NEWS

Stuart is pleased to announce his appointment as Central Agent for the sale of the 60m/196’ FORMOSA. Custom-built to an extremely high spec and with an outstanding interior by Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design, FORMOSA was delivered by Benetti in 2015. Her exterior features a distinct bow and elegant profile accentuated by pristine white paintwork and contrasting black boot stripe.

Her exterior decks are spacious and well-planned. There is a private top deck with all around views, a spacious sun deck with a whirlpool, a bar, BBQ and a sunbathing area aft. The original design incorporated a touch and go helipad on the sun deck aft. The Owner’s deck below offers al fresco dining and there is a private owners’ deck forward outside the master suite. The main deck has a comfortable seating area and, when the transom is open, leads down to a 26m2 swim platform and teak lined garage which doubles as a beach club when the toys are in the water.

Sinot was an inspired choice for FORMOSA interior design and decor. Still relatively unknown at the time, his clean, uncluttered Asian-inspired aesthetic is focused on harmony, balance, meticulous craftsmanship and natural materials. FORMOSA’s beautifully built interior is outstanding.
The guest areas are decorated in tones of blue and cream combined with light and exotic woods, marble, natural stone, touches of gold, leather and beaten bronze paneling. The overall effect is functional, comfortable and exquisitely sophisticated.

FORMOSA can accommodate 13 guests in six staterooms. Entering the 70m2 Owners’ apartment there is a generous office/study to starboard and a dressing room which leads either into the master bathroom on the portside or to the forward-facing master stateroom. The windows offer 180 ° views and include doors port and starboard which open onto the sheltered private deck with comfortable seating on the foredeck.
There are two VIP staterooms on the main deck forward and three staterooms on the lower deck, two with double beds and one with two single beds and a Pullman berth. All have en suite marble bathrooms. A splendid glass and bronze elevator in the circular staircase services all deck levels. Formosa accommodates up to 16 crew members.

Built to ABS class, FORMOSA is 1,089GT and is commercially registered. Powered by twin MTU 12V4000 M53 engines, she cruises at 14 knots with a top speed of 16 knots. At 12 knots she has a range of 5,000 nautical miles and is equipped with Naiad zero speed stabilization.
FORMOSA has circumnavigated the globe and chartered selectively in remote and interesting places. Her track record attests to her world-class seaworthiness and performance. Her interior speaks for itself. FORMOSA stands head and shoulders above most other yachts in her class.
Formosa's asking price is €39,500,000. 

Stuart is pleased to announce the new central listing of HELIOS 3, By any standard the 53.8m (177’) Helios 3 is a splendid yacht. Built by Delta in 2012, she has exceptional volume (776GT) for her length, and a versatile layout covering over 7,500 square feet (997m2) of living area, with 7 staterooms sleeping up to 16 guests.

HELIOS 3 was engineered as well as designed by the Delta Design Group that implemented an elegant, comfortable light wood interior suitable for a family home on the seas. She features a large owner’s suite located on the upper deck, including a large dressing and bathroom, a study/lounge, private outdoor deck, and a room for children or family members.  Forward on the main deck, where the master is traditionally located, is a fully equipped gym, a media room and guest office. Both areas include glass skylights and large hull-side windows.

HELIOS 3 was purchased in 2015 by her current owner who immediately sent her back to Delta for an extension and refit which took until January 2017 to complete. Probably, no other shipyard in the world could be trusted to do such an extensive job, in GRP, in keeping with Delta’s customary quality and detail.

During this 18-month process, HELIOS 3 hull was lengthened by approximately 13 feet (4m), her bridge deck was lengthened by approximately 8 feet (2.5m) and every inch from her bilge to her mast was renewed, replaced, rebuilt or refitted. Her fiberglass construction is very heavy in a solid layup for her hull with a composite superstructure so long-term paint maintenance is minimized. The total refit cost was in excess of $17 million at the time. The extension enhanced Helios 3’s excellent exterior deck space including a large sundeck which is served by an elevator.

Built to travel and explore, HELIOS 3 has proven herself as an amazing “go anywhere at any time” yacht. Her global voyages have included multiple trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings. She has excellent storage capacities from her stand up bilges to her extensive refrigeration.

HELIOS 3 is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3512B engines that give her a cruising speed of 14.5 knots and a maximum speed of over 16 knots. At her economical speed of 10 knots her range is over 5,000 nautical miles. Her main tender is stowed in a float-in garage while a smaller tender is stowed on the sun deck.

