” after Exuma HTC5 should be a capitalized and underlined “P” for Performance. From the land of Ferrari and Lamborghini, this 44,000-pound Italian stallion simply hauls. Flat out at 6,400 rpm, this yacht hit 50.5 knots while I recorded just 72 decibels of sound. That’s quieter than Christmas morning at my house. Conversation in the salon was at normal levels (65 decibels), and the Mercury instruments said the V-12s were barely breathing hard.

I poked around belowdecks while the hammers were down and didn’t recognize the actual speed until I saw the long, white wake. The Exuma rises flat without vision-stealing bow rise, jumps onto plane at about 17 knots and never looks back. At a mile-eating 30 knots, the engines sip fuel at 80 gallons per hour, giving the HTC5p an easy 335-nautical-mile range. Even after a 45-knot hard turn, the Exuma rolled into a gentle bank that wouldn’t disturb even the most nervous guests.

This impressive import made me want to throw a linen jacket over my shoulder like an Italian film director, grab some friends and go have fun.

02/19/2025

The SX10 is built from green epoxy composites and fiberglass using foam-sandwich construction. It has dual consoles, bow seating, port and starboard sofas, twin sun loungers and an aft deck.

Designed to serve Damen's Xplorer series superyachts, the SX10 is a tender which can moonlight as an owner-driven watersports and beach-club platform.

02/19/2025

Falasea, a 2019 Leopard 51 Power Catamaran, with three staterooms, three heads, a sizable salon and a well-equipped galley, is now available through Galati Yacht Sales for $899,000.

Powered by twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel engines, Falasea delivers a relatively quiet cruising experience. The Leopard 51 PC’s hull design enhances stability and reduces drag, optimizing fuel efficiency for those extended voyages. With a top speed of 25 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 18 knots, this yacht is well-suited for everything from coastal cruising to completing the Great Loop.
Falasea was designed for families and friends who enjoy fun in the sun.

The cockpit features a portside U-shaped settee with a dining table and a starboard-side L-shaped settee, creating an inviting space for alfresco dining and socializing. The flybridge overhang provides shade during the day and integrated LED lighting provides a cozy vibe when night falls. The wide swim platform offers easy water access making it perfect for swimming, diving or launching water toys.
For those seeking a more private setting, the foredeck offers a relaxing space with bench-style settees and sun pads. A glass door offers convenient access from the salon to the foredeck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
The flybridge is equal parts navigation station and entertainment area. It’s set up with an electric grill, U-shaped settee, a dining table and an aft-facing bench-style settee adjacent to the portside helm. Guests can enjoy ocean breezes while dining or sunbathing on the aft deck. A bench-style helm seat accommodates the captain and guests.

Some of Falasea‘s tech and navigational systems include the following:
Upper and lower helm stations
Autopilot: Raymarine p70
Log-Speedometer: Raymarine
Depthsounder: Raymarine
Chartplotter: Raymarine AXIOM 12 w/WIFI
Wind Speed & Direction: Raymarine
Radar: Raymarine
Compass & GPS
VHF Radio: Raymarine multi-zone, helm and nav station
Bow & Stern Thrusters: Vetus
Generator: Northern Lights 9 kW
House Batteries: 4 X 210 Ah
Solar Panels: 1800W

A sliding glass door from the cockpit leads into Falasea’s aft galley, an owner-favorite feature that makes entertaining seamless between the salon, cockpit and flybridge. The galley is equipped with the following:

Propane cooktop & oven
Microwave oven
Double-sided stainless-steel sink
Fisher & Paykel dishwasher
Refrigerator & deep freezer
An array of cabinets & drawers for dry goods and galley accessories

Forward of the galley, the salon arrangement includes a U-shaped settee with a large folding table to starboard and a lower helm to port. Large windows fill the space with natural light while providing panoramic views. The interior includes wood cabinetry, plush upholstery and LED accent lighting. An integrated entertainment system with a flat-screen TV and surround-sound rounds out the entertainment equation.

After a day on the water, owners and guests can retreat to one of Falasea’s three staterooms, each designed for comfort and privacy.

Master Stateroom (Starboard Hull):
Queen-sized berth
Wardrobe
En suite head with a walk-in shower
Hullside windows for natural light and vistas

Guest Staterooms (Port Hull):
Two queen-sized berths
Stowage compartments
En suite heads
Overhead hatches for ventilation
Air conditioning for climate control

For added convenience, Falasea is equipped with an upgraded washer and dryer, allowing guests to pack lightly on extended trips.

