Bill Springer

Do you want to know just how opulent the never-seen-before-in-the-media interior of the 344-foot-long sailing superyacht Black Pearl really is?

According to multiple news sources, the 465-foot-long superyacht NORD (that was built by Lurssen in Germany and designed by Nuvolari Lenard in Italy) recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz from Dubai to Muscat, Oman.

American entrepreneur Mike Schwartz, alongside multihull expert Karl Reed, has launched VMG to revolutionize high-performance offshore cruising trimarans. Their company is building the VMG 53, a 53-foot, all-carbon-fiber vessel designed in partnership with legendary VPLP Design. This innovative trimaran aims to combine world-class design, practical cruising, and true sailing performance. Unique features include twin auxiliary engines for superior maneuverability and safety, and lightweight carbon construction for aggressive performance goals. Hull #1 is currently under construction in South Africa, with a December launch planned, inviting prospective owners to witness its creation.

The VMG 53 is a new 53-foot high performance cruising trimaran designed in partnership with legendary VPLP Design

The Ferretti Group launched its summer yachting season with an exclusive owners' event on the stunning Amalfi Coast, hosted at the five-star Borgo Santandrea. The weekend celebrated Italian summer and yachting, commencing with the opening of a new Riva Lounge and a welcome from CEO Stassi Anastassov. A highlight was the unveiling of the new Riva 54METRI, the largest Riva ever built, designed by Officina Italiana Design and Ferretti Group Engineering. This flagship superyacht boasts expansive outdoor areas, including a large stern platform with a pool and an innovative bow design, emphasizing connection to water and privacy. The event featured a multi-course dinner, live music, dancers, and a high-tech drone show, showcasing the group's diverse fleet.

Sanlorenzo has unveiled the new SL80A, an under-80-foot yacht that distills the brand's historic SL line qualities into a contemporary vessel. Designed by Zuccon International Project, it aims to offer the openness, refinement, and liveability of significantly larger yachts. A key innovation is its evolved asymmetric architecture, which expands the port side interior volume by up to 20% by moving the starboard passageway, enhancing onboard space, light, and comfort. CEO Tommaso Vincenzi highlights its ability to concentrate quality and design, attracting a new generation of owners. The yacht features four guest cabins, including a full-beam owner's suite, and a luminous main deck with full-height glazing. Interiors boast a warm, contemporary feel with Thai walnut and unique "Azteca" parquet, emphasizing conviviality and a strong Sanlorenzo identity.

The S/Y Zero, a new 226-foot superyacht, has launched in the Netherlands, making a bold claim to operate purely on harvested renewable energy. Designed by Vripack, Dykstra Naval Architects, and Vitters Shipyard, it aims to be the first large yacht to achieve net-zero operation, challenging previous notions of power demands. The project, conceived in 2019, integrates innovative masts, a 250 kW hydrogeneration system, and advanced hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels, all managed by custom software. Crucially, its technologies and data are openly shared via the Foundationº platform to foster industry-wide adoption. Blending classic and modern design, S/Y Zero proves sustainability can be "cool" and is now entering extensive sea trials to demonstrate its capabilities.

Self-made billionaire Shahid Khan, owner of Flex-N-Gate, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Fulham F.C., strategically utilizes his 400-foot superyacht, Kismet, as a unique business and social asset. Named "Superyacht of the Year," Kismet charters for over $3 million weekly, attracting high-profile guests like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Khan views yacht parties as unparalleled networking opportunities, designing Kismet for both opulent aesthetics and practical use, capable of hosting hundreds. He ensures all guest cabins are equally luxurious and incorporates distinct design themes across decks, creating a varied experience. This pragmatic approach maximizes the yacht's appeal for both personal enjoyment and lucrative charters, reflecting his "go big" philosophy.

Formula 1 drivers face relentless pressure, but during their mandated two-week summer factory shutdown, many retreat to yachts in the Mediterranean to recharge. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS driver George Russell, who recently took delivery of his new Pershing 6X in Capri, finds his unique relaxation in freediving. Despite growing up on a farm and initially fearing water, his girlfriend Carmen Mundt introduced him to boating, and team principal Toto Wolff to freediving. Russell emphasizes that freediving isn't about mental toughness, but rather mental health. It allows him to disconnect completely, focusing solely on breathing and relaxation, finding peace and beauty underwater away from the relentless F1 circuit. He enjoys the tranquility, using it to recharge his mind rather than compete.

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS driver George Russell, who recently took delivery of his new Pershing 6X in Capri, finds his unique relaxation in freediving.