2025 recap: our digest of the passing year
The year 2025 was remarkable for the yachting industry, marked by encouraging growth and transformative changes. It was a year of mergers and acquisitions, groundbreaking technological advancements, the development of innovative marketing channels, the launch of new brands, and the debut of numerous impressive yachts, some exceeding 120 meters in length. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the key highlights of 2025.
Major Acquisitions And Mergers in the Yachting Industry of 2025
The 2025 saw Gabe Newell becoming the new owner of the Oceanco, Lürssen acquiring Nobiskrug, Heesen going under the ownership of Laurens Last, and OTAM coming under the Tankoa umbrella.
Gabe Newell — Oceanco
Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco was acquired during the summer by American videogame developer and businessman Gabe Newell, widely known as “GabeN". The yard was led by the Barwani family for the past 15 years, during which it delivered a series of high-profile superyachts. According to Oceanco, Newell intends for the yard to continue its focus on excellence in yacht building, emphasising its “people-first” approach. At the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, Newell further outlined his vision that focused on collaboration, quality and long-term value.
Laurens Last — Heesen
The renowned Dutch shipyard known for crafting high-quality aluminum and steel motor yachts, has announced its full acquisition by Dutch entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last.
Last is a Dutch entrepreneur and investor with a proven track record in manufacturing and international business development. He is also known to be a passionate yachtsman. Under Last’s leadership, the company will continue to focus on global sales expansion, technological innovation, and excellence in yacht design and construction. Last intends to disrupt conventional production processes, introducing a high degree of automation and AI integration to dramatically shorten delivery timelines.
Lürssen — Nobiskrug
In 2025, Lürssen acquired Nobiskrug – a shipyard founded in 1905. That move came as part of efforts to secure hundreds of jobs and maintain shipbuilding operations at the historic site following Nobiskrug’s application for insolvency in December 2024.The Rendsburg shipyard will be integrated into Lürssen’s neighboring Kröger shipyard, creating a stronger, more sustainable future for the facility.
Tankoa — OTAM
The boutique shipyard Tankoa Yachts, specializing in the construction of custom superyachts, has announced the acquisition of the business division of OTAM, a manufacturer of high-speed yachts and cruisers. As a result of the deal, Tankoa took control of both OTAM’s main shipyard in Genoa and the OTAM brand itself. The docks in Santa Margherita Ligure will remain under the management of their current owners. Tankoa plans to undertake restructuring and upgrades, which includes extending concessions, consolidating and reorganizing the territories, and constructing new production facilities.
Biggest Yacht Launches of 2025
A significant number of megayachts over 100m in length was launched by the leading European shipyards in 2025.
Amels 120m Tanzanite
In 2025, Damen Yachting launched the largest Amels Full Custom superyacht to date. Measuring an impressive 120 metres in length with a gross tonnage of 6083 GT, Project Tanzanite was designed by renowned superyacht designer Espen Øino, and represents the pinnacle of bespoke yacht building. The superyacht is equipped with diesel electric propulsion powering the Kongsberg Elegance® pods. She is set to operate with the lowest levels of noise and vibration ever recorded on a yacht of this size.
Feadship 119m Breakthrough
Five years in the making, innovation-packed Breakthrough is the answer to her owners' inquiry: "What kind of green technology can you include?" Feadship's bold response was a multi-faceted, zero-diesel approach designed to cruise between harbours and to operate the yacht's hotel load and amenities with emission-free power from green hydrogen. One of the biggest hurdles was developing a reasonable way to store compressed liquid hydrogen below deck at -253°C aboard a luxury yacht, but the owner saw the value in investing in this technology necessary to make a transition away from fossil fuel to one of the most efficient and cleanest options.
Lürssen 117m Boardwalk
The Lürssen shipyard launched the 117-meter megayacht Boardwalk (formerly known as Project 13797). This six-deck superyacht combines classical lines and timeless design by Frank Woll and Amy Halffman. Designed as a family retreat, Boardwalk features expansive decks, a spacious gym, a putting green, and two helipads, one of which is certified for operations. With an estimated gross tonnage of 5,350 GT and a steel and aluminum construction, this yacht becomes the 20th longest vessel built by Lürssen. It is currently undergoing final outfitting for delivery in 2026.
Lürssen 114m Nausicaä (Project Cosmos)
Lürssen also launched the groundbreaking 114-meter Nausicaä (Project Cosmos), the first superyacht to feature a methanol-powered fuel-cell propulsion system. This innovative system allows for zero emissions while at anchor for up to 15 days or during low-speed cruising for 1,000 nautical miles. Designed by Marc Newson, Nausicaä boasts futuristic aesthetics, including a two-level glass pavilion and a semi-circular glass dome. The yacht is reinforced to Ice Class 1D standards, enabling exploration in light ice conditions and across all oceans. It spans six decks and has a gross tonnage of 6,300 GT.