Overall, her near perfect condition means she is literally ready to go anywhere at a moment’s notice. The asking price is USD 28,900,000. 

Stuart is pleased to announce the Central listing of Project MASTER, the major conversion currently under construction at Icon Yachts.

Originally built as Havila Tigris by the Norwegian shipyard Kleven Verft (of Ulysses fame) in Ulsteinvik, and launched in 2001, the 66m / 216’ North Sea Emergency Rescue and Response Vessel (ERRV) was selected for conversion on account of her design which includes an expansive open aft deck, tough build spec and proven stability and seaworthiness.

The Dutch shipyard, Icon Yachts, is the world’s most experienced shipyard in conversions of heavy-duty commercial vessels into luxury explorer yachts, a sector that is poised to see significant growth over the coming years. The reason is simple: major conversions combine sturdy, proven hulls with luxurious interiors at a significantly more interesting price than any new construction.

To further burnish the vessel’s pedigree, Icon Yachts contracted Espen Øino, to design the exterior and interior layout. Espen’s innovative project entailed lengthening the newly named MASTER to 69.6m /228’, to increase her long-range efficiency while preserving her formidable exterior lines.  The work is ongoing and the new superstructure, all in steel will be completed in 2028.

Another big-name, Winch Design, was called in to imagine the interior design and décor that would work for private use and charter at any latitude, including extended cruising in remote locations.
The design brief identified some key priorities including large open common areas for work and pleasure, spa facilities, science lab and expansive outside decks, a private owner’s apartment and five comfortable staterooms.

MASTER’S specification is equally fit for purpose. Under 3000GT, and with Polar Code C Certification, her efficient diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with Voith eVSP propellers drawn from commercial shipping, is revolutionary for yachting and gives her a 6,700nm range at 10 knots.  
She has dynamic positioning and a commercially certified helipad (D value 13.7) allowing private and chartered helicopters to land onboard (an EC145, Dauphin AS365, or similar). She carries two 11.5m/38’ heavy-duty tenders with top speeds of over 35 knots.

An impressive package made all the more impressive by her highly competitive asking price of €99,500,000 which significantly outmatches any comparable explorer yacht on the market.  

Throughout 2024, the brokerage market felt twitchy. Although I closed 4 sales for a value of over ¼ billion USD, deals seem to have become more complex and peskier. My perceptions are in part borne out by market data.

Although the global number of UHNWI’s has increased significantly in 2024 (up by 4.7% in 2023 alone including a whopping 7.2% in the USA), global luxury sales are down 2% while the sales of expensive collectible art are down by 4%. According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Wealth Report, the global population of HNWI is expected to grow by 28% between 2023 and 2028.

Yachting presents a more nuanced picture with brokerage sales of yachts over 30m up by 4% according to Marine Business World. On the other hand, Super Yacht Times reported the new build market down about 25% overall in 2024. This is not surprising remembering the glut of new builds during Covid. Two segments seem to be less affected by the downturn: the 40m to 50m segment (yachts built within the past five years recorded an 18% year-on-year increase) and the 80m plus segment. Interestingly, the yachts I sold fall into those 2 categories. The buyers were new to yachting and in the younger than average age-group of 63.5 years. All but one were residents of the USA.

What about 2025?
Global uncertainty, the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, the restructuring of the Middle East, China’s slow down and generally slow global growth, has created an overall sense of unease, although the US, yachting’s most dominant market, garners a robust outlook following the presidential elections.
Sifting through end of year reports, there is another bright spot and an opportunity. As the sale of luxury assets dropped, the sales of luxury travel driven by adventure and experiences has risen significantly. There is a definite shift from away from luxury “possessions” in favor of luxury “experiences” with travel experiences projected to become a $1 to $1.3 trillion market by 2025. According to Mastercard, “Affluent travelers contribute about 36% of the world’s spend on travel and nearly 70% of the spend on luxury travel”.

This presents a huge opportunity for yacht sales and charter, where a yacht uniquely combines together the means of travel, the destination and the luxury experience. With numbers so clearly trending upwards, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic for consistent results in 2025.

Stuart is pleased to announce the sale of HALARA, the Oceano 43 displacement motor yacht, built by the Italian Mangusta shipyard in 2021. A showcase for Italian style and talent, HALARA is all about ocean living. Her exterior and interior were designed by Alberto Mancini. Himself a sailor, he incorporated the more desirable lifestyle elements into the Oceano 43 line. The exterior is sleek and well-proportioned, while the interior makes the most of her 451 gross tons and includes a number of features usually only found on much larger yachts. The line has been extremely successful, confirming the quality of her design package.

