The post Oleksii Popov: From Shoreline Ideas to Repeatable Waterfront Commerce appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>How a market-creating founder turns underused docks into safe, scalable guest experiences.
When Oleksii Popov walks a marina, he doesn’t start with boats – he starts with flow. Where do families hesitate? Where does a dock sit idle at sunset? Where could a short passenger loop depart on the hour and return with clockwork reliability? Popov’s specialty is converting those overlooked moments into first-of-its-kind formats that guests trust, teams can execute, and partners can scale.
Raised on the Azov coast, Popov built his reputation by standing up the region’s first professional kite and wind stations, a wake program with a youth academy, a licensed boat-loop service (“sea-tram”), open-air cinema, and even a mono-product bar that became a local fixture. The pattern was consistent: take a setting people love but underutilize, design the operating spine – safety, SOPs, training, and schedule discipline – and turn it into a service that performs not only on Saturdays but also on Tuesdays.
Today Oleksii Popov is based in Hawaiʻi and focused on U.S. urban and coastal markets. His goal is pragmatic: help marinas and waterfront hotels add reliable, insurance-grade experiences – hourly loops, instructor blocks, junior programs – without heavy capex. “Romance brings people to the water,” he says. “Standards bring them back.”
Oleksii Popov : “Why it matters now”
Coastal destinations are chasing weekday utilization, safer guest flow, and year-round relevance. Families want access without uncertainty; municipalities want compliance they can defend; operators want throughput that doesn’t feel like a rush. Popov’s work lands in the middle of that Venn diagram: visible safety as part of hospitality, training ladders that create local jobs, and playbooks that let quality travel from one harbor to the next.
Industry Contribution: An Operating System for the Waterfront
What Oleksii Popov brings to U.S. marinas isn’t just new programming – it’s a repeatable method for turning underused shorelines into reliable, safety-forward commerce. Internally he calls it the Popov Market Creation Method
, a five-move playbook marina teams can actually run:
- Market-void recognition: find docks and promenades with footfall but no structured experience or weekday utilization.
- Latent-demand forecasting: use wind/tide windows, traveler flows, and family behavior to model when and how guests will buy before demand is visible.
- Concept engineering: design the product and its spine – SOPs, safety doctrine, training ladder, wayfinding, and slot/queue discipline – so staff can execute and guests instantly “get it.”
- Ecosystem deployment: launch small, high-trust blocks (hourly sea-tram loops, instructor windows, youth academies) with visible safety to accelerate adoption.
- Rapid scaling: document what works (routes, ratios, cut-offs, QA sheets) so quality travels between harbors without losing local character.
Applied across kite/wind stations, wake programs, licensed boat loops, and even mono-product hospitality, the result is consistent: romance brings people to the water; standards bring them back. Practically, that means higher weekday utilization, fewer incidents, stronger per-guest revenue – and an exportable operating system coastal partners can adopt quickly.
Proof in the field
Kite & wind stations. Oleksii Popov’s first stations replaced informal riding with a guest-safe, standards-led service: marked aquatory, radio lookout, posted cut-offs, and progressive skill blocks (orientation → body drag → waterstart → upwind) with instructor sign-offs. Families saw safety, not just sport; municipalities saw compliance, not just crowds.
Wakeboarding with a youth pathway. To smooth wind volatility he added wake programs: dock flow, helmet/impact-vest compliance, timed runs, and a coaching rubric that made progress measurable. The youth academy created a local talent ladder – coaches, operators, event staff – anchored by clear SOPs and a simple CRM for retention.
Licensed boat loops and charters. The “sea-tram” format ran on the hour with 45-minute scenic circuits and 15-minute dock resets. Private charters filled shoulder periods; weddings and ceremonies used a contingency script for wind shifts. Safety briefings were visible, manifests verified, and rescue drills practiced to time. As demand grew, the fleet doubled and the dock choreography scaled without chaos.
Open-air cinema as placemaking. A fast-deploy, asset-light venue extended evenings on the waterfront. Queue design, sound discipline, and weather playbooks kept neighbors happy while bundled F&B partnerships lifted average check. The lesson traveled back to marinas: programming cadence and guest flow are as important as the headline attraction.
The Oleksii Popov’s U.S. roadmap
In the United States, Oleksii Popov is piloting with partner marinas and waterfront hotels: short passenger loops at sunset, instructor blocks aligned to wind windows, junior academies, and shoulder-season programming that gives docks a second life. Each pilot ships with the documents operators ask for – safety doctrine, training curriculum, QA checklists, and a schedule model – so teams can own the product after the pilot ends. The approach keeps assets light, shifts risk into a manageable domain, and makes new revenue insurable and auditable.