Oceanco 111m Leviathan
Oceanco has delivered the 111-meter Leviathan, a groundbreaking diesel-electric yacht that redefines how life and operations at sea are approached. Built for an experienced owner, Leviathan prioritizes crew wellbeing and operational efficiency. The design process involved crew members, ensuring the yacht is optimized for functionality and ease of maintenance, with durable materials like honed stone and natural wool carpets replacing traditional high-maintenance elements. The yacht features naval architecture by Lateral Naval Architects and Oceanco, with exterior design by Oceanco and interiors by Mark Berryman Design. A unique tribute to the spirit of collaboration, a glass panel engraved with the names of over 2,000 contributors is displayed in the main staircase. At 111 meters long and with a beam of 17.8 meters, Leviathan is a masterpiece of human-centric design and innovation.
Oceanco 111m DreAMBoat
Known as Project Y726 during development, DreAMBoat was completed in a record time of just four years, with the contract signed in February 2022. The yacht boasts a gross tonnage of 4,550 GT and can reach speeds of up to 21 knots. Designed by Espen Øino International on the exterior and Mark Berryman Design for the interior, DreAMBoat offers luxury and innovation. It accommodates up to 28 guests and 34 crew members, featuring a winter garden, a private owner’s deck, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, an outdoor cinema, and a modern golf simulator on the sun deck. Inside, it includes a lounge cinema, a gym, a spa area with a sauna and hammam, and a beach club with a bar that opens onto the swim platform. The extensive use of glass allows for natural light and breathtaking views. The project also prioritized sustainability, with the owner collaborating with Oceanco to develop a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to measure and minimize the yacht’s carbon footprint. Equipped with batteries to reduce emissions and featuring sustainable materials like coconut and eggshell finishes, DreAMBoat sets a new standard for environmentally conscious luxury yachting.
Lürssen 107m Shackleton (Project Icecap)
Named after the famous polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, this vessel is expected to feature advanced expedition capabilities, making it suitable for long-range voyages and exploration in challenging environments. The yacht is being constructed with cutting-edge technology and a focus on durability, befitting its adventurous namesake. The 109-meter motor yacht is powered by three Wartsila diesel-electric engines and boasts a gross tonnage of 5,885 GT, a beam of 17.5 meters. Her hull is made of steel, and the superstructure is of aluminum. The yacht accommodates up to 20 guests in 10 staterooms, offering spacious and luxurious living spaces.
The exterior design was crafted by Salt Ship Design, while Lürssen developed the naval architecture.
Feadship 101m Moonrise
The Moonrise is a 101-meter superyacht built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship. Delivered in 2025, this sleek and modern vessel features a striking exterior design by Studio De Voogt, with a focus on clean lines and contemporary aesthetics. With a gross tonnage of approximately 9,000 GT, Moonrise is one of the largest yachts ever built by Feadship. It can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 luxurious staterooms and is serviced by a crew of 32. The yacht is equipped with advanced technology, including a hybrid propulsion system for improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Key features of Moonrise include a large swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a spa, a beach club with a bar, and expansive outdoor lounging areas. The interiors are designed with a modern and sophisticated style, offering unparalleled comfort and luxury for its guests.
Major Anniversaries in Yachting in 2025
Speaking of anniversaries, 2025 became a landmark year for the yachting world, as four iconic yacht brands celebrated major milestones. These achievements highlight decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to creating unparalleled luxury experiences on the water.
Codecasa – 200 Years
The family-run shipyard started working in 1825, originally crafting wooden sailing boats in Viareggio, Italy. Over two centuries, Codecasa has evolved into one of the most prestigious builders of custom superyachts, renowned for their timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Their modern fleet includes fully bespoke yachts ranging from 24 to over 70 meters, showcasing state-of-the-art technology and luxurious interiors. The world famous fleet of Codecasa includes the late Giorgio Armani's Mariù (2003) and Main (2008); Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce's Regina d’Italia (2006 and 2019), Moneikos of The Cavaliere Leonardo del Vecchio and the Dragoluna of Piersilvio Berlusconi (2019).
Lürssen – 150 Years
The shipyard’s history dates back to 1875, when it started building small wooden boats in Bremen, Germany. From crafting the world's first internal‑combustion motorboat in 1886 to delivering bespoke superyachts of over 180m, Lürssen has consistently set new benchmarks in yacht building. Signature milestones include the 180m Azzam, powered by a staggering 94,000 HP, which held the title of world's longest private yacht for years. Over the past 150 years, Lürssen has become a global leader in the production of custom superyachts and megayachts, renowned for their exceptional quality and engineering excellence.
