Legend, a customised Aquitalia 68 FB, is available for charter in Singapore through Zenith Yacht Charters, having been customised and brought to Southeast Asia through the shipyard’s dealer, Raffles Yacht.

Built by Yihong Yachts in Xiamen, China, Legend is the first Aquitalia 68 model to feature an interior by Pulina Exclusive Interiors, the Pisa-based studio founded by Alessandro Pulina with an Asia office in Shanghai.

“The Aquitalia 68 FB is a high-end line yacht with dynamic design, extraordinary craftsmanship, excellent quality and high-end configuration,” Raffles Yacht stated.

One of Aquitalia’s best-selling models, the Aquitalia 68 FB is a 68ft flybridge motoryacht with an expansive 20ft beam. The pet-friendly Legend offers large entertaining spaces in the aft cockpit, flybridge and saloon, making it ideal for hosting exclusive parties for families, friends and business partners.

The huge sunbeds on the large flybridge offer relaxed lounging areas with panoramic view of the surroundings, while the foredeck also has sun loungers and plenty of seating.

Inside, the spacious saloon has a TV and sound system, and is ideal for meetings, product launches and intimate celebrations. The yacht also has a full galley with fridge and oven, a barbecue, plus three cabins and three bathrooms on the lower deck.

Water toys include a paddleboard, kayak and floaties, while options include a jetski, hoverboard and Seabobs. Each charter includes a private two-way limousine transfer and a dedicated butler(s) “to ensure guests experience the best hospitality that Legend offers”.

Legend arrived in Singapore last year, ahead of its regional premiere at the 2024 Singapore Yachting Festival in ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. This year, the yacht will again participate at the Singapore Yachting Festival from April 10-13 and will be berthed at J02, offering late-afternoon cruises for clients and prospects each day.

For charter enquiries, WhatsApp +65 9887-7761 or email info@zenithyachtcharters.com.sg

zenithyachtcharters.com.sg/yachts/my-legend/

rafflesyacht.com.sg    
aquitaliayachts.com

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When Edward Tan and his Hong Seh Marine team posed for a photo shoot on a Ferretti Yachts 780 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, it was a fitting setting. Two units of the newly styled 780 — both sold by Hong Seh Marine in 2024 — arrived in Singapore in August and September 2024, with one purchased by an owner upgrading to his third Ferretti Yachts model.

“It’s just a perfect boat for Singapore,” says Tan, who founded Hong Seh Marine in 2008 as a division of the Hong Seh Group, his family’s business that dates back over eight decades in Singapore. “The number of Ferrettis has definitely increased in Singapore in recent years. It’s really become a player in the market – and the size of the yachts has been increasing.”

Quickly entrenched as one of Singapore’s leading yacht dealers, Hong Seh Marine recently expanded its office at ONE°15 Marina, where the company and Ferretti Group exhibited an impressive display of models during the annual Singapore Yacht Show in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even before Hong Seh Marine was founded, the Hong Seh Group had a partnership with Riva from the 1990s. But the Tan family’s boating business origins started long before that, in 1936, when Tan’s great-grandfather and grandfather started a ship chandlery on Beach Road.

That company evolved to trade in chemicals, paints and plastics, with Tan’s father Alfred — currently Managing Director of Hong Seh Group — joining in 1966.

The luxury lifestyle focus soon emerged after Alfred Tan created Hong Seh Motors in 1982. Initially focused on car rentals and leasing, he soon acquired the Ferrari dealership and added Maserati in 1999, although Hong Seh Motors is now focused on electric vehicles, importing Tesla into Singapore.

Edward joined the family business in 1997, having graduated from the University of Denver. He recalls being sent to learn the trade at the Ferrari dealership in Mill Valley outside San Francisco.

“I went to understand what it’s like to work at a dealership, to get a different perspective away from the family business, and bring that type of operation back to Singapore,” Tan recalls.

In the meantime, Hong Seh had begun a partnership with Riva and famously sold a 70ft Corsaro 20 to the King of Malaysia in the late 1990s. Tan remembers the sale, having joined His Majesty on a trip soon after the boat was delivered.

“It was a fantastic yacht,” Tan says. “I went on the Riva with His Majesty when he was delivering supplies to villagers up a long river. We were fortunate enough to join his entourage on this yacht, deliver the supplies and then head back to Kuala Lumpur.”

Moving Into Marine

After a decade working in the automobile industry, Tan saw an opportunity to add another arm to the family business and founded Hong Seh Marine in 2008 when it became the official dealer for Riva, which had been part of the fast-expanding Ferretti Group since 2000.

“My father always had a passion for cars – performance cars and specialty cars, and I had always thought about what else I could bring into the business,” Tan says. “We’d been used to seeing the luxury lifestyle and large sums of money transacted while selling Ferrari and Maserati. We saw people enjoying the better things in life and being able to afford it.

“So, after a few years working in the automotive industry, I realised yachting might be interesting to look into because the clientele is similar and we’re always looking for ways for people to enjoy life.”

For Tan, it was a natural move as he’d always been comfortable in water – “I could swim better than I could run” – and had grown up enjoying the sea and watersports.

“Since I was a kid, I’d always liked being in the water, whether swimming, diving, yachting. That led to me wanting to bring that type of lifestyle to our existing customers and a new group of people that could enjoy it.”

Due to his family’s business ties, Tan says Hong Seh Marine has benefited from “a regular bank of clients”, but says he had to learn the yachting industry from scratch to understand what boat owners require and what it takes to retain them as clients.

“Our thought has always been to provide our customers with the best possible service at any time. No matter where or when, if you need us, we’ll be there,” he says.

“When we started the marine business, I had to learn how to pilot the boat, maintain a boat, get crew, washing, anti-fouling, ship chandling and so on. At that time, we were cleaning our own boats; now, we provide captain and crew. We started from zero, so I know what first-time boaters go through.

“We want people to enjoy yachting, so we see things from the perspective of an end user, which we also are. We want owners to enjoy yachting as an experience. We provide the full infrastructure, so they don’t have to lift a finger.”

Expanding Range

Hong Seh Marine made a major move by adding the Ferretti Yachts and Pershing brands to its portfolio in 2013, as Ferretti Group was expanding its presence in the region by opening an Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

“We had been selling Riva for four or five years and felt we wanted to do a little bit more. With Riva, your clients are limited, so we asked Ferretti Group if they’d consider letting us handle other brands,” Tan says.