What sets Oleksii Popov apart
Oleksii Popov blends concept vision with field discipline. He writes the SOPs, trains the staff, and runs the after-action reviews himself until the numbers hold: on-time departures, lesson completion rates, incident-free days, and repeat intent. He treats risk as a guest-visible feature, not back-office paperwork, and designs queue/slot systems that respect both throughput and the pace families need to feel safe.
That is why his projects tend to be first in their locality – and why they are quickly imitated. For coastal partners, imitation is a feature, not a bug: the standards are documented, the format is teachable, and the quality can travel without losing the local accent.
Looking ahead
Popov’s thesis is simple: underused waterfronts are an economic opportunity hiding in plain sight. With light assets, visible safety, and documented training, a marina can add products that perform on weekdays, create skill ladders for local talent, and extend the destination’s relevance beyond peak season. “People don’t buy access to water,” he says. “They buy confidence that the day will go well.”
For readers who build and run marinas, that confidence is a design problem. Oleksii Popov’s contribution is designing the operating system that solves it – and leaving behind a playbook others can run at scale.
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]]>The post QU, a perfect lighting vision for any environment appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Lighting is a key element in any home—whether on water or on land—both for functionality and style. In this field, QU continues to stand out for its iconic and design-forward solutions, which add a touch of refined detail to even the most elegant spaces.
This Italian company is an emerging name in the technical-decorative lighting sector. Recently, the brand launched a lighting solution that is truly breathtaking in both beauty and practicality: Duolì, a custom lamp that is also perfectly suited to non-nautical settings, such as luxury hotels. It’s a product that embodies QU’s vision of light, which was recently showcased at Milan Design Week 2025 with the installation “Quattro – a taste of light”.
Duolì, design and versatility for any setting
Duolì is a table lamp originally created as a custom piece for the lighting project at Hotel Capitolo Riviera in Nervi, designed by architects Parisotto+Formenton for QU. Its evocative design draws inspiration from the iconic Asian conical hat made of rice straw, translating that functional simplicity into a pure, essential, and timeless form. With its refined aesthetics and lightweight silhouette, Duolì stands out for its ability to blend seamlessly into a wide range of environments—from private homes to professional and hospitality spaces like offices and hotels, and even aboard yachts and superyachts.
The slender stem of Duolì, reminiscent of reeds bending in the wind, supports a delicately shaped lampshade that emits a soft, focused light—ideal for reading, working, or creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The design by QU stands out in any setting: at home, Duolì fits effortlessly into both modern and classic interiors thanks to its timeless style, becoming an elegant light source for desks, bedside tables, or coffee tables; in offices, the clamp-on version offers a practical solution for maximizing workspace while ensuring optimal lighting and a distinctive touch of style; in hotels and on boats, Duolì becomes a functional and decorative furnishing element, helping to create sophisticated, well-lit environments in rooms, lobbies, or cabins.
Entirely crafted from aluminum, Duolì combines lightness with strength. The base, available in either an asymmetrical freestanding version or with a clamp, ensures stability and convenience without compromising elegance. Every detail is designed for maximum functionality and durability, making QU’s lamp a long-lasting investment with timeless appeal. There are no fewer than seven available finishes available—Black, White, Sage Green, Fierce Green, Night Blue, Ancient Brick, and Silver Grey—each reflecting a careful eye for contemporary trends, allowing users to choose the perfect shade for any setting. Like all QU products, Duolì can also be customized upon request to meet the needs of bespoke projects, offering a level of exclusivity that makes it ideal for high-end environments.
The QU installation at the Milan Design Week
In addition to the launch of this new product, QU was recently on the spotlight at Milan Design Week 2025, marking its fourth appearance with an installation that showcased the brand’s unique vision of light. The installation, titled “Quattro – a taste of light,” is the fourth fuorisalone episode born from the collaboration between the Ravenna-based company and art director Aldo Parisotto of Parisotto+Formenton Architetti. This year, the project focused on the relationship between light and conviviality, offering a journey of discovery articulated through four distinct moments: from the garden to the indoor spaces, visitors encountered different hospitality experiences, each designed for specific types of use and times of day. Throughout the experience, light harmonized with each of the four settings, modulating atmospheres and levels of intimacy—much like a tasting menu in which every bite contributes to a multisensory symphony.
In the garden, an en plein air setup featured bistro tables on a platform nestled among camellias and beneath a large magnolia tree, offering a refreshing springtime pause from the hustle and bustle of the fair. The ambiance was enhanced by the soft glow of battery-powered lanterns and discreet lighting fixtures placed throughout the greenery, creating a relaxed, gentle atmosphere with a privileged view of the mini-kitchen set up in the greenhouse. Here, light was masterfully used to highlight the joy of food and conviviality, transforming into a magical glow as evening fell.