Beneteau – 140 Years
The shipyard started working in 1884, beginning with the construction of fishing boats in Croix-de-Vie, France. Over the decades, Beneteau has grown into one of the largest yacht manufacturers in the world, producing a broad range of sailing yachts and motorboats. Their offerings span from small day sailors to luxury yachts over 20 meters, all featuring cutting-edge design and sustainable innovation.
Pershing – 40 Years
Pershing’s story began in the early 1980s when three friends with a shared passion founded Cantiere Navale dell’Adriatico. Initially, the company focused on repairing wooden boats. The turning point came in 1985 with the launch of the Pershing 45, designed in collaboration with yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni. This model combined the speed of a powerboat with the spaciousness of a motor yacht, marking the beginning of the Pershing era. Its immediate success propelled the brand into the spotlight, establishing it as a symbol of innovation, performance, and design.
The New Names in The Yachting Industry in 2025
With demand growing, there’s been a new crop of superyacht shipyards and yachting brands emerging to satisfy those demands.
Astra Nord
A new shipyard Astra Nord has been established in Germany — a startup by yacht designer Theodoros Fotiadis will focus on refitting and building yachts over 65m in length. As the designer himself told Yachting, the shipyard has already begun work on the refit of the 47m yacht Ocean Dreamwalker III. Additionally, the shipyard has a portfolio of ready-made projects for clients interested in building a new custom yacht, such as the 78m hybrid megayacht Neon (pictured).
GX Superyachts
Slovenia-based hybrid boat specialist Greenline Yachts launched the GX Superyachts brand to tap into the big-boat market. Combining efficiency with solar charging technology and topped off with sleek design, the GX brand aims to offer something contemporary and good-looking, yet functional and efficient at the same time. SES Yachts is handling the aluminium construction. The first model from the new brand is a 137-foot hybrid superyacht called the GX42. The yacht has a unique beach club arrangement with unfolding sea terraces and a chic, sharp design by Marco Casali. The smaller GX34 was revealed at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Giangrasso Group
After years of building the major components for other players in the superyacht sector, Giangrasso Group has branched into its own brand. It’s a family-run business but it has lofty goals for the future, and years of experience to see those goals through. They are currently building a 79-feet all-aluminium yacht called the G24 Classic. The yacht has a traditionally-styled exterior and interiors will be by Rome-based designer Michela Reverberi and will include plenty of bespoke touches to create a clean, yet warm onboard ambience. The yard has plans for a G25, G30 and G34 and the flagship G45 to offer a full fleet of yachts at different size points.
Tureddi Yachts
Tureddi Yachts, a newly launched brand under the Tureddi Group, has unveiled its first project, the 36-meter motor yacht Azzurra. Currently under construction and set for delivery in 2027, this debut vessel represents a major milestone for the Italian shipyard, which has over 40 years of experience as a subcontractor for some of the world’s most prestigious yacht builders.
The Azzurra features an exterior design by the Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by the renowned Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. While the interior designer remains undisclosed, it has been confirmed that the interiors will be crafted by a world-renowned design house. The yacht promises a spacious deck layout, luxurious interiors, and advanced technical capabilities, though further details remain confidential.
Nolimits Yachts
Nolimits Yachts is an innovative new brand launched by Rossinavi, designed to make global exploration more accessible for yacht owners. Rooted in Rossinavi’s expertise in crafting fully custom superyachts, Nolimits focuses on creating all-aluminum, full-displacement models under 500 gross tons, ideal for long-range cruising. Their first model, the 45-meter Gemini, combines sporty elegance with advanced engineering, offering a range of over 4,000 nautical miles and the versatility to explore diverse destinations with ease.
EkoKat Yachts
EkoKat Yachts International, a newly established European yacht company, made waves in 2025 with its debut project, the EkoKat 62. Dubbed “the world’s first 60-foot superyacht,” this 18.9-meter motor catamaran offers the space and features of much larger yachts—comparable to 30–40 meters—at a significantly lower price point of under $3 million. The EkoKat 62 boasts an 80-square-meter flybridge equipped with a kitchen, bar, sun loungers, a raised sunbathing platform, and even an optional Jacuzzi. Sustainability is at the core of its design, featuring a retractable hardtop with solar panels generating 600 kW, powering most onboard systems without generators. The 67-square-meter saloon is transformable into guest cabins, while the full-beam owner’s suite provides private access to the foredeck, complete with a dining area and sunpads. Additional highlights include a spacious garage for water toys, an Ultra Anchor system, and a dumbwaiter for serving meals on the flybridge.