“Each one has its own characteristic. Riva is the Rolls-Royce of production yachts. Pershing is the ultimate sports car of the seas – high speed, luxurious, a little bit zen. Ferretti Yachts is perfect for bringing friends and family on board to spend quality time. And almost all Ferretti Group boats are Class A certified so we’re not worried when clients travel offshore.”

Hong Seh Marine then underlined its new ambition by opening an office at ONE°15 Marina in 2014. Sales included the Riva 88’ Domino in 2016, while the following year’s sales included Riva’s then flagship 110’ Dolcevita as well as Ferretti Yachts 850, 700, 550 and 450 models.

With several of the new owners wanting full-time captains and crew, Hong Seh Marine created a yacht management division in 2017. Crew receive STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) training, and superyacht crew are certified at the Galileo Maritime Academy in Phuket.

Group Benefits

The yacht-management department has continued to grow over the years as sales rise, with Tan now defining models between 65-100ft as the stable core of the new-yacht sales division. At the same time, brokerage became increasingly significant as owners frequently looked to upgrade, typically within the Ferretti Group portfolio, explains Della Rugdee, Senior Yacht Broker.

“Owners who buy a Ferretti, for example, will typically upgrade within the brand or even within the Group, such as to a Riva or a Custom Line. This is the power of the Group and what they can provide to our clients,” says Rugdee, who joined Hong Seh Marine in 2016.

“It helps a lot having a Ferretti Group office in Asia because we get real-time responses, so we’re not waiting seven-eight hours for Europe. Many have been with Ferretti Group for many years and based in Asia for a long time. Several speak Mandarin, which helps with a lot of our local clients. Overall, our clients feel they’re being well taken care of not just by the dealer but by the shipyard itself, which is why we have so many repeat clients.”

Tan says the Ferretti Group’s international presence is also key for clients, who may have business interests or residences around the globe.

“Our clients are often Singaporean, residing here or with links to Singapore, although some may be in Malaysia, around Asia or in Europe,” he says.

“They might want to keep a boat in Singapore, the south of France, South Africa, Taiwan or Hong Kong, for example, and because we have a relationship, we assist them. And because we’re a representative of the Ferretti Group, we’re able to link our clients with a wide network as the Group has offices all around the globe.”

Hong Seh Marine’s clients also enjoy attending the Ferretti Group’s famously lavish parties including the annual Private Preview in Monaco, where Elton John, Duran Duran, Sting and Lionel Richie have led the entertainment in recent years.

Along with new model launches and premieres around the world, several clients also attended Ferretti Yachts’ spectacular 50^th anniversary in Venice in 2018, featuring an air show by the Italian Air Force.

Hong Seh Marine also regularly entertained clients by organising convoy trips to the likes of Indonesia or Malaysia every few months, although that has been curtailed during Covid.

New Market

The company even expanded its ONE°15 Marina office in 2019, an overall reflection of the steady growth in staff, crew, business divisions and yacht sales. Even during Covid, demand for new yachts has been solid, although sales in Singapore have been limited by stock, with Hong Seh Marine already ordering units for 2022.

However, with residents confined to Singapore, a new generation of boat buyers has emerged, which has bolstered the brokerage market and introduced more clients to the dealer. Before Covid, the revenue split between new and pre-owned sales was 50/50, but now brokerage is dominant, Rugdee says, with the company even selling boats to other parts of Asia and Europe.

“Brokerage is big-volume sales for us. People want to buy a boat and use it right now,” she says. “A lot of new local owners have just got their licence while repeat clients are upgrading with us and some have even expanded their fleet. People buying 30-40-footers are buying from the existing market and the sellers are moving up to 40-50ft.

“We’ve seen younger-generation parents wanting to bring boating and the watersports culture to their kids at a young age and families engage with us because we can take them out on small 20-30ft boats.”

It has been 13 years since Tan founded Hong Seh Marine and Covid has seen his clientele further diversify from solely the owners of the ‘Rolls-Royce of production yachts’, while the recent acquisition of a charter boat, Partybus (see below), is further evidence of a company prepared to evolve.

“The Covid period has been good for the yachting industry overall,” he says. “Previously, yachting was seen as more exclusive. Now, you have everybody trying a boat, with people seeing if this lifestyle interests them. I think it has been an eye-opening experience for the people who have never tried it before. They’ve dipped their toes in the water, so in that sense it has been good.”

This article was first seen on yachtstyle.co.

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Galeon has revealed CGIs and details of its upcoming 620 Fly, which is scheduled to debut in the latter half of 2025, potentially at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.

Featuring an overall length of 65ft 7in and a 20ft-plus beam, the model is part of the builder’s Flybridge series. It sits between the 560 Fly that debuted at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival and the 640 Fly, which was unveiled in its updated version at the Boot Dusseldorf indoor show this January.

However, the 620 Fly design by Tony Castro – who has worked with Galeon since 2001 – has given the brand’s iconic ‘beach mode’ a new twist. Instead of two balconies on both sides of the main deck, the new model includes three drop-down terraces: one on the starboard side of the main deck and two flanking the hydraulic swim platform.

The large port beach platform can even be accessed by a door from the full-beam master suite, which enjoys an open view of the water and direct sea access. The starboard beach platform is slightly thinner, but still completes a three-sided beach area by the water.

The swim platform and beach platforms are accessed by steps from the cockpit’s starboard side, where further stairs lead up to an impressively large flybridge.

The top deck is backed by a large, three-sided lounging area that sits aft of a C-shaped dinette to port and a U-shaped wet bar to starboard. Forward is another C-shaped sofa, which accompanies the bench-seat helm station to port.

The main deck has an asymmetrical layout, with only a full side deck to starboard, where the drop-down balcony can create a bar over the water once stools are installed.

For the interior, Galeon is working for the first time with In Situ & Partners, a Hong Kong-based studio founded in 2011 by Yacine Bensalem. Design traits include rounded cabinetry, ambient lighting and integrated air-conditioning vents, while owners can choose from five décor themes – Ocean, Amber, Terra, Pearl and Ivory – each inspired by natural materials and colours.

The spacious saloon has a widebody design to port, featuring a C-shaped sofa and an adjustable table that can be lowered and covered with cushions to create a large lounging area. The sofa faces a long bar counter to starboard, where there’s also a retractable TV and an opening window that creates an open connection to the waterside bar.

Forward to port is an open galley with a central island, while to starboard are the lower-deck staircase and twin-seat helm station. Pantograph doors in the galley and by the helm both offer side access to the flexible foredeck, while the central windscreen can be moved to the side to create an indoor flow of air from bow to stern.