HALARA is a tri-deck yacht built in steel with long range and is able to cruise smoothly in any sea and weather conditions. She is powered by MTU engines and has a 4,000 nm range at 11 knots thanks to her bulbous bow and efficient displacement hull.  Since her delivery in 2021, she has completed 5 transatlantic crossings and cruised extensively in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Her exterior decks are beautifully organized: the large sundeck has al fresco dining and a forward facing wet bar. There is another al fresco dining area on the bridge deck aft while the foredeck offers a private lounge area with an infinity pool and sun pads. The 45m2 (500 square foot) beach club on the lower deck opens onto a 20m2 fold-down swim platform and the beach club doubles as a gym.

Her interior is equally exciting. Both the main and upper deck salons have large windows and glass sliding doors to create charming inside/outside areas. A variety of woods, textures and fabrics in neutral colors enhance the feeling of space.

HALARA sleeps 10 in five staterooms. The full-beam master suite on the main deck has a starboard fold-down balcony with pop-up railings which opens at the touch of a button. The remaining four double staterooms on the lower deck, all with ensuite bathrooms, are spacious for a 43m/141’ yacht.

Built to LY3, HALARA is classified under ABS class and is fully compliant for charter. She has acquired an enviable charter record although she has mostly been used privately. Currently lying in the Western Mediterranean, HALARA was asking Eur 18.5 million.

Stuart is pleased to announce the sale in 2024, the 42m (138ft) SKYLER. Built by Benetti in 2019, Skyler is a semi-custom tri-deck yacht from the classic Crystal series featuring a displacement GRP hull and superstructure. She combines a traditional exterior design by Stefano Righini with a spacious, contemporary interior layout created by Francois Zuretti. Zuretti, whose partnership with Benetti goes back decades, made the most of her 8.5m (28’) beam creating a versatile interior well beyond what is standard in a 456 GT and 42-meter yacht.

Bringing together luxury, comfort, and versatility, the Crystal series is also one of Benetti’s most sought-after semi-custom yacht series. It’s easy to see why. SKYLER’s excellent design, large, well-laid out interior and exterior spaces, good access to the water and numerous other features usually found only on larger yachts, make her one of the most livable, ocean-going yachts under 500GT.

Her main and upper deck salons have expansive windows with sliding glass doors port and starboard to create a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. Her stern layout has a large beach club area completely free of equipment since the garage has been moved forward and given a side entrance. The sundeck features al fresco dining for ten, a protected lounge area mid-ship and a bar and whirlpool forward.

Powered by Caterpillar engines SKYLER has transatlantic range of over 4,000 nautical miles at her cruising speed of 11 knots and has a top speed of 15 knots.
SKYLER accommodates up to 12 guests across five staterooms. The full-beam master suite with panoramic windows on the main deck has one-button terraces on both port and starboard sides. Below deck, four additional cabins include two kings, one French queen with a single berth and one with two singles and a Pullman.

Classed by RINA and Jamaican flagged, SKYLER was asking USD 18,375,000.

Stuart is pleased to announce his appointment as Central Agent for the sale of CARPE DIEM, the 58m (190’) tri-deck Trinity, delivered in 2011.
As unusual as she is elegant, CARPE DIEM is a showcase for American craftsmanship and design. Her sleek exterior lines and her naval architecture are by Geoff van Aller and Trinity and incorporate the yard's super-performing hull design born from its expertise in building fast offshore service vessels.

Carol Williamson & Associates, with input from the owner, designed the spectacular Art Deco interior, purpose-built to house his collection of vintage photographs from the Golden Age of Hollywood. If elegance is defined as “when outside is as beautiful as the inside”, Williamson created a cohesive and innovative yacht, where outside living areas are finished in the same style as the interior.

The Art Deco theme travels from inside to the outdoors to include the railings, doors and furniture —all custom-built at the Trinity yard—and featuring similar geometric patterns and stylized shapes. Many of the pieces on the outside decks, finished to sustain the heat, humidity and salty environment, would not be out of place inside. Both the spacious interior and exterior guest areas are decorated in Macassar ebony, white and neutral fabrics in the interior. The contrast is delightful.