Tykun Yachts
Italian shipbuilder MED Group has launched its new Tykun brand, introducing a line of high-performance chase boats designed by architect Tommaso Spadolini. The aluminum-hulled vessels will be available in three sizes: 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5 meters.
Forte Yachts
Forte Yachts, a new Italian luxury yacht brand, made its debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival with the introduction of the Forte 47. Built entirely from aluminum, the 14-meter yacht features a sharp vertical bow, minimalist exterior lines, and a full-beam hardtop that spans over half its length. One of the Forte 47’s standout features is its innovative fold-out terraces located amidships, which create a spacious sea-level lounge reminiscent of a floating villa. The yacht offers two configurations: the sporty Gran Turismo version with triple Mercury V12 600hp outboards, reaching speeds of up to 45 knots, and the Lounge Deck version, designed for extended cruising with twin Volvo Penta IPS D8-800 inboards, integrated air conditioning, and full-height glazing. Below deck, the Forte 47 provides two large cabins, two full bathrooms with separate showers, and over two meters of headroom throughout.
Top headlines in the world of sailing
America’s Cup new rules and organization
The next edition of the Cup will be very different.
The 38th America’s Cup, set to take place in Naples during the summer of 2027, introduced new rules aimed at inclusivity, cost efficiency, and audience engagement. For the first time, each AC75 crew will include one female sailor, and the event will maintain Women’s and Youth America’s Cup competitions. A cost cap of €75 million per team has been implemented, and existing AC75 hulls from the 37th America’s Cup will be reused where possible. The racing format has been revamped to include more match and fleet racing, ensuring all teams remain competitive throughout the event. The introduction of the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) will oversee event organization, media rights, and commercialization, with plans to make the Cup a bi-annual event. Additionally, VIP guests, sponsors, and influencers will have the opportunity to experience racing firsthand as onboard guests. Preliminary regattas will be held in 2026 and early 2027, culminating in the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series and the final match between Team New Zealand and the challenger in July 2027.
Royal Huisman to build the world’s tallest sloop
The famous Dutch builder challenges new heights, literally.
Royal Huisman has unveiled Project SKY, an 81-meter sailing superyacht set to become the tallest sloop in the world, with a 93-meter mast reaching the height of the Statue of Liberty. Designed by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design, with interiors by Winch Design, the yacht combines luxury and innovation. It features a carbon rig for high performance, an aluminum hull, and advanced sail-handling systems for ease of operation. Accommodating 10–12 guests, SKY offers a full-beam owner’s suite, a wellness spa, and a watersports center, with ample outdoor living spaces, including a flybridge and an aft beach deck. Its eco-friendly propulsion system uses electric azimuthing pods powered by generators and a battery bank, enabling silent, emission-free cruising. With construction ready to begin, the yacht is expected to launch by spring 2030, setting a new standard for luxury sailing yachts.
Ferrari goes sailing
The Scuderia brings its racing heritage to the world of performance sailing
Ferrari has unveiled the Hypersail project, a groundbreaking 100-foot flying ocean racing monohull prototype that combines racing heritage with cutting-edge technology. Designed by Guillaume Verdier, the yacht will stabilize its flight on three points of contact, including a canting keel-supported foil, a rudder foil, and lateral foils. Entirely energy self-sufficient, it will rely solely on renewable sources like solar, wind, and kinetic energy, with no combustion engine onboard. The yacht’s advanced flight control system, developed using Ferrari’s automotive expertise, ensures high performance and safety during non-stop offshore sailing. The project has already resulted in nine patents, with six more in progress. Currently under construction in Italy, the Hypersail is set to launch in 2026, marking Ferrari’s bold entry into the world of competitive sailing.
Gone in 2025
The sad news of the 2025 was the loss of several very well-known figures in yachting.
The year 2025 was not without its losses. The yachting community bid farewell to several prominent figures—individuals who left a significant mark on the industry and played a key role in shaping its development. On December 31, 2024, just before the dawn of 2025, Paolo Vitelli, the head of the Azimut Benetti Group, passed away. February brought the news of the death of Aga Khan IV, founder of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and a trendsetter in luxury yachting. In March, Eddie Jordan, whose passion for yachts rivaled even his love for Formula 1, also passed. April saw the loss of Frans Heesen, the founder of Heesen Yachts. And in August 2025, the tragic news broke of the death at sea of Halit Yukay, the founder and designer of the Turkish shipyard Mazu Yachts.