The lower deck can be configured with three or four guest cabins, including a full-beam master suite and a forward VIP. Aft, the crew cabin includes two berths, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

Asiamarine has represented Galeon since 2016 and covers Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, while also managing a network of dealers in the rest of the region.

galeon.pl
asiamarine.com

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The auction, taking place at the Omni Amelia Island Resort on 6 and 7 March, will feature legendary marques associated with automotive visionaries such as Gabriel Voisin, W.O. Bentley, and Émile Darl’mat. These historic models — many of which have graced the world’s most prestigious concours events, including Pebble Beach — will be joined by three remarkable vehicles from the esteemed Don and Molly Marsh Collection, all offered without reserve.

“From the Voisin C25 Aérodyne to the Bentley Eight Litre and the Peugeot Darl’mat, these selections are no strangers to significant museum exhibitions,” says David Gooding, President of Gooding & Christie’s. “We are proud to bring them to auction this March.”

1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne

Set to take center stage at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction on 6 to 7 March 2025 — the 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne is a true rarity. Of the eight originally built, only three are confirmed to have survived, making this example an extraordinary find. Expected to fetch between USD 2,000,000 and USD 2,500,000, the C25 Aérodyne stands out for its advanced C25 chassis and striking aviation-inspired coachwork — hallmarks of Gabriel Voisin’s visionary craftsmanship.

The 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance crowned the Aérodyne with the Vitesse Elegance Trophy, a testament to its meticulous restoration by vintage car specialist Blakeney Motorsport and its bespoke Hermès Paris-designed interior.

Gabriel Voisin envisioned Avions Voisin as a marque of efficiency, reliability, comfort, and innovation. The Aérodyne embodies this philosophy with its aerodynamic design, advanced engineering, and refined luxury. Now, through this auction, collectors and enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to own a masterpiece that seamlessly merges technical brilliance with artistic craftsmanship.

1931 Bentley Eight Litre Sports Tourer

A highlight of the upcoming Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction, the 1931 Bentley Eight Litre Sports Tourer stands as one of only 35 built on the sought-after short-wheelbase chassis. Expected to fetch between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,000,000, this exceptional model was W.O. Bentley’s direct answer to Rolls-Royce, offering both unparalleled performance and refined luxury.

Powered by a 7,982 cc SOHC inline six-cylinder engine producing 220 bhp at 3,500 RPM, the Eight Litre features twin SU HO8 carburettors, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and a four-speed “F” type manual transmission. Its Vanden Plas coachwork, added in 1932, further elevates its elegance and historical significance.

With a provenance that includes esteemed collectors like Richard Paine and Dr Samuel Scher, this Bentley Eight Litre has been meticulously preserved and showcased at prestigious events, including the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now, it presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a masterpiece that epitomises the perfect fusion of power, luxury, and craftsmanship.

1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe

The upcoming Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction will also showcase the rare 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe — a striking example of pre-war French automotive design. One of just 35 built on the short-wheelbase chassis, this elegant and highly sought-after model is expected to sell for between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,000,000.

Commissioned by Émile Darl’mat, a visionary Peugeot dealer with a passion for performance, the 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe was designed to blend aerodynamics, speed, and luxury. Its streamlined body, created by coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout, is a testament to the Art Deco era, while its engineering reflects the innovation that defined 1930s motorsport.

With a rich provenance and a history of participation in prestigious events, this Peugeot 402 Darl’mat represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire an automotive masterpiece that embodies the golden age of French craftsmanship and racing heritage.

Bugatti Type 50 Roadster From The Don and Molly Marsh Collection

The highly anticipated Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction will spotlight the rare 1930 Bugatti Type 50 Roadster, a masterpiece of pre-war automotive engineering. As one of only 18 ever produced, this exquisite model is expected to fetch between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,000,000, making it a prized acquisition for discerning collectors.

Designed by Ettore Bugatti, the Type 50 is celebrated for its fusion of luxury and performance. It boasts a formidable 5,030cc SOHC inline eight-cylinder engine, producing 225bhp at 3,200 RPM, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Its elegantly crafted coachwork, created in Bugatti’s own studio, exemplifies the marque’s signature blend of artistry and aerodynamics.

With a well-documented provenance and appearances at prestigious automotive events, this Bugatti Type 50 Roadster stands as a rare opportunity to own a landmark in motoring history—where technical innovation meets timeless sophistication.

Head to the links below more details:

Bidder Registration: www.goodingco.com/register
Live Auction Broadcast: www.goodingco.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodingandCompany
X: @goodingandco
Instagram: @goodingandcompany
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/GoodingandCompany
Phone: +1.310.899.1960

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Fast and fabulous-looking is how Pershing yachts could be aptly described. The Italian builder is known for its stylish, silver-hulled sports boats that nimbly zip along at speeds exceeding 40 knots. While the combination of speed and style are a given in a Pershing, the builder sought to explore the possibility of offering more to its owners – specifically, more volume.

Cue the GTX80, which pairs thrilling performance and striking good looks with a spacious interior, seamless indoor-outdoor living and an enhanced connection to the water.

Pershing launched its GTX range in 2023 with the GTX116. For the GTX80, launched a year later, Pershing turned to Vallicelli Design to give a fresh perspective on the series by designing the 23.98m motoryacht inside and out.

Vallicelli Design has a long history of working with the Ferretti Group, Pershing’s parent company, on other yachts under the group’s banner, such as Wally’s wallywhy line and CRN superyachts. But this marked the first occasion that the Rome-headquartered studio turned its sights towards Pershing.

“Vallicelli Design worked in close contact with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and its Engineering Department to produce an in-depth study of the proportions and so create a refined balance between the volumes of the superstructure and hull,” said Alessandro Tirelli, Chief Sales Officer of Serial Business Ferretti Group.

“Compared to our classic sport-fly boats, the Pershing GTX80 strikes the perfect balance between maximum utilisation of the interior volumes and excellent performance.”

GTX stands for Gran Turismo, with the X in the name giving a nod to Pershing’s fast-flying X series. It’s an intentional reference to the brand’s DNA, which was an inherent part of the brief for the exterior design.

Michelangelo Vallicelli, Chief Designer at Vallicelli Design, said: “The GTX80 needed to be instantly recognisable – you needed to be able to look at the yacht and know it’s a Pershing. But at the same time, it should be gentler than the very aggressive X sport line.”