Falasea is currently lying in Sarasota, FL.

02/18/2025

Sixteen is a lot of African safaris. That’s how many Francesco Galli Zugaro has done, in addition to countless cruises to islands and tours of destinations on mainlands all around the world. As he wrote in The New York Times back in 2006, he’s basically a professional vacationer, fulfilling his own desire to have amazing experiences while checking out the competition for his company, Aqua Expeditions. “People who expect the world when they go on vacation—and who pay for that privilege—tend to get a ‘been there, done that’ attitude about certain destinations,” he wrote nearly two decades ago. His personal experience has taught him that this attitude persists when it comes to yacht charter, which is largely based in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Aqua Expeditions, founded in 2007, has experience delivering high-end charters in destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and the Peruvian Amazon.

02/18/2025

The four new models include the highly anticipated 50 Convertible as well as a 50 Billfish, a 50 Sport Coupe/Sport Tower and a 50 Open Express.

Viking Yacht Company has announced that it is building four new 50-foot yachts, starting with the 50 Convertible.

02/18/2025

The catamaran-style hull on the Flying Cat (starting at $2,400) is designed to help riders get up on the foil faster, with less paddling at the start. Adding stability to the board, Leason says, helps to achieve that goal. It doesn’t necessarily make using the toy easier for beginners, he says, but it does give an assist to all the people who have embraced the sport and are trying to do some pretty ambitious things.

The Flying Cat comes in three lengths (7 feet, 2 inches; 8 feet, 2 inches; and 8 feet, 6 inches) and is designed to add stability.

02/17/2025

Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, are common stopovers for cruisers heading south along the Eastern Seaboard at this time of year. About halfway between them, near Mile Marker 675 on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a gem of a spot: St. Simons Island, Georgia.

This barrier island is part of Georgia’s Golden Isles region, with permanent residents as well as a seasonal influx of visitors during summer and autumn. The island is marketed as “unhurried and underdeveloped,” combining a beach lifestyle with golf, restaurants, spas, boutiques and the like.

“We’ve found that a lot of people aren’t going to Florida because it’s getting so expensive, between insurance and dockage being much harder to find,” says Kyle Schieferdecker, the dockmaster at Brunswick Landing Marina, which is just a few miles from St. Simons and can take yachts up to 240 feet long. “People are starting to come up here. Our weather isn’t much different from Jacksonville and north Florida.”

Most of the boats that come through this area are between about 40 and 150 feet length overall. Folks can go ashore to explore all the offerings on land, or zip up and down the Georgia coastline by tender.

“Fernandina or Savannah even are easy trips,” Schieferdecker says. “It’s a couple hours on the boat with a tender that runs at 25 knots.”

On St. Simons Island, of course, there’s a lighthouse; it was built in 1872 and restored in 1975, and is now open for tours. Visitors can climb up to the tower or check out the museum exhibits in the Keeper’s Dwelling.

Nature lovers who want to get off the boat and stretch their legs can head over to Cannon’s Point Preserve, which spans 644 acres and includes options for kayaking, fishing and picnicking. Some of this preserve’s shell middens—collections of shells left behind by earlier populations—date to 2500 BCE.

That walk is a fun look back in time before heading over to Pier Village for modern-day dining and entertainment.

This is the downtown social hub on St. Simons Island. Restaurants include Barbara Jean’s, which serves up crab cakes and she-crab soup, as well as Iguanas, known for locally caught wild Georgia shrimp and scallops. Shops are fun and quirky, from St. Simons Bait & Tackle to Moondance Vintage Clothing, which sells pieces from the 1940s through the 1970s. Neptune Park has water views along with picnic tables, a children’s playground and a mini-golf course. The bandstand hosts events. Tasty treats are on the menu at St. Simons Sweets, which has 24 flavors of homemade ice cream along with pralines, brownie sticks and more.

The World War II home front museum has its home on St. Simons Island, housed in the 1936 Historic St. Simons Coast Guard Station. Interactive exhibits detail how this region was instrumental in protecting the US coast from German submarines, training fighter pilots, and building Liberty Ships to supply the troops overseas. Children’s exhibits include maritime skills-building such as tying knots, giving the little ones a way to learn something they can use out on the water every day. The World War II heritage trail, which the museum is part of, includes 11 sites showcasing the ways that Southern states were critical to the war effort.