The interior spaces were equally evocative, hosting three distinct settings: in the first room, a horseshoe-shaped chef’s table encouraged informal hospitality, enhanced by a site-specific chandelier that bathed the room in diffused light—an expression of QU’s talent for creating bespoke lighting solutions. The second room, more intimate and secluded, featured a large round table designed to invite guests to linger and engage in conversation. Lastly, the working lounge, located in the rear section of the house, was dedicated to relaxation and connection, with a comfortable living area and a large communal table.
The entire experience became a true expression of QU’s vision, perfectly blending bespoke and standard solutions. Moreover, by using just four lighting collections—each interpreted for both indoor and outdoor use—the brand’s mission was clearly communicated: to offer a unified range of lighting fixtures capable of ensuring design coherence and continuity across all types of environments.
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]]>The post Boats for Sale: the new, richer second-hand showcase appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Boats for Sale is now packed with new features
Yacht Digest, the publication by The International Yachting Media group, has recently adopted a new look and a fast, multimedia system that makes it easy to read yachting news seamlessly from both mobile devices and PCs. It’s a prestigious platform where readers can continue to flip through the quarterly magazine’s pages while staying up-to-date with daily news and boat tests that the magazine has brought us over the years. The revamped platform simplifies how users can leave comments or share articles across countless channels, including social media, WhatsApp, email, and more.
But that’s not all! Within the publication, you’ll find two invaluable sections for boating enthusiasts and anyone passionate about the sea and yachting news: Boats for Sale and Ports and Anchorages.
Click here to enter the new Boats for Sale section
Boats for Sale
The first section we’d like to highlight today focuses on buying or selling pre-owned boats. The renewed Boats for Sale showcase is richer in content than ever and remains completely free. Users can independently and effortlessly list their boats for sale. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be guided to fill out key details for your listing, such as the type of boat, model, photos, and technical specifications. Once completed, your ad will go live across the four editions of Yacht Digest—Italian, French, English, and Spanish. This portal gives our readers access to a continuously updated selection of dozens of boats, making it easier than ever to find the perfect match!
Tips for sellers
Custom Messages
Tailor your ad with a personal touch—share your boat’s story and the reason for selling. Don’t settle for a few vague words; instead, provide details about maintenance work, its mooring location, and any issues it may have had. The more detailed the ad, the more it will appeal to prospective buyers searching for their ideal boat.
Boat Condition
Be honest about the boat’s condition. Include its year of registration, the number of previous owners, engine maintenance history, and any other details that help potential buyers understand how the boat has been cared for over time.
Simplicity
Write clear, straightforward descriptions that are easy to understand. Avoid overcomplicated wording or excessive superlatives, which can have a negative effect.
Ad Title
Choose a catchy, impactful title that grabs the reader’s attention without being cliché.
Pictures
To enhance your ad, it’s always a good idea to include plenty of images. This allows potential buyers to get a clear sense of the boat’s condition at a glance.
Price
It’s crucial to include the boat’s price in your ad. Listings without this information are often viewed with suspicion and are frequently disregarded by potential buyers.
Tips for Buyers
For those who are looking for a used boat, they can make a thorough selection thanks to the new feature that allows filtering results based on the category we’re searching for. Starting from the type, price range, or even just the model or shipyard, it will be possible to get quicker results that align with what you’re looking for.
For example, if your search is for a motorboat from the Jeanneau shipyard, simply selecting the two keywords will immediately show us what we want. Once you’ve found our preference, you can save it to our favorites board, print the listing, or contact the advertiser directly.
Patience and Calm
The Boats for Sale section features many listings, and new boats are added daily. So, unless there are urgent reasons, like upcoming holidays, which often lead to rushed and, most of the time, disastrous decisions, it’s better not to rush the purchase and take our time.
Infomation and Contacts
It’s always better to have as much information as possible and not be afraid to ask questions, such as when was the last time the hull was serviced, which shipyard did the work, how many engine hours (if not stated), what work needs to be done, etc.
In-person Visit
It’s always a good idea to visit the location where the boat is so you can evaluate it firsthand and decide whether it’s worth continuing the negotiation.
Surveyor and mechanic
It’s definitely important to rely on industry experts when buying a boat. A mechanic can help you understand how the engine has been maintained and whether there are any issues. A good surveyor is indispensable, as they can identify potential problems that may not be easily spotted. It’s worth noting that if the survey uncovers damage that prevents the deal from moving forward, the buyer is not required to make any payment. Instead, the seller will be responsible for the haul-out costs and any charges the shipyard may impose.
If you’re looking for a boat, you can browse the website and be drawn to the photos. Alternatively, you can select Sail, Motor, or Rib to narrow down your search until you find the selection you’re interested in. If you have more specific ideas, you can directly enter the name of a shipyard or select a length or price range.
Once you find a boat you’re interested in, you can save it to your Favorites by clicking the star in the top right corner. This way, you’ll find all your selected listings in your personal area.
If you want more information or have already made your choice, simply click the large blue button “Request Information”: the person who posted the ad will receive an email with your message and will respond to you.