Vallicelli was able to retain a familial resemblance while introducing new features, such as a near-vertical bow, which pairs nicely with a continuous, slightly convex sheer-line. “The aim of the brief,” Tirelli said, “was to unify Pershing’s signature style features with innovative choices.”

The classic Pershing grey paint colour is contrasted by a darker shade on the superstructure to give a subtle update to the colour scheme. Similarly, the carbon-fibre T-top above was chosen (as an option) for its light weight to enhance performance and for its aesthetic qualities.

The brief also called for a large beach club aft and the ability to carry a tender and jet ski. This required the interior volume of the yacht to shift forward towards the bow, which gives the GTX80 a unique profile that sets her apart.

While a typical X series yacht has a low-slung superstructure set towards the stern of the boat and a long bow, the superstructure of the GTX80 juts further forward and the arch-shaped deckhouse seems to sit a bit more upright. This is topped by a 23sqm flybridge, which Tirelli says is 60 per cent larger than the category average.

At the stern, the Pershing GTX80’s bulwarks serve a dual function, first by hiding the winches and cleats away to keep things looking sleek and streamlined, and they also unfold to convert into lateral terraces. This connection to the water is further enhanced by the yacht’s layout, which sees the beach club make way to a spacious 14sqm cockpit that flows imperceptibly from the main saloon.

“The Pershing GTX80 is very much focused on what this yacht can offer in terms of more volume for interiors compared to the sport line,” said Vallicelli. “One example is the kitchen, set at the far aft of the main saloon, which connects with the outside.”

Electrically-operated windows slide down, creating an outdoor bar where guests can sit in the cockpit and directly connect with the kitchen and main saloon. The 36sqm saloon is entered through a door comprising two sliding, overlapping panels from the aft deck.

The bar in the galley and the vertical panels in the main saloon are finished in a grey-toned, hand-scratched metallic effect, which is actually wood that is lacquered, painted to look like metal and then customised by hand.

“We were looking to give the mood of a comfortable space, but not a standard family-friendly environment that you might find on other brands,” Vallicelli said. “This is a very informal boat, so the mood follows this idea of not having super-classic materials. There’s no natural wood on the main deck, for instance, apart from the parquet floors, so there’s a contrast between the warmth of the sofas and the metal look of the walls.”

The introduction of crisp, LED lighting highlights the contrasts of the interior decor. The bar area, which starts at the aft and continues inside, is set across from an L-shaped sofa or a formal dining area, depending on which interior layout option is chosen.

The feeling is that of an open-plan living room that has nearly 360-degree views of the sea thanks to enormous windows and the forward windshield.

“Owners who opt for the Pershing GTX80 love conviviality and playing host to numerous guests,” said Tirelli, noting how this layout that perfectly connects the interior and exterior spaces will appeal to this sort of clientele.

Having one designer create both the exterior and interior helped to nurture the holistic nature of the yacht’s design. In fact, it was vital to the design, because the exterior decks had to be re-imagined to achieve greater interior volumes. One of the ways a larger interior volume was achieved, said Vallicelli, was by conceiving a hybrid full-beam solution.

At first glance, it might look like the saloon is full beam, but in fact she’s “almost full beam”. At the aft section of the superstructure, a second set of windows sit further out from the superstructure, framing the side decks and giving the illusion that the saloon is stretching full beam.

“Instead of having wide side decks, there’s an approximately 40cm passageway just for the crew, which allows us to enlarge the volume of the main deck,” the designer added.

Inside, the build team were on a mission to eke out as much space as possible on the lower deck to create as voluminous guest accommodation as possible.

“The fight to optimise the space was over millimetres, not centimetres,” Vallicelli said. “We worked closely with Ferretti Group Engineering Department and were in constant contact with them.”

Placing the stairs down to the lower deck transversally was one way to gain space while creating a connection between the lower and main decks. The lower deck can be configured with four en-suite cabins or three plus a media room.

Vallicelli is very pleased with the forward VIP cabin, which feels more spacious than a typical V-berth. This is due in part to the fact that the base of the bed is slanted at an angle inward, rather than straight, creating more floor space beneath the bed and making the room feel larger.

Despite being a production yacht, there is scope for customisation, such as in the owner’s suite, which is clad in blue panelling that can be modified upon request. Owners can personalise the space by changing the hanging panels to a colour and material that best suits them.

Of course, a real challenge was balancing more volume with the speed requirements of a Pershing. In this regard, the GTX80 is no slouch. Equipped with three 1,000hp Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350 engines, she reaches a top speed of 34 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots.

In keeping with the Pershing brand, the GTX80 is equipped with Volvo Penta’s IPS electro-hydraulic steering system, upgraded Volvo joystick functions that allow full joystick driving and assisted docking, Humphree trim stabilisers and Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers.

“This project was not about making compromises but about combining high speed and comfort,” said Vallicelli.

A born entertainer, beach-loving beauty and sporty speedster rolled into one, the Pershing GTX80 pulls off a rare feat of balancing speed, style and spaciousness in a relatively small package.

This article was first seen on yachtstyle.co.

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Fountaine Pajot and Couach Catamarans are currently introducing Veya Yachts, a joint venture born from shared expertise and a commitment to simplifying life at sea at the Fountaine Pajot stand at the Miami International Boat Show 2025, which opened yesterday and is on until February 16.

Under the co-guidance of Fountaine Pajot Deputy CEO Romain Motteau, and Asia veteran Brand Director Yvan Eymieu – now Managing Director of Veya, the venture has debuted its inaugural model: the Veya 53, a power catamaran designed to blend refined simplicity with purposeful innovation.

Formerly known as Code 07, the Veya 53 embodies a new era of intuitive engineering and timeless elegance, crafted for those who value calm over complexity.

Partnership rooted in purpose

Veya Yachts unites Fountaine Pajot’s visionary design ethos with Couach’s precision craftsmanship, creating catamarans that prioritise spaciousness, reliability, and effortless journeys. This collaboration brings a fresh perspective to yachting, redefining every moment on the water.

Every detail of the Veya 53 reflects a commitment to thoughtful solutions, from its uncluttered layouts to innovations that quietly enhance life aboard. “With the Veya 53, we are redefining the experience at sea by combining elegance and practicality,”  said Managing Director Yvan Eymieu. “Every detail has a purpose, bringing more comfort, simplicity, and freedom on the water. The horizon is always within reach – that’s the Veya philosophy.”

This launch marks the first step in Veya Yachts’ mission to create vessels that inspire exploration while grounding guests in tranquillity. Future models will build on this foundation, offering the same balance of sophistication and ease.

