This year has been unpredictable for the superyacht industry. Discussions have been largely influenced by the tragic sinking of the 56-meter Bayesian in Sicily, which cast a shadow over an alarming number of incidents. From the destruction of the 47-meter Atina to a maritime clash between the 104.6-meter Lady Moura and Steve Jobs’ former superyacht, the increase in disastrous headlines prompted BOAT to investigate: are more yachts sinking, colliding, and catching fire?
1. Seven dead in 56m superyacht Bayesian sinking tragedy
At approximately 5 am local time on August 19, the Bayesian was struck by a freak weather event in Sicily, Italy. The Perini Navi sailing yacht was anchored or stationary at the time and reportedly sank in just twelve minutes. Of the 22 people on board, 15 were evacuated safely. A search and rescue mission later recovered the bodies of seven individuals, including Bayesian’s owner, tech mogul Michael Lynch, and his daughter Hannah.
Plans for salvaging the superyacht are now in progress, with an examination of the hull being a crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation in Italy. In the UK, an inquest into the deaths of four of the victims has officially commenced, expected to resume in April 2025.
Read More/Live updates: Seven dead in 56m superyacht Bayesian sinking tragedy
2. Lürssen’s 122m superyacht Kismet delivered
In May, the 122-meter Kismet left Lürssen’s facilities following successful sea trials off the coast of Kiel, Germany. The superyacht was commissioned by repeat Lürssen client Shahid Khan, previously the owner of the 95.2-meter Lürssen yacht Whisper, who currently owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham Football Club. Notable features include a yoga studio with a juice bar, hand-painted, Renaissance-style ceilings, and her Nuvolari Lenard exterior, complete with a gleaming jaguar bowsprit. Kismet made her formal debut at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show and attracted attention upon her arrival in London for the first time.
BOAT International was granted an exclusive tour of Kismet in October 2024.
Read More/Lürssen’s 122m superyacht Kismet delivered
3. 105m Lady Moura collides with Steve Jobs’ former superyacht
In July, the 104.6-meter Lady Moura collided with the 78.2-meter superyacht Venus, the Feadship yacht commissioned by Apple founder Steve Jobs. Viral footage taken by Lady Moura’s owner shows the incident occurring while both yachts struggled in a “sudden, violent squall” with winds reaching 50-55 knots.
Representatives from both sides provided official statements to BOAT International.
4. 31m Wally sailing yacht washed ashore following storm in Formentera, Spain
In August, the 30.5-meter Wally sailing yacht Wally Love was stranded after a storm on the Spanish island of Formentera. Footage taken by a bystander shows the yacht out of the water and listing on her starboard side near the shore. Several other sailing yachts were also grounded in the same area.
The State Meteorological Agency had warned of a “strong destabilization of the atmosphere” the day before.
5. 103m Feadship superyacht Ulysses delivered to New Zealand’s wealthiest man
In April, a highly secretive Feadship project came into the spotlight: the 103-meter Ulysses, owned by billionaire Graeme Hart. This superyacht follows his previous builds, including two Kleven explorers and the 74-meter CRN yacht Odyssey (now known as Starburst IV).
Key features include a 15-meter-long tender garage, the largest shell door Feadship has ever built, four exterior hot tubs, a swimming pool spanning the entire height of the main deck, and a helicopter hangar discreetly located in the foredeck.
6. 47m Heesen superyacht Atina sinks following devastating fire in Olbia, Italy
The yacht has since been recovered and transported for demolition.
Read More/Watch: Sunken 47m Heesen superyacht Atina recovered in Sardinia, Italy
7. 90m Lürssen superyacht Ice collides into 31m Numarine yacht in Turkey
The last incident of August involved the 90.1-meter Lürssen superyacht Ice colliding with the 31.1-meter Numarine yacht A.Mey in Yalıkavak, Turkey.
Footage shows Ice’s bow striking A.Mey with sufficient force to turn the yacht, causing extensive damage to her aft section.
8. Adrian Newey switches out Formula 1 racing for a “slower pace of life” aboard his Oyster sailing yacht
In May, Adrian Newey OBE announced his plans to focus on sailing following his retirement as chief technical officer of Formula 1’s Red Bull Racing team. The interview, hosted by Oyster Yachts and moderated by fellow Formula 1 icon Eddie Jordan, took place at the Yacht Club de Monaco during the Historic Monaco Grand Prix.
“I feel a bit tired at the moment. [But] walking away from [Red Bull Racing] was a very tough decision,” Newey stated. “Do I continue, or do I enjoy my Oyster yacht and sail off into the sunset?”
9. 136m superyacht Flying Fox removed from US sanctions list, available for charter globally
In October, the 136-meter Flying Fox was officially removed from the US sanctions list. The superyacht had been flagged due to its connection to Imperial Yachts SARL – a Monaco-based yacht brokerage – and is now available for global charter without restrictions under Bluewater Yachting Dubai.
10. World’s largest sportfisher Special One delivered
In June, the 52-meter Royal Huisman sportfisher Special One was delivered to her owner, an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman. Accordingly, Special One is equipped with the latest game fishing gear, and her extensive six-deck tower offers a viewing platform to a dedicated fishing area at the stern.
“This is an exceptional brief,” explained Bart Bouwhuis, co-creative director at Vripack. “And the outcome is an exceptional boat. It features the true proportions and long, flaring bow of a typical American sportfishing vessel combined with the luxurious feel of a superyacht.”
She later made her debut at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show.