02/17/2025

The E in Ocean Alexander’s 70E stands for Evolution. An apt descriptor for the motoryacht Ocean Alexander launched in 2016 which was designed by Evan K. Marshall.

“But, lest you worry that Ocean Alexander has thrown the baby out with the bath water, this is still a classic OA in so many ways: solid construction, outstanding seakeeping abilities and thoughtful design,” Yachting previously wrote. “If your dad had an Ocean Alexander, he’ll still feel right at home.”

The Ocean Alexander 70E called “Uplist II” is up for sale. The yacht is located in Seattle, Washington, with an asking price of $2.995 million.

02/16/2025

Sirena Marine didn’t seem to have plans to build superyachts back in 2008, when the Turkish company entered into a partnership with Azimut-Benetti to produce yachts for the Italian behemoth. Sirena eventually turned out hundreds of motoryachts and sailboats, including three well-known models for Azimut Yachts.

Then, in 2015, Sirena developed its own motoryacht line, with the Sirena 64 and the Sirena 58 both making their debuts in 2017. The yachts were well received, and more models followed, with today’s lineup starting at 48 and going up to the recently introduced flagship Sirena 118—the first model in a larger composite line for the builder.

Hull No. 1 is expected in 2026, launching Sirena into the world of superyachts. Naval architecture on the Sirena 118 is by Germán Frers, with interior design by Cor D. Rover, both industry heavyweights.

The yacht will have Sirena’s trademark plumb bow that creates enough volume for a VIP and as many as four guest staterooms on the lower deck, with the owner’s stateroom on the main deck forward. That owner’s space can be spread across two decks, with a spiral staircase leading down to a relaxation area near the water.

Projected top speed is 16 knots with standard power, or 21 knots with the optional package, for island hopping just about anywhere.

Constantinos K. Constantinou, the head of Sirena Yachts USA, says the Sirena 118 is being built with “intelligent design, flawless engineering and sleek, modern aesthetics,” all combined with a passion for the yachting lifestyle.

02/16/2025

Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric package is a drive system that spans from helm to propeller, harnessing multiple inline diesel engines and electric motors plus battery banks to transition between three propulsion modes: electric, hybrid and hybrid boost. The system is designed for 56- to 98-foot yachts. It can be spec’d to spin contra-rotating propellers of two, three or four IPS drives. In crossover mode, one engine propels two drives. The system is expected to be available in late 2025.

Volvo Penta's newest drive system delivers a seamless, and sometimes silent, user experience. It can also help yachts access emission-restricted zones.

02/16/2025

Looking for a rugged, dependable Downeast yacht capable of extended cruising? Fiji, a 1999 Grand Banks 49 Eastbay HX, has just entered the market at $315,000.

The Grand Banks 49 Eastbay HX is powered by twin 660 hp Caterpillar 3196TA diesel engines, helping propel the yacht to a reported 25-knot top hop. Cruising speed is 20 knots.

Fuel Consumption:
20+ knots: 50 gallons per hour
14–20 knots: 40 gallons per hour
9 knots: 4 gallons per hour
7 knots: 2 gallons per hour

Grand Banks describes the Eastbay 49 as:
“A top-quality, Downeast-style express whose elegant appearance and meticulous construction represent the ultimate in classic American yachting. A strikingly handsome yacht with a long foredeck and traditional Downeast styling, she is built on a modified deep-V hull with a short keel and prop pockets for reduced draft.”

Step aboard Fiji’s cockpit, accessible via teak side steps from the port and starboard sides or through the transom door leading to the swim platform. The Eastbay HX series has a semi-enclosed helm with teak sole, which is seamlessly connected to the cockpit.

Fiji’s helm deck is equipped with a pedestal-mounted, adjustable helm chair, ensuring clean sightlines. To port, a double-wide companion seat with a built-in ice maker adds convenience. The L-shaped settee and high/low varnished teak yacht table create an inviting space for guests. Thoughtful stowage includes a teak-enclosed, glass-covered chart locker and cabinets for bottles and accessories.

Descending four steps from the helm deck is the salon, a welcoming space for dining, relaxing and entertaining. The hand-rubbed teak cabinetry, teak-and holly-sole and Corian countertops add warmth and elegance. The dinette has a teak table. There is stowage behind cushions and under seats maximizing available space.

The U-shaped galley, located to port, has Corian countertops and double stainless-steel sinks. Two large refrigerators and a freezer provide sizable cold storage when provisioning for extended cruises. The teak-and-holly sole adds a classic nautical charm.