A New Standard, Quietly Set

“Veya Yachts avoids bold claims,” Eymieu said. “Instead, we let our craftsmanship speak: through catamarans engineered to endure, spaces designed to breathe, and journeys that feel effortlessly yours. We’re not redefining luxury – we’re reimagining what it means to truly belong at sea.”

Ahead of the VEYA 53’s official launch in 2026, the world premiere of the Veya Yachts’ brand at the Miami International Boat Show (February 12-16) let visitors engage with the team, discover the brand philosophy, place orders, preview upcoming models, and experience the future of maritime excellence through exhibits and detailed presentations showcasing the uniqueness of Veya.

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The automotive world is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year: the 2025 Amelia Island Auctions. Set to take place on 6 and 7 March at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida, the prestigious annual auction showcases a dazzling array of rare and historically significant cars. Traditionally held the weekend before The Amelia Concours d’Elegance, Gooding Christie’s offerings are known to be a standout at the Amelia Island Auctions, usually featuring exceptional Porsches and rare collections from famous figures, such as Jerry Seinfeld. This year, the auction house highlights an extraordinary collection from Fred Leydorf, whose love for exotic automobiles has left a prominent mark on the industry. The headline offering — a stunning 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta — promises to steal the spotlight, but it is far from the only masterpiece on offer.

Fred Leydorf & Ferrari

In the classic car world, Fred Leydorf’s legacy brings to mind an unwavering passion for cars and a true advocate for Ferrari. Leydorf’s love for automobiles began at an early age — a trait which led him to become a mechanical engineer at American Motors and Ford Motors. Eventually, his love for exotic cars extended to the Ferrari Club of America, where he played a key role in the organisation’s establishment. From 1971 to 1973, Leydorf became integral to the club’s growth, serving as its fourth president and leading its technical committee. His commitment to preserving the legacy of these vehicles — along with his extensive network of friends in the automotive world — allowed him to create a collection of rare and historically significant cars.

The 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta holds a particularly special place in Leydorf’s heart. This particular example — a chassis 0472 AM — is expected to fetch between USD 8,000,000 and USD 10,000,000, and serves as a historic example of Ferrari’s engineering prowess and exclusivity. David Gooding, president of Gooding Christie’s, shared his enthusiasm for the sale: “It is an incredible honour to bring the Fred Leydorf Collection to market, especially his magnificent Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta which has long been considered the centrepiece of his well-known collection for over 55 years. We are proud of our exceptional catalogue for Amelia Island, and are confident that our first official auction as Gooding Christie’s will be a most memorable occasion.”

Originally ordered by Alfred Ducato, the vice president of the United California Bank in San Francisco and a dedicated Ferrari enthusiast, the 375 MM Berlinetta was custom-built to Ducato’s specifications. The executive had a longstanding personal relationship with both Enzo Ferrari and Ferrari’s American distributor, Luigi Chinetti, and his Ferrari orders were known for their meticulous detail. When the car was completed in February 1955, it was finished in Ferrari’s striking light blue Azzurro colour, sporting a contrasting black roof and natural leather interior. Ducato’s Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta would go on to represent the pinnacle of Ferrari’s road-going sports cars of the era, winning First in Class for European Sports Cars over USD 10,000 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1956.

Eventually, the car passed to Norman N. Thompson, who repainted the car in the traditional Ferrari racing red during the 1960s. Leydorf acquired the car in 1969, where he sought to learn more about the car’s rich history. In the following years, Leydorf consulted with a network of trusted Ferrari experts, including the legendary Aurelio Lampredi — Ferrari’s renowned engineer — who provided a sketch of the engine’s internal workings. Leydorf’s enthusiasm for history and authenticity guided the car’s restoration, culminating in a triumphant debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2006 — exactly 50 years after the car was first shown at the event by Ducato.

Since its restoration, the Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta has been shown at select concours events, to great acclaim. Most recently, it earned the Best of Show Foreign award at the 2019 Concours d’Elegance and the Pavilion Award at the 2022 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance. Today, the 375 MM’s current condition is a testament to the dedication Leydorf invested in the car over more than 55 years of ownership, retaining its original engine, gearbox, and differentials.

READ MORE: Iconic Auctioneers Break Records as Classic Car Market Revs Up for 2025

An Exhilarating Auction Lineup

While the Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta is undoubtedly the star of the auction, other notable vehicles are sure to capture the attention of collectors.

1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 GS/GT Carrera Speedster

Estimated between USD 900,000 to USD 1,200,000, this 1959 example is bodied by Reutter, one of Porsche’s most renowned coachbuilders, and is also a notable car in The Fred Leydorf Collection. Throughout its time, the car has competed in some of the most prestigious racing events of its time, including Zandvoort, Avus, Solitude, and Monza. In recent years, it was awarded First in Class and Best Porsche at the 2017 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, further elevating its value as a collector’s item.

1960 Porsche 356 B Roadster

Also included in The Fred Leydorf is a 1960 Porsche 356 B Roadster, fetching a price between USD 175,000 and USD 225,000, without reserve. Featuring coachwork by Drauz, the car is finished in Porsche’s rare colour of Fjord Green. This particular 356 B Roadster is a standout example of Porsche’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship during the era, with its pristine condition and timeless aesthetic making it a sought-after classic.

1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 S

The 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 S is undoubtedly one of the star attractions at the upcoming Amelia Island Auctions. This Miura showcases its stunning Berton coachwork, dressed in a striking Rosso Corsa (racing red) with a Skay Nero (black) interior and dark blue inserts. This example was owned by Giulio Vignale, nephew of legendary coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, who acquired the car in 1969 and held onto it for an impressive 39 years. In more recent times, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration carried out by Miura specialists Carrozzeria Cremonini and Top Motors. As a result, the car is remarkably authentic, featuring numerous period-correct details and retaining much of its original documentation, including its Certificate d’Origine. With just over 7,800 kilometres on the odometer, this case is expected to fetch between USD 2,500,000 and USD 3,000,000.

1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

One of only 108 examples ever built, the 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS is an iconic piece of motorsport history, estimated at a price between USD 1,500,000 to USD 1,800,000. Finished in silver metallic with a blue interior, this chassis 904-028 was originally owned by German racer Gerhard Koch. During his ownership, the car excelled on the racetrack, securing victories such as the Rheinland-Pfalz Trophy at the Nürburgring and a 2nd overall finish at the Grand Prix de Paris. After passing to another German racer, Rainer Ising, the car continued its success in European events before architect Alexander Pollack acquired the car in 1972, where it stayed for more than five decades. Thanks to its careful preservation, the Porsche 904 has retained many of its original components, including its body, tail section, and seating. The car is accompanied by an in-depth report by Porsche historian Jerry Pantis, who considers it one of the most authentic and historically significant examples of the Porsche 904 in existence.