Yacht Digest offers this service for free and will not get involved in the negotiation process. However, if we’ve helped you find the boat of your dreams, let us know: we’ll raise a toast to your journeys!
The only thing left to do is register on the portal to fully use the section. For example, you’ll be able to create your own list of favorites or view your listings to modify them or add more information.
Registration for the Boats for Sale section is and will remain completely free, with no subscription required – a useful and unique initiative.
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]]>The post Thunderstreak: a Great Story on a Legendary Bertram 31 appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Like all good stories, Thunderstreak, a 1963 vintage Bertram 31’ race boat has lived life in chapters. Heroes, villains, drama, despair and victorious resurrection have all contributed to her past and created her glorious present. Thunderstreak is perhaps the most decorated race boat, following this year’s historic Cowes Powerboat Festival at its 63rd anniversary where she won not only her class, but surpassed boats in other classes, as we watched her fight through rough seas that would sink lesser vessels. She is set to retire after this successful 3rd winning race season under the ownership of driver, investor and historian, Hugo Peel.
Thunderstreak’s future depends on the keen appreciation of a new owner, one dedicated to her honor, integrity and history—a tough find, but the story of Thunderstreak should entice that buyer, that collector to see the glory of a priceless racing wonder and to covet her.
Chapter 1 – Thunderstreak Beginnings
As the deep-vee hull design of C. Raymond Hunt revolutionized boat building in 1957, Bertram incorporated the design and became a brand name known for performance, based on the sail and powerboat racing expertise of Dick Bertram. Celebrities came calling for the hull and Tommy Sopwith was one, the wealthy, debonair and dynamic racer, son of Sir Thomas Sopwith, yachter, America’s Cup Racer and designer of the WWI Sopwith Camel bi-plane fighter. Tommy Sopwith raced Thunderstreak in the 1963 Daily Express Cowes-Torquay powerboat race, flying past the stern of Hugo Peel’s father’s boat, leaving an indelible impression on his every sense. “It was love at first sound!” Peel reminisces, of the vibration he felt in his heart and soul from the thunder of Holman-Moody powered racer.
While the boat raced in the early 60s, it disappeared in the 1970s and after 30 years, was found when a sharp-eyed Classic Offshore Powerboat Club member, spied her, recognizing the Hunt hull, disgraced, abandoned and carrying a houseboat top in an East London marina. While a new owner did a decent cosmetic refurbishing and some racing, fate had Thunderstreak pass by Hugo Peel while boating on the River Medina in his Paragon 31. The sound of a V8 Ford big block engine caught his ear, reminiscent of that Cowes Torquay race in 1963. Peel was again smitten, but this time, he purchased the boat.
Chapter 2 – Total Restoration – Phase 1
Under the direction of powerboat racer turned Project Manager, the late Peter Hewitt, in 2017, Hugo Peel undertook a total reconfiguration and renovation of the boat. Both structure, with a total Awlgrip repainting of Sopwith’s original colors, and power were addressed, starting with stripping out the original V8 Ford Engines which were re-bored, bead-blasted and re-mounted with new pistons, rings, rockers, valves and shaved heads, all blue-printed. Unfortunately, those engines did not survive long past installation and a new engine program ensued. After reviewing a number of options, the standard MerCruiser 435 HP, V8 fuel-injected engines with Bravo X-drives were chosen for speed, durability and reliability. However, their weight and configuration would require a full strip-out and rebuilding of the engine compartment and transom. The team opted for the upside of the massive restoration project and in 2019, work ensued, including re-wiring, re-plumbing, new stringers, bulkheads, flooring and engine bed with new crossbeams, stringers and a mightily reinforced transom.
“Massive” perhaps understates the scope and breadth of the renovation project undertaken by Solent Marine Services, which required the assistance of Winn Willard of Ray Hunt Associates and its naval architects to ensure that the boat could handle the horsepower and be ready to race. All with consideration that the boat was originally built to achieve 30 MPH—very fast for the 1960s.
Spring 2020 brought the debut of the completed boat with Hardin Marine external race steering, extended trim tabs, new stainless steel fuel tanks and fittings, Axiom plotters and a polycarbonate and stainless framed dashboard screen. There was a constant tweaking to every facet of the rigging and cockpit layout, by Will Marine of Poole, England, the new race engineers. And then there was the steering wheel. The old Destroyer type wheel looked out of place in the revamped cockpit with newly upholstered racing bolsters. Hewitt searched through his trophy cabinet and gifted his own leather and stainless wheel to the build—it was the finishing touch and remains a credit to his memory and of his contributions to the team project.