After a long day on the water, owners and guests can retire to one of two staterooms. The master stateroom, located forward, features a twin-sized V-berth, hanging lockers and drawer stowage. Halogen reading lamps and dimmer-controlled overhead lights enhance comfort. The en suite head includes a separate stall shower and freshwater electric toilet. The guest cabin, positioned forward to port, offers over/under twin-sized berths with four storage drawers underneath. There is a hanging locker for additional stowage.

Where is Fiji Located? Fiji is currently lying in Miami Beach, FL.
Take the Next Step: To schedule a viewing or for more details, call or text listing agent Carvey Iannuzzi at (616) 889-7766, Grand Banks.

02/15/2025

Baglietto has launched the 133-foot L’Instant. It’s the first hybrid-propulsion Dom 133 from the Italian builder, and the first of what are expected to be eight yachts launching this year.

Exteriors on L’Instant are by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Leonardo Santi.

The hybrid propulsion system is made with Lloyd’s Register-certified components. It includes a diesel endothermic engine and what Baglietto calls an “ultra compact hybrid unit” fitted with an electrical motor installed between the main engine and the gearbox.

The two Caterpillar C32 Acert diesel engines are compatible with HVO biofuels from renewable energy sources, and the electrical propulsion motor can be used for silent cruising and as a shaft generator system to optimize consumption, reducing the number of operating hours of the traditional diesel gensets.

When the yacht is in full electric mode, according to Baglietto, the high-energy-density battery packs allow for nine hours at anchor with zero emissions, in complete silence.

The interior is also highly customized and includes a focus on sustainability, with carpets and fabrics obtained by recycling plastic found in the ocean, and from regenerated industrial waste. Baglietto satisfied numerous owner requests, including moving the galley from the main deck to the lower deck, making room for a VIP stateroom that can be accessed from the central lobby. The VIP and the master stateroom, which is forward, both have automated windows for fresh air. Custom-made opening portholes in the guest staterooms belowdecks serve the same purpose.

Baglietto’s team also redesigned the Dom 133’s internal staircases on the main deck and in the crew quarters to connect all decks up to the sundeck, where the bar is fitted with a dumbwaiter for easy service and the pool area is replaced by an outdoor gym.

Since the hybrid system took up additional technical space compared to a conventional propulsion setup, the 19-foot tender and the two PWC are on the upper deck, forward of the wheelhouse. Baglietto installed a davit for hauling and launching.

Interiors aboard L’Instant include light eucalyptus and walnut woodwork. Upholstery is neutral with touches of turquoise, one of the owner’s favorite colors. The Italian brands Flexform, Cassina, Vitra and Softhouse are all used in the styling, also at the owner’s request.

With its hybrid propulsion system, what kind of speed can the Baglietto L’Instant achieve? According to the shipyard, the yacht’s maximum speed is 17 knots when using the diesel engines, and almost 10 knots in full electric mode.

02/15/2025

Boats have always been important to Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. His oldest is a trailerable Rudy, notable for being one of the earliest fiberglass Riva models. Galassi’s father bought her in the mid-1970s, primarily so he could take the family water skiing. Today, Galassi keeps her with a big sister, a Riva Aquarama Super, on Italy’s Lago Iseo, the same lake on which Riva was established in 1842. Galassi also has an Itama 62, which he keeps at Capri, a jewel of an island between the Gulf of Naples and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The 108-foot Custom Line Navetta 33, the Galassis’ newest delivery in 2017, evolved from two previous models with the same designation.

02/14/2025

When Sunseeker introduced its 86 Yacht in late 2014, the model replaced the 88 in the Yacht range—one of seven lines that Sunseeker currently offers.​

Belowdecks, accommodations on the 86 include four staterooms, with options to have the master suite amidships or aft.

The 86 had four powerplant options, all MTUs, ranging from a combined 2,760 hp up to a combined 3,900 hp. Top speeds range from 27 knots to 31 knots.

At press time, there were 18 Sunseeker 86s available, ranging from $1.76 million to $6.02 million.

From the Archive
“Sunseeker designed the 86 Yacht from the keel up to deliver serious cruising flexibility. Conceived by the builder’s long-standing in-house naval architect, Ewen Foster, this yacht’s hull form is a hybrid. It can deliver the usual Sunseeker planing speeds, but it’s a little bit deeper in the forefoot and a little flatter aft, which helps deliver more efficient displacement and semi-displacement performance. The transom deadrise is 17 degrees.”