1954 Fiat 8V Series II Berlinetta

The 1954 Fiat 8V Series II Berlinetta is revered for its stunning design by Fabio Luigi Rapi and Carrozzerie Speciali, featuring a distinctive style of secondary lower lights and front end. This 8V remains a testament to its meticulous preservation, retaining its matching-numbers engine (no. 000139) as confirmed by factory records. Originally finished in a sleek light green (Verde Metallizzata) and trimmed in beige leather, it has preserved its original interior for an impressive 71 years. The Italian car remained in its home country for most of its life, acquired by Angelo Brinobet in 1980, who owned a Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealership. Under Brinobet, the car was entered into 1000 Miglia reenactments and earned FIVA certification along with an ASI Gold status — a rare accolade reserved for vehicles in outstanding original condition. The Otto Vu also boasts entry acceptance for both the 2025 Warm Up USA event and the 2026 1000 Miglia, and is expected to fetch a price of USD 1,000,000 to USD 1,400,000.

1970 Porsche 914/6 GT

A rare gem from Porsche’s racing history, the 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT is one of only 12 factory works cars built for GT endurance testing. It was originally owned by German privateer racer Gotthard Egerland, and the car was actively campaigned in a variety of events, including at the 1970 ADAC Eifelpokalrennen 500 Kilometers at the Nürburgring, where it secured a 6th place finish. Egerland raced the car until 1976, where subsequent owners continued the car’s racing legacy, such as Markus Schachtschneider, who used it in several historic European events. In 2019, the car underwent an exhaustive two-year nut-and-bolt restoration by Porsche specialist Gaswerks Garage. With its original colour scheme, a 901/25 twin-plug competition engine, and a detailed report by marque historian Jürgen Barth, the 914/6 GT is priced at USD 850,000 to USD 1,000,000.

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The renowned Cantieri di Pisa historic Italian shipyard, founded in 1945 in Pisa, Tuscany, began as a production and repair facility for small boats, before growing to larger-scale production, from which its reputation grew. It was bought by today’s owner Enrico Gennasio in 2021, after a period of closure.

The new era of Cantieri di Pisa has been marked by robust growth and passionate aspirations under Gennasio’s ownership, Marco Massabò’s day-to-day leadership and last year’s appointment of Antonio Luxardo – co-founder of Optima Design – as Chief Designer.

This new chapter has commenced with the introduction of a new range of motoryachts with three series blending traditional elements that respectfully nod to Cantieri di Pisa heritage, with contemporary touches. The Pisa yard continues to promise the highest quality of builds, aided by the abundance of quality marine suppliers in the vicinity.

Tell us about your background, how you ventured into the shipyard business by acquiring Cantieri di Pisa in 2021, and your directions since then.

Enrico Gennasio: We have a strong industrial background since my main business is Lombardy-based Alfagomma Group, which operates globally in the production of integrated systems for industrial and hydraulic fluids, employs close to 5,000 people and has had a presence in the Asia Pacific Rim since 1989.

It’s a group with a very strong engineering background because of the high technology required in the sector. Alfagomma is vertically integrated, involved not only in product research and development but also in the development, design, research and manufacturing of machinery and equipment. As we construct our own machinery for processing, we keep our technological innovations confidential. Our customer base includes key players with high-content technology in the oil and gas, mining, shipping, shipbuilding and defence sectors.

Linking a strong industrial background and a very long-held passion for motorboats – being a boat owner since I was 19 – I was given the opportunity to acquire Cantieri di Pisa. I saw this shipyard venture from an owner’s perspective, with a lot of aesthetics needed but often insufficient technical content in the manufacturing.

As my main business is an integrated one where subcontracting is non-existent, I looked further than Cantieri di Pisa and saw that too much of the boating industry relies on subcontracting. From my point of view, this can lead to losing a grip on the progress of a brand’s production and manufactured product technology.

For example, the first boat we designed and have started to manufacture – the fast 80 Veloce – is a fully carbon-fibre boat, which was an exercise in technology, from the construction of the moulds in-house for the hull to the superstructure and every piece of the composite material. That’s the direction we want to go for – we want to be in control of our technology and therefore of our quality and future.

When I acquired the shipyard, Cantieri di Pisa had a fantastic brand image thanks to a brilliant history, iconic name and products. However, it was sitting idle for a few years. To draw a parallel, when you don’t play tennis for three years, no matter how good you were before, you must start again and shake the rust out.

So, we decided to start in a strong way by focusing on refit, prioritising Cantieri di Pisa boats. Over 740 units had been produced historically, so we worked on presenting the ideal refit centre for the existing fleet. We’ve already done quite a few refits of Cantieri di Pisa boats. It was a good ‘warm-up exercise’ for the team and ideal timing for us to fine-tune our organisation.

We’ve made great achievements over the past three years, and we received very encouraging testimonials from satisfied customers. In fact, our shipyard has more requests than it can handle, and we are actively looking at three additional facilities. Currently, we have 50,000sqm of facilities including a 600m-long quay equipped with a 300-tonne travel lift and a 20-tonne crane.

Simultaneously, we started to design the new-generation Cantieri di Pisa range, which we displayed at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show in September 2024.

During the Cannes Yachting Festival, the vision projected by Cantieri di Pisa really stood out as a ‘comeback’, with the presentation of nine new projects. Some asked whether this might be overly ambitious. How would you respond?

Marco Massabò: We are happy to hear that, as this is the result of a long perseverance, knowing all the resources, shipyard employees and subcontractors mobilised. You can imagine the stress involved; a lot of fine-tuning is needed.

A lot of passion is also needed, you breathe with the shipyard and probably after three years of due diligence, we’ve assessed the problems at the shipyard, with manpower, the facility and suppliers, and we’ve improved those areas. We know managing nine upcoming models is a huge target, but we will manage it step by step and are concentrating on the smaller models first.

In my view, we can start to focus and manufacture within the 30-50m range – to a maximum of 58m – in Cantieri de Pisa’s shipyard, and for the 60-100m range, outside of Pisa but still in Italy. With our other models like the 38m and the 48m yachts, made in steel, with a superstructure in composite or aluminium, we can find such expertise not only in Italy but also in the Netherlands and in Germany.