She emerged from her shed looking factory-fresh and all-new, but with added salute to her legend. With both Tommy Sopwith and Hugo Peel as venerable members of the Royal Yacht Squadron and her historic background, Thunderstreak was given permission to race under the name, Team: Royal Yacht Squadron, under the ensign flag while maintaining “Historic” class designation, using Tommy Sopwith’s original number, H400. Then the Pandemic threw a wrench into the works in 2020, but by early 2021, Thunderstreak was race-ready!
Chapter 3 – Thunderstreak Competition – 90% Preparation, 10% Racing
Peel’s assembled Team: RYS included throttleman Adrian de Ferranti, navigator Richard Jessel and former Royal Navy and His Majesty’s Coastguard, John Simmonds, who joined as project manager after the death of Peter Hewitt. Each came from different boating and sports background but all melded together in spirit and mission—to win.
Their early racing days were hard-driven and once resulted in some serious damage to Thunderstreak. After that particularly damaging run, Simmonds sent a message to the team, “You have a choice—continue to race the way you are and break the boat up or change the way you drive the boat.” The team heard the comment loud and clear. It was not that she needed “coddling”—she is a toughly built GRP race boat but Jessel interpreted it succinctly, “Respect my boat—She’s an old lady, treat her well” and so they did. They managed the driving, throttle and navigation with skill and coordination, taking Thunderstreak to her limits with success, rather than into overdrive with repercussions.
The team continued its copious testing program that included over 20 sets of propellers, tweaking instrumentation and changing the ballast in various degrees to find the sweet spot for the boat’s speed and handling. The Team: RYS came together to race and to win, keeping within the boat’s capacity, often outrunning younger and more powerful teams, using wisdom, data and finely honed skills. The next three years saw victory after victory and more trophies than could be collected, many of them perpetual trophies presented in the annual racing award ceremonies, then returned, only to be re-awarded the next year. Thunderstreak and Team: RYS were labeled, “Gentlemen Racers” as they presented themselves and their boat in gentlemanly fashion and as the seniors on the circuit.
With an irreproachable reputation and record, Thunderstreak became the undisputed winner of her class, surpassing bigger and higher horse-powered boats, which brings us to 2024. After winning the Cowes-Poole-Cowes Race in her class and taking 10 trophies for categories from “Best Presented Boat” and “Oldest Driver Finishing” to the “First Historic Boat to Finish” and the “Boat Designer’s Trophy,” Team: RYS team stood with broad smiles, chests and pride. They had done it. They had achieved their mission to win and Thunderstreak had proved her mettle.
Chapter 4 – Thunderstreak’s Future
After reaching the pinnacle of racing and seeing his significant investment reaping so many rewards, Hugo Peel feels reluctantly ready to turn the page. Retiring his racing helmet at the age of 75 seems wise and as many professional athletes have learned, it is best to retire at the top of your game. His years of energy, time and funding to this racing project has brought great joy not only to the team, but to race spectators and ardent fans of classic boats, Peel has brought the Bertram 31 full-circle, from its prestigious racing roots, back to its successful racing present.
The future of Thunderstreak belongs to the adventurer, the collector of fine boats, the connoisseur of classics, the person who deserves to inherit the heritage of a grand dame of racing. As John Simmonds quipped after the Cowes Powerboat Festival Awards Ceremony, “It’s amazing how four old men got so much fun out of a 63-year-old broad!”
She makes an impression at any dock, provoking compliments, questions and kudos and the “old broad” still strikes a beautiful profile and performs admirably. The Bertram 31 already has a cult following, but the H400 is a standout with pedigree. Her story will live on, her hull deserves a new port and perhaps a return home to her U.S. roots, where Dick Bertram started the legacy that Tommy Sopwith bequeathed and Hugo Peel sealed in Thunderstreak H400.
To be continued…when she is sold. As to the price tag, Peel comments, “She is priceless.”
Sales infos:
Hugh Rayner at Berthon International
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]]>The post Armonia SGR: at the Grand Soleil Cup to immerse in yachting appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Armonia SGR is a special asset management company. Owned and controlled by its own managers, it adopts a medium to long-term investment strategy that respects the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility. However, the uniqueness of this private equity firm goes even beyond. After completing a significant investment in the now-famous Quick Group, the international leader in marine accessories, Armonia indeed decided to participate in this year’s Grand Soleil Cup, a beautiful and unequivocal way to reaffirm its interest in the yachting sector.
Organized by Cantiere del Pardo in the picturesque setting of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the Grand Soleil Cup 2024 saw the participation of 38 crews from many different nations. Despite the decidedly adverse weather conditions, it offered a valuable opportunity for the Armonia team to experience a shared time at sea, strengthening bonds and improving cohesion. This team-building activity allowed Armonia employees to enjoy playful moments alongside tactical ones, closely related to the regatta and sailing.
Sailing, in fact, requires perfect coordination among all crew members, an aspect that perfectly reflects the value of collaboration and communication, which are also crucial in the workplace. Therefore, it was a perfect occasion to immerse themselves in yachting and the values it represents, especially in terms of sustainability.
