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Is there a recent increase in yachting accidents? In a special edition of the BOAT International podcast, Katia Damborsky talked with Michelle Van der Merwe, superyacht account manager at Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, about a rise in yachting disasters. Van der Merwe suggests that while fires, collisions, and sinkings appear to be on the rise, social media may be amplifying the perception of the problem. Factors such as the aging fleet and new propulsion technologies, including the potential connection between lithium-ion batteries and fires, may be contributing to the increase. She also highlights challenges faced by regulators and insurers in assessing…

In a time when stainless steel watches are produced en masse by automated machines, the independent watchmaker Lang & Heyne stands out as a breath of fresh air. Their unique approach? Each watch is handcrafted. Under the guidance of CEO Alexander Gutierrez, German watchmaker Jens Schneider remains dedicated to traditional techniques and timeless designs. But how do they combine tradition with modernity; how do they merge heritage with innovation? We spoke with Gutierrez and Schneider to explore the essence of Lang & Heyne, the difficulties of establishing a unique identity in a saturated market, and the remarkable artistry behind each…

Ivar Dedekam, the author of Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning, provides guidance on properly tensioning a yacht’s wire or rod rigging. To correctly trim your rig, you need to understand the tension in the shrouds and stays, either through guidelines or a more precise approach, like this one. This method involves measuring the wire’s stretch as a percentage and then calculating the tension as a percentage of the wire or rod’s breaking load. You can measure the stretch either for the entire wire or a section of it—for example, 2 meters. The accuracy will increase with the length of the…

Ethical Yacht Wear, a company specializing in yacht crew uniforms, has recently announced that it has sponsored the removal of an impressive one million plastic bottles from the oceans using its profits. Established in 2019, the company has implemented a unique “two-party system” to tackle the issue of plastic pollution. Firstly, a portion of Ethical Yacht Wear’s earnings are donated to the Plastic Bank, which supports individuals in low-income coastal areas to collect plastic waste from marine environments. Secondly, the company operates on a circular business model, offering only “eco-friendly” uniforms made from 100% organic cotton or recycled plastic materials.…

Dutch shipyard Heesen has launched the 55-meter superyacht Serena from its facilities in Oss, the Netherlands, during a ceremony that the owners and their family attended. This superyacht is the seventh in the shipyard’s 55-meter Steel series and the second to feature a redesigned exterior. Serena was sold to her “experienced owner” in 2022 after construction began on speculation. The buyer was introduced by Arcon Yachts in Monaco, with the firm representing the owner throughout the construction process. She was last photographed in May 2023, at which time her hull and superstructure had been joined. Credit: Ruben Griffioen. The yacht…

According to BOATPro data, there is a 70 percent increase in the number of larger yachts (40 metres and above) expected to attend the Cannes Yachting Festival compared to last year’s numbers. In 2023, the show had 10 yachts measuring 40 metres or more, and this year, that number has risen to 17. This trend appears to follow last year’s observations, where visiting yards and brokers noted a growing consumer interest in larger yachts. However, no confirmed yachts over 50 metres are scheduled for this year’s event, in contrast to the two that attended last year. Yachts attending by size…

8 imagesImage: vburlapp / InstagramUnlike Lincoln or Chrysler, Cadillac knows how to persuade GM executives that passenger cars are still profitable, thanks to their success in crossovers, SUVs, and electric vehicles like the Lyriq and Celestiq. Upcoming models include the 2025 Optiq, 2026 Vistiq, and 2025 Escalade IQ. The refreshed CT5 series offers sedan, CT5-V, and Blackwing models, while the 2025 Escalade-V and long-wheelbase models provide strong revenue. However, Cadillac’s traditional passenger cars are losing momentum. The high-priced Celestiq may struggle with sales, the CT4 is aging, and the CT5 will need updates. Rumors suggest new sedan models based on…

The function of an effective brand ambassador has two main aspects. First, they must connect with the brand’s intended audience while also reflecting the brand’s identity and core values. High-profile ambassadors can greatly enhance a campaign’s visibility and reach. Their cultivated media presence, social media followers, and planned public appearances all contribute to consumers feeling they receive genuine endorsements. Ultimately, ambassadors who resonate culturally can aid a brand in engaging with existing trends and issues by providing innovative viewpoints and ensuring the brand stays aligned with the shifting cultural dynamic. From MCM’s charismatic choice of Matt Dillon and Loewe’s suave…

Rossinavi has launched its “most innovative project” thus far, the 42.8-meter hybrid-electric catamaran called Seawolf X. After leaving the shipyard in Viareggio, Italy, she is now anchored off the coast of the Greek island of Tinos, as reported by BOATPro. Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design is responsible for the exterior design, marking the first collaboration since the 49.1-meter Aurora in 2017. This project also represents Rossinavi’s inaugural venture into multihull designs. Construction was officially announced at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2022. A standout feature of this model is its three distinct “performance scenarios.” During one-day excursions, Seawolf X can…

As the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 nears, Wider Yachts has revealed it will showcase its 28.4-meter WiderCat 92. With five units sold and the second hull just completed and commissioned, the event allows potential buyers to experience the catamaran’s hybrid propulsion technology firsthand. Constructed in Fano, Italy, the 242GT semi-displacement yacht features naval architecture by the Wider engineering team, with exterior and interior designs by Luca Dini and Centro Stile Wider. “The WiderCat 92’s first public display at the Venice Boat Show was incredibly successful, as it quickly became a highlight,” remarks Alan Knight, sales manager at Argo Yachting. “We…