I imagine that in the case of a 90m yacht, an order of, say, €120 million, it would take eight months to a year to sign a contract for us, as we are new to this kind of superyacht build. We do have a strong partnership with megayacht builder, the T. Mariotti shipyard, and we would thoroughly assess such a project with them as a consultant.

You spoke of the expansion of production facilities, the historic Polaris and Saturno lines, and the sale of Cantieri di Pisa Custom Division’s first explorer. You also unveiled a third line: Akhir, the previously successful range, now “redesigned to meet the needs of modern owners while staying true to the brand’s historical legacy.” Are these areas progressing well?

Marco Massabò: Cantieri di Pisa had three existing product lines historically linked to names derived from astrology: Polaris, Saturno and Akhir.

The Polaris line, a name inherited from the prestigious mythical yacht of the dolce vita era, began in 1961 with a 13.2m cruiser, which became the Super Polaris in 1964 with the introduction of a flybridge. The new Polaris series includes yachts of 38m and 48m, extending to the 60m Super Polaris and even larger sizes.

The adventure began with the 48m steel-hulled voyager with a displacement hull featuring EHPH (Eco High Power Hull) wave-piercing technology for long-range cruising and low fuel consumption, and an aluminium and carbon superstructure.

With this new model, the aim was to preserve the shipyard’s DNA by entering a new voyager-explorer segment, which boasts different proportions and volumes but still maintains the shipyard’s stylistic features such as the ribbon windows, the particular design of the air intakes, and the power.

The second line, Saturno, is more traditional, derived from a reinterpretation of the lines of the 1960s models, in which the very generous stern, typical of the previous models, has been retained. The main feature of this line is the connection between the beach club, the main deck and the upper deck directly from a transverse external staircase without passing through the interior.

The third line is dedicated to Cantieri di Pisa’s most famous line of yachts, the Akhir, including the 44m completely in carbon-fibre.

How did you decide to ask architect and designer Antonio Luxardo – co-founder of Optima Design – to collaborate with Cantieri di Pisa as Chief Designer?

Enrico Gennasio: During the first three years of my ownership, I spoke with a number of naval architects and designers, and he was the one that seemed most convincing to be able to handle what we need across design for a whole project.

Design is key because we are involved in luxury items with sexy shapes. Yet design goes beyond aesthetics, it’s the total concept for each project. Antonio is positioned like no other to understand the full DNA of the shipyard and oversee all new projects of the shipyard, or else he would not have been able to present nine new models.

You mentioned heritage, as the shipyard celebrates its 80^th anniversary in 2025. How can you remain faithful to its DNA while evolving into a new era?

Enrico Gennasio: We have significant archives and drawings, since its birth in 1945, not to mention the living testimonials of boats still operating since the shipyard’s launch.

It’s very important to identify what were the reasons for the success of the legacy products of Cantieri di Pisa. Lines like the Akhir were superb in design and quality, with high performance. These yacht characteristics must be the common denominator of Cantieri di Pisa’s strategy for the future.

In the case of the Akhir line, though, it’s certainly challenging to modernise such an iconic product: we must evolve the legacy projects to current requirements of owners without losing their distinguished style that always stood out from others in the industry.

We don’t want to ever be a mass- or serial-production shipyard. We want to have a limited number of hulls produced every year, paying attention to those fundamental points that are sometimes not in a product made in high numbers. We cannot confuse yachts of this type of size with something like the automotive production process, for instance.

We also want to maintain the flexibility of personalisation that boat owners might naturally require. These specific points are totally underestimated and disregarded by some manufacturers.

At this moment, customer care and after-sales assistance are pretty much unknown in the industry, at least on the Italian manufacturers’ side. If you have a guarantee issue, they don’t even have the facilities to solve the problem. The fact we do refits and want to maintain this service exemplify a shipyard that’s able to be a problem solver.

It should not be possible to buy a US$15-20 million yacht, and then if you face a problem, the manufacturer doesn’t step in to help solve a problem they created. Yet this is the case in the industry right now.

I’ve seen companies in which their legal department receives more attention and resources than, say, the technical or R&D department. This is clearly a sign of disease. Our motto is we endeavour to take a constructive approach to any problem that may arise, and we stand alongside our yacht owners to help with any problems.

How was the feedback from the Cannes and Monaco shows, and where will you continue your roadshows from 2025 to develop internationally?

Enrico Gennasio: I’m extremely positive about the outcome of these two shows for our company. We will continue our roadshows, displaying our products and capabilities between the United States, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific in 2025. There is no pressure: we plan, crawl and walk. We are interested in any conversation and potential contract anywhere in the world.

At a later stage, we will approach selected markets in a substantial manner, to set up local structures. We can consider a dealer network, for instance. All we need is to have an organisation that can stand behind our products.

This article was first seen on yachtstyle.co.

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It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many yachts built today include liveability as part of the brief: luxury and creature comforts come as part of the basic package. But rarely is a yacht penned with such a design as to feel like a home at sea; Italian shipyard Absolute’s Navetta 53, however, has done just that.

The 52ft 6in vessel that premiered at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival is picking up where the Navetta 52 left off. The latest creation from Absolute is a leap forward in design and liveability, offering a blend of elegance, sophistication and practical functionality.

The focus for the 53 was space. There were several females involved in the design and build of this model, so it’s not surprising clever touches and thorough attention to detail are found throughout.

A MASTERCLASS IN SPACE

Where the Navetta 52 had a fixed aft lounge that obscured views from the cockpit, the 53’s aft deck feels much more spacious. The bulky sofa is gone, replaced by freestanding furniture designed in-house.

The result is light, both in terms of furniture mobility and the actual light that now spills into the cockpit. The original fibreglass transom has also been replaced with a sleek, black transparent glass divider – a modern touch that brings the design into 2024.

In fact, this new open cockpit design has been so successful that it will eventually become the standard across the entire Navetta range. This open-plan space is a blank slate for owners to customise according to their own wishes.

Inside, the saloon feels larger than its actual measurements. This is mainly due to the tall ceilings and large windows, allowing plenty of natural light. The open-plan layout also lends itself to a feeling of spaciousness. The galley, overlooking the dining space, is a proper kitchen, equipped with an induction hob and oven, and ample storage.

Opposite, a plush sofa is perfect for aperitifs and drinks. The dining area enjoys a fold-out table and is surrounded by a separate built-in U-shaped sofa.