About Armonia SGR
Armonia SGR focuses on investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that hold a significant position in their market segment, already operate internationally, and possess untapped growth potential. These investments are aimed at growth, achieved through a “buy and build” strategy that must strictly adhere to rigorous environmental requirements and support challenging ESG policies, to maximize the social impact and sustainability of the investments made.
“We create value through the consolidation of SMEs primarily active in high-quality production sectors. These sectors, typical of Made in Italy, have enabled the Italian economy to maintain its competitiveness and are the main drivers of growth in the coming years”, says Alessandro Grimaldi, Founding Partner and CEO of Armonia SGR.
Among Armonia SGR’s main investments is the Quick Group, the Italian leader in the production of yachting equipment. Founded by the Marzucco family, Quick is an established player offering innovative components for yachts and superyachts, both sail and motor-powered, with an international presence that continues to promote excellence and innovation in the boating sector.
Since Armonia and Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR joined the share capital of the Quick Group, the company has completed four strategic acquisitions: Sanguineti, Nemo Industrie, Xenta, and YMS. These acquisitions have strengthened the group’s position, allowing it to expand its product and service offerings, with a keen focus on sustainability.
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]]>The post Yachts Supply : propulsion systems and services for yachting appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Yachts Supply stems from the desire to offer high-end services to the world of YACHTS and SUPERYACHTS. A true excellence in propulsion systems and marine supplies, capable of offering comprehensive and highly personalized support for owners, captains, and shipyards.
Thanks to the Lorenzoni family’s over 90 years of experience in the production of propulsion systems for commercial and military vessels, Yachts Supply offers its customers unique and highly qualified professionalism.
Expanding with new offices in Milan and Naples, alongside the historic headquarters in Livorno, Yachts Supply aims to provide a complete range of services, from production to technical and commercial consultancy. Specializing in workboats and ship carpentry, the Lorenzoni Shipyard in Livorno has been a leader in marine diesel engine repair since the 1930s.
Covering a surface of 7,000 square meters with a 150-ton travel lift, Yachts Supply offers comprehensive services including hauling, launching, storage, and maintenance for all types of boats up to 35 meters in length.
Specializing in propulsion systems (shaft lines, engines, propellers, and inverters), Yachts Supply looks to the future by focusing on innovation and quality. The shared passion and experience between engineers Lorenzoni and De Simone have given rise to an ambitious project that excels in customization and new technologies. The project extends beyond the propulsion market, aiming to collaborate with shipyards to develop new projects focused on innovation and new technologies.
De Simone began his career in the propulsion sector in 2005 at the Italian branch of a leading company in the field, where he managed the development of the Italian commercial network, overseeing both sales and installation. His passion for the boating world and the pursuit of new challenges have led him to hold key commercial roles in the yacht and mega-yacht sector throughout his career, culminating in his current role at Yachts Supply.
CEO Leopoldo Lorenzoni graduated from the Nautical Technical Institute Cappellini in Livorno and served as an officer in the Naval Academy in the Naval Engineering Corps. He later earned a degree in Management Engineering from the University of Pisa. Following his studies, he joined the Lorenzoni family business, initially focusing on distributing VM marine engines for leisure and commercial vessels, as well as becoming a distributor of Doosan products for industrial applications.
At the same time, the company launched shipbuilding activities, specializing in the construction of steel hulls up to 30 meters and refitting at its own shipyard. In 2017, RCD2 certification was obtained for VM engines, which have been marketed since 1961, resulting in the creation of the LVM brand. Now, through Yacht Supply, the aim is to provide yacht owners with a complete and highly specialized service.
Yachts Supply also offers fully customizable propulsion systems, from material selection to engineering design, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail and dedication to quality. Personalized consultancy and technical support are the hallmarks of Yachts Supply.
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]]>The post VanDutch in Formula 1: 13 tenders speed through Monaco appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>The initiative hit the mark by combining two worlds that appreciate luxury and speed. At the last Formula 1 Grand Prix, held from May 24th to 26th in the Principality of Monaco, the exciting new partnership of VanDutch Yachts was launched, making it the Official Partner Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Race Supplier. This exclusive collaboration was a highlight of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, showcasing a fusion of style and performance common to both the racing and yachting worlds.
During the Grand Prix days from May 24th to 26th, thirteen luxurious VanDutch tenders cruised the waters of Monaco. They operated between the team’s hospitality spaces (including two “Evrima” boats from The Ritz-Carlton yacht collection) anchored outside Monaco’s harbor and various onshore destinations. These tenders provided unprecedented cruising experiences to Mercedes’ VIP guests and team members on board.
