This month has seen a truly shocking event as the superyacht Loon, known for its social media allure, made headlines when its chase boat, Reel Time, crashed in the tranquil Caribbean waters, resulting in injuries to six of the eleven people on board. Following this incident was the news regarding the salvage operation for the 56-meter Perini Navi yacht, Bayesian, which is now projected to be delayed until April 2025 due to a range of operational challenges.
In other noteworthy updates, two historic vessels—a steam yacht and a sailing ship—are set to go under the hammer, there’s some unfortunate news regarding the ambitious 222-meter project Somnio, and we lament the loss of the esteemed Azimut-Benetti founder, Paolo Vitelli, an influential figure in the industry.
Here’s a recap of the highlights and significant happenings from January that you may have missed.
1. Six Injured in the Loon Superyacht Tender Crash in the Caribbean
The chase boat associated with the 67.5-meter superyacht Loon collided with the rocky shores of Anse des Cayes Bay in Saint Barthélemy.
Of the eleven American nationals on board, six were injured, including a woman who was reportedly thrown from the boat upon impact. The driver’s identity has yet to be confirmed.
2. The Salvage of the Sunken 56m Sailing Yacht Bayesian Postponed
The operation to recover the 56-meter Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian has been postponed, with plans now unlikely to kick off until April 2025.
What was initially anticipated for this month has seen delays attributed to the “complexity of operations,” as reported by local media in Italy.
3. Sunseeker Unveils New 41m Yacht Model at Boot Düsseldorf
At boot Düsseldorf, British shipyard Sunseeker revealed an exciting new 41.1-meter model, dubbed the Sunseeker 135.
Sunseeker’s CEO, Andrea Frabetti, shared that this design has garnered considerable interest from the U.S. market, boasting features that include a beach club equipped to house a 6.5-meter tender, two Jet Skis, and fold-out bulwarks that create a “water-level lounge” when anchored.
4. Tributes Pour in for Azimut-Benetti President Paolo Vitelli
The loss of Italian businessman and Azimut-Benetti president Paolo Vitelli, who sadly passed away at the age of 77 at his home in Ayas, Italy, has drawn an outpouring of tributes from the industry.
Vitelli will be deeply missed, with his legacy carried on by his daughter, Giovanna Vitelli, who now chairs the group.
5. Classic 1920s Steam Yacht SS Delphine Listed for Auction
The 78.6-meter classic steam yacht, SS Delphine, is now up for judicial auction.
This storied vessel has a remarkable history, serving as a flagship during World War II, and has recently undergone an extensive €45 million restoration to meet modern superyacht standards.
6. Roman Abramovich Accused of Evading Taxes on His Superyacht Fleet Through Offshore Scheme
In a shocking revelation by the BBC and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, it was uncovered that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich allegedly orchestrated a complex scheme over the past decade, sidestepping tens of millions in taxes linked to his superyacht fleet’s purchases and operational costs.
This scheme reportedly encompassed five yachts Abramovich acquired throughout the 2000s, including the notable 162.5-meter Eclipse and the 114.5-meter Pelorus.
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7. Legendary 1930s Sailing Yacht Adored by Coco Chanel and Louis Armstrong Up for Auction
The historic 31-meter sailing yacht Weather Bird has been listed for auction by Boathouse Auctions. Renowned for its storied past, this classic yacht was commissioned by American expatriates known for hosting luminaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, and Louis Armstrong.
Bidding starts at €1,000,000 and will take place virtually from February 20 to February 25.
8. Court Orders Australian Millionaire Behind 222m Superyacht Project to Pay Unpaid Bills of £733,750
The High Court of Justice in London has mandated Australian businessman Carl Le Souef to settle £733,750 owed to Winch Design for outstanding invoices connected to the design services for the 222-meter residential superyacht project, Somnio.
Le Souef has contested the lawsuit on multiple fronts, asserting that he should not be held personally accountable for the payments.
9. Appeal Opens in UK Supreme Court for 58m Detained Superyacht Phi
The appeal process concerning the 58.5-meter Royal Huisman superyacht Phi, which was detained in 2022 in line with recently-imposed sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has commenced in the UK Supreme Court.
The appellants (Dalston Projects Ltd) argue that the decision to seize and hold Phi infringes upon the owner’s fundamental property rights and thus violates human rights law.
10. Opalinski Design House Unveils 50m Superyacht Concept with “Patented” Rotational Transom
Polish design studio Opalinski has introduced a novel 49.9-meter superyacht concept featuring a “patented” rotational transom.
This innovative design incorporates small electric motors that allow the swim platform and beach club to extend laterally, forming additional “wings” that are perfect for sunbathing.