Forward of the sofa is the helm station. The helm seat boasts a cleverly positioned footrest, offering additional stability for those unable to reach the floor – another clever touch, along with the wine cooler under the seat. A glass pilot door, usually only seen on much larger superyachts, offers additional visibility and is an aesthetically pleasing design element.

As the Navetta range is popular in the northern European market, the designers placed less emphasis on air-conditioning, and more on natural airflow throughout. The pilot door helps with this, in addition to making mooring a breeze – pun intended.

ITALIANATE DESIGN

Absolute’s Italian DNA can be seen in the craftsmanship and quality of finishes. The furniture is made of real wood, not a composite material, and the matte finish throughout elevates the interior design. It’s also exceedingly practical: easier to clean, harder to smudge with errant fingers. The 52 Fly, an earlier model, was the first to move from the glossy finish, and a matte finish now comes as standard.

In addition, everything is fashioned in house. The idea was that technicians would be close to the build to keep a close eye on production and quality, and it works: even the smallest elements throughout are executed to perfection. Every seam and stitch beautifully, lovingly, painstakingly installed. Even the fibreglass hull itself is done by hand, not vacuum, to ensure a solid, clean finish.

Below the main deck, accommodation is just as lovingly detailed. At the bow, the 53 follows what Absolute calls the ‘old school model,’ with a VIP located as far forward as possible. All recent models have had the master cabin located here, rather than the VIP.

Every Absolute model’s VIP and master cabins are fitted with a generously-proportioned bed, and this VIP cabin is no exception. To optimise space, the placement of the bed’s headboard follows the curve of the bow. And, like the rest of the yacht, it feels spacious and well considered.

The thick, wooden ‘pocket door’ slides into place, saving space. Though it doesn’t block out all sound, it does dampen it sufficiently that the cabin is tranquil. It is worth noting that here, and in fact, all throughout the yacht, en-suite bathrooms enjoy a full, proper shower. Again, the terms ‘spacious’ and ‘liveable’ come to mind.

Aft, the owner’s full-beam cabin is larger than the VIP, with plenty of storage: a full-height wardrobe, safe, and under-bed drawers, as well as a desk. Large windows offer plenty of natural light and the chance of great views. A maximum of 14 guests can be accommodated on board. The crew quarters, located below the aft cockpit, can house one crew member.

FORE AND UPPER AIRY DECK AREAS

Up on the bow, a beautifully designed sitting and lounging area offers spectacular views. A wooden fold-out table can seat up to three or four comfortably and, thanks to a new convertible sunbed not seen on earlier models, can transform into additional seating for another four, taking the count to eight. This is thanks to a solid cushion that acts as either the backrest for an extra seat, or the headrest in sunbed mode.

Above, the flybridge has been redesigned with the same idea as the cockpit, so the built-in sofa seen on the 52 has been removed in favour of modular furniture, offering a terrace-style space with unimpeded, 360-degree views.

A fully-equipped kitchen with barbecue, ice maker with ice box, and fridge to port with solid dining table to starboard make alfresco dining incredibly convenient. Up front, an open skipper’s seat located centrally feels social, with seating surrounding the helm station. This is also a departure from the 52, which had the helm off to the side.

Overall, with its variety of gathering spaces and comforts, the Navetta 53 really does feel like a home away from home, with clever, thoughtful touches offering not just strategic storage but the feeling of a space completely optimised.

From the modular furniture design at the cockpit and flybridge, to the indoor tall ceilings, large windows, full-sized showers and beds, it’s easy to picture extended days at sea on board.

absoluteyachts.com

This article was first seen on YachtStyle.Co

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The future of flying will soon be revolutionised when supersonic aircraft hit the sky starting in 2029. Flights to far-flung destinations will be cut short and the speedy journey contributes to net-zero carbon emissions, which eventually takes over as the most preferred mode of travel compared to its subsonic counterparts.

About two decades before, the world had a taste of what it was like to travel faster than the speed of sound. A trip from London to New York took less than four hours. Undoubtedly, people were hooked on the idea of being on a Concorde flight that epitomised luxury, convenience and power. But the business of going supersonic was no bed of roses; in fact, it was destined to fail because of the many inherent problems that were associated with it. 

Eventually, Concorde was made to retire, and so were people’s dreams of soaring through the sky in the quickest possible time known to man. On the flip side, there was much to learn from Concorde’s short and glorious tenure. As the perfect case study, companies learn from the mistakes of the once acclaimed company and devise solutions to mitigate possible ramifications. Aircraft manufacturers have made strides of progress and along the way, rekindled the flames for supersonic travel.

Nearly two years after presenting its prototype to the world, Colorado-based aircraft company Boom Supersonic has unveiled new designs for Overture, one of the world’s first supersonic airliners. The soon-to-be commissioned jet will feature four engines instead of the two initially planned for in the earlier model. The Overture’s updated specifications include a high-aspect gull wing and a contoured fuselage, which is wider at the front and gradually tapers towards the rear. These modifications are made to improve aerodynamic efficiency of the Overture.

According to Kathy Savitt, president and chief business officer of Boom Supersonic, the company did about 26 million hours of software simulation, several wind tunnel tests and over 50 design cycles were done before the current version was finalised. Overture is scheduled to go into production in 2024 and will hit a speed of March 1.7 over water while carrying a capacity of 65 to 80 passengers. Several commercial airline companies, such as United Airlines and Japan Airlines, have already placed their orders. 

Aside from the technical prowess of the Overture, the aircraft is optimised to run on purely sustainable aviation fuel. This is a step in the right direction for eliminating the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, which has been under scrutiny over the years for being one of the worst polluters. High fuel consumption was one of the factors that led to the collapse of Concorde, but now, it is the main selling point. 

“And today versus during the time of Concorde, we’re able to use carbon composite materials throughout our fuselage, on our wings and on the vertical tail, which allows us to be much more aerodynamic and far more efficient. This helps reduce drag, which takes up fuel, as well as to make the plane far more fuel efficient,” shares Savitt. 

Besides addressing carbon pollution, the Overture is a silent beast fitted with the world’s first automated noise reduction system. A far cry from its predecessor, the Concorde was infamously loud, much to the dismay of many people.

Boom Supersonic is not the only player on the playing field. Fellow competitor Bombardier’s Global 8000 and Global 7500 models have both broken the sound barrier to achieving a speed of Mach 1.015. Furthermore, these aircraft also use sustainable aviation fuel. With so much new technology being developed, the aviation industry is moving at top speed to a brighter and cleaner future and we cannot wait to see how it will revolutionise the way people travel in the years to come.

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