CARPE DIEM is a versatile yacht. Her semi-displacement hull with strong, heavy plating, has a wide beam and an eight-foot draft which allows access to shallow anchorages, especially in the Bahamas but excellent seakeeping.  She has good range and plenty of cruising ability with a top speed of 21 knots, and a fast cruising speed of 15 knots. At an economical speed of 10 knots, she has a 5,000-nm range and has crossed the Atlantic under her own power many times.

Her wide beam also provides amazing inside volume and outside deck spaces which are enhanced by the streamlined décor and dramatic color scheme. CARPE DIEM accommodates  12 guests in 6 large staterooms including the full-beam master suite on the main deck decorated in tufted grey silk with a spectacular white onyx bathroom for her and a honey-colored alabaster bathroom for him. On the lower deck the spacious accommodation includes two full beam VIP staterooms and two guest staterooms. One of the VIPs can be split into two staterooms, each with its own bathroom, making a total of six staterooms, all with ensuites.

Asking USD 32.5M CARPE DIEM will be on display at FLIBS and viewable by appointment.

SStuart is pleased to announce his appointment as central agent for the sale of HALARA, the fifth hull of the innovative Oceano 43 series. The Oceano series was Overmarine’s first venture into the full-displacement, steel hullmarket segment, poles apart from their trademark sporty fast open yachts. The series  has proved a huge success. HALARA’s sleek and well-proportioned exterior lines, designed by the talented Alberto Mancini, are accentuated by the streamlined aluminum superstructure, white paintwork and black tinted windows. 

Overmarine leveraged their experience in fast, open yachts and incorporated the more desirable lifestyle features in their Oceano line. In terms of space and design, HALARA offers more than many much larger yachts.  She has a huge sundeck with a bar overlooking the bow, al fresco dining and a conversation area sheltered under a teak-lined hard-top roof. The aft deck is furnished with sun loungers.

The foredeck has an attractive bow lounge with comfortable seating, sun beds and an infinity pool. It provides a private relaxation area for guests even when in port. The companionways lead directly to the main deck staircases down to the 45m2 beach club with a fold-down swim platform or transom door and easy access to the sea. When closed the beach club doubles as a gym.

Mancini’s interior, designed in the same elegant sleek style, is equally exciting: both salons have large windows which flood the interior with natural light.  Clever details include the port and starboard doors of the main salon sliding open to create a charming inside-outside area. The seating in both areas is strategically arranged so the area can double as a cinema.

HALARA can sleep 10 guests in five staterooms on the lower deck and there are two Pullman berths in the forward twin cabins for children. The 46m2 owners’ suite on the main deck is full-beam with a fold-down balcony on the portside which opens at the touch of a button.

HALARA is powered by MTU engines and has a 4000nm range at her cruising speed of 11 knots. Her top speed is 13.5 knots. Seaworthy, with an efficient hull and bulbous bow, HALARA has completed five transatlantic crossings under her own steam. Built to LY3 standards, commercially compliant and with underway and zero speed stabilizers, HALARA is also a very successful charter yacht. She carries a 16’ Castoldi tender in the foredeck garage in addition to an array of toys and two wave runners. Very few yachts in the same class offer more. HALARA is asking Euro 20,900,000.

Stuart’s fourth sale in 2024, FOUR JACKS is a customized version of the stylish Palmer Johnson 150’ that swept onto the scene like a breath of fresh in 2007 and became an instant classic. A ‘one-owner’ yacht, FOUR JACKS has Gyro stabilizers for at-anchor stability and ABT Trac stabilizers underway. Together they offer exceptional comfort in all sea conditions.

Designed by Nuvolari Lenard, the 45.7m FOUR JACKS’ has a 20 knots cruising speed and impressive top speed of 28 knots. Built in aluminum, her robust performance coupled with her shallow draft and open decks make her the ideal summer yacht for island hopping and coastline cruising. 

Nuvolari Lenard were also responsible for her innovative layout and interior décor intended to maximize the enjoyment of being on the water. The upper deck is essentially one large open area, while the large main deck opens onto a spacious salon with port and starboard folding out balconies.

The designers packed a lot into FOUR JACKS’ 395 gross tons. She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 5 suites. The master suite is on the main deck and there are four staterooms, two doubles and two twins, convertible to doubles, all with en suite bathrooms, on the deck below.

Although commercially compliant, the Lloyd’s classed FOUR JACKS has never been chartered and has only been used privately as a family boat.
FOUR JACKS was asking 11.900.000,00 USD.