Thanks to this unique partnership, VanDutch reaffirms its position as a key player in high-profile global events and its status as an icon of style and luxury in Formula 1. The alliance between VanDutch and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 exemplifies excellence, supported by a commitment to innovation and design, which elevates the global sports event experience. Furthermore, VanDutch’s tradition of navigating prestigious locations aligns perfectly with Monaco’s iconic status, while the creation of VanDutch Centers aims to redefine the yachting experience, promoting the luxury and community synonymous with the brand. Founded in the Netherlands in 2008, VanDutch has become a symbol of pure Italian style after being acquired by Cantiere del Pardo in 2020.
“Since VanDutch became part of the Cantiere del Pardo group, we have worked to combine its timeless lines with the attention to detail that has always distinguished Made in Italy – explains Gigi Servidati, Chairman of Cantiere del Pardo – This partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is a source of true pride for us and recognition of the iconic role that VanDutch holds in the world of exclusive yachting”.
Richard Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: “The Monaco Grand Prix is the jewel in the crown of the F1 calendar. As a team, we therefore have an extensive hospitality programme for our partner family and guests. This year, we have taken that to the next level. It was fantastic to have number sport-leading experiences across the Principality, all defined by luxury, style, and connection to the action. Many thanks to VanDutch who complement all of those ideals and provided a brilliant experience to all our guests”.
The partnership between VanDutch and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 exemplifies how the alliance of two prestigious brands can elevate the experience of global sporting events, ensuring exceptional visibility and reinforcing an exclusive luxury presence.
As an Official Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Race Supplier, VanDutch not only confirms its leadership in the luxury tender sector but also positions itself as a key partner in high-profile global events, reaffirming its status as an icon of style and luxury in the dynamic world of Formula 1.
The choice of the Principality of Monaco is also no coincidence. VanDutch models have always sailed in the world’s most iconic locations, from the French Riviera to Florida. To enhance this presence, Cantiere del Pardo is establishing a network of VanDutch Centers, where dedicated teams cater to both the boats and their owners and guests. Spanning from Saint-Tropez to Miami, and including Amsterdam, the Balearic Islands, and Lake Garda, these centers aim to redefine the nautical experience. They are creating exclusive “clubs” for VanDutch owners, providing technical assistance and organizing exclusive events.
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]]>The post NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA, the sharing of excellence lands in Poltu Quatu appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Scandinavian Boats Italia is opening a new center in Poltu Quatu, and it will be called NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA
Poltu Quatu is situated in a small fjord characterized by pink granite rocks, shaped by the wind, overlooking one of the most beautiful landscapes of Sardinia: the Maddalena Archipelago. An exclusive place between crystal-clear waters and the glamorous life of the Costa Smeralda, the village has over time become a destination for the jet set and is now surrounded by various accommodation options, famous restaurants, designer shops, and diving clubs.
From Poltu Quatu, you can reach paradisiacal locations such as Capo d’Orso, Baja Sardinia, Porto Cervo, Isola Santo Stefano, La Maddalena, Spargi, and Budelli with its Caribbean-like waters, as well as many other destinations just a few miles away.
BELLA CENTER ITALIA has transformed into “Scandinavian Boats Italia,” given the significant growth of Scandinavian brands and the experience gained with such boats. Thanks to Scandinavian Boats Italia, the exclusive importer of eight Scandinavian brands and a reference point for the Nimbus Group in Italy, a new center for sharing these wonderful boats will be opened, where initially three Nimbus models will be available: the T8, T9, and T11. The new center will be called “NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA”.
The proposal offered by NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA includes the possibility to choose from three different rental plans. By subscribing to one of these “boat sharing” formulas, which essentially function as memberships, customers can freely use the chosen boat between March and November.
The three membership proposals allow sharing one of these stunning boats with a maximum of 6 people:
M Formula, reserved for the Nimbus T8, which entails an annual fee of €11,900 and an activation cost of €999
L Formula, reserved for the Nimbus T9, which entails an annual fee of €15,900 and an activation cost of €999
XL Formula, reserved for the Nimbus T11, which entails an annual fee of €29,900 and an activation cost of €999
By joining one of these memberships, you’ll have the right to reserve, through the dedicated app, up to two consecutive days of boat usage. Once this period is over, you can immediately book another, and so on for the entire duration of the sharing, subject to the availability of the boat, of course.
NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA offers the opportunity to enjoy many days out on the boat without worrying about the high costs of purchasing the boat, mooring fees, insurance, maintenance, or winter storage. It’s a new way to experience summer and the sea without any worries.
By choosing the XL formula, you’ll also have access to the NIMBUS T9 and the NIMBUS T8, while with the L formula, you can have access to the T9 and T8 with a small additional contribution. With the M formula, you’ll only have the right to use the T8.
NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA T8
Nimbus T8 is a very sporty 8-meter boat. It features a cabin and a bathroom, a spacious sun deck at the bow, and a large sun deck at the stern. The cockpit can be further transformed into a sunbathing area or a dining area. This model can be rented or reserved through the Scandinavian Boats Italia M formula.
NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA T9
Nimbus T9 is a nine-meter dayboat that offers great possibilities for individual adaptation. It has been designed for all daily activities, such as transportation, water sports, and leisure time. This model can be rented or reserved through the Scandinavian Boats Italia L formula.
NIMBUS CHARTER SARDEGNA T11
Nimbus T11 is a sporty boat measuring 12.40 meters. It offers 2 cabins and a bathroom with ample storage space and a lovely outdoor kitchen. It features spacious foredecks with sunbathing areas. The cockpit can be transformed into a sunbathing area or a dining area. This model can be rented or reserved through the Scandinavian Boats Italia XL formula.
For all information:
SCANDINAVIAN BOATS ITALIA
info@scandinavianboatsitalia.it
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]]>The post Exercising on a boat: a brief guide to staying fit without setting foot on land appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>Exercising on a boat: easy and feasible, even without setting foot on land.
In a perfect blend of adventure and fitness, boat workouts are a unique opportunity for those who wish to combine their love for sailing with maintaining good health.
Living in close contact with nature, enjoying improved air quality, and embracing a slower pace, typical of a vacation, make the boat an ideal place to take care of oneself and restore biological balance. In this regenerative setting, an active, sporty lifestyle fits perfectly, helping the body shed excess weight and function like a well-oiled machine. Moreover, considering that boats don’t offer ample space for sports activities, paying special attention to training becomes even more crucial.
This guide provides creative insights that you can follow during your time on the boat to stay in shape and lose weight sustainably.
Health and Physical Well-being: differences between women and men
The substantial differences in body composition (quantity and distribution of muscle mass and fat mass), hormonal production, and physical structure between men and women are well-known and thoroughly explained by scientific research. Although these differences do not imply that men and women must follow entirely different training programs, they suggest that there might be some specific considerations to optimize training results based on gender.
For instance, men tend to have greater muscle development (facilitated by testosterone), while women, who produce more estrogen, experience its effects on body fat distribution and metabolism.
Therefore, the proposed exercises should be adapted to individual needs and always performed with respect to one’s own body.
Exercising on a boat: using equipment or bodyweight
A crucial consideration when exercising on a boat involves the use of equipment. Boats are often organized to optimize space, meaning that interiors have limited space, and storage is essential. The use of weights and barbells may prove inefficient due to their bulkiness and weight.
A practical alternative is to adapt natural items found on the boat to create exercises. For example, using the small anchor of the dinghy as a kettlebell or substituting halyards or ropes for a TRX. There is also a wide variety of bodyweight exercises or exercises using small tools like resistance bands or light dumbbells. Let’s explore some of them now.
Short strength training
The timeless classics of bodyweight exercises are always effective, considering that boats, especially sailing ones, provide an unstable support surface. In this regard, performing push-ups, planks, and squats can be more challenging than usual, as it engages stabilizing muscles that are normally at rest.
Given that on a boat, arms are frequently used (for handling sheets or throwing mooring lines), it may make sense and be beneficial to focus more on the legs, back, and abdomen.
Exercising on a boat: 5 exercises to stay fit
If all you have on hand are your sneakers and a towel, the listed exercises below could be suitable for a brief workout session before refreshing yourself with a dip in the sea. Considering that boats are highly unstable places, any position can be a good opportunity to train various muscle groups.
Push-ups
Slaloming through portholes, cleats, and sheets, find a flat surface where you can lie down facing down: that will be the spot for your push-ups. The number of repetitions and the execution method depend, of course, on your fitness level and can be adjusted during the workout.
Standard recommendation: 15 repetitions x 3 sets
Variation: with knees on the ground.
Plank
Maintaining the same position as push-ups, place your elbows on a towel and hold the position, creating a plank.
Standard recommendation: 30″/1′
Variation: supporting yourself on your hands
Dynamic variation: touch the opposite shoulder with your hand and then switch hands (10 times)
Squats, or leg bends:
Find a secure place where you can safely lower yourself in case the boat’s movement causes you to lose balance.
Standard recommendation: 15 repetitions x 3 sets
Variation: sitting and standing up from a bench
Lunges and step-ups:
As mentioned earlier, boats host unstable surfaces, which can work to our advantage when it comes to training, meaning putting in the effort. Trying to perform lunges forward or backward, you will notice how much harder it is to return to an upright position due to the deck’s oscillations. You can assist yourself by keeping your arms open or by leaning on something stable.
Similarly, going up and down a step (step-up) can be an exercise as simple as it is challenging.
Standard recommendation: 10 repetitions per leg x 3 sets
Variation: holding small dumbbells or water bottles during lunges.
Total Body Activities
Let’s not forget about total body physical activity. Being on a boat, swimming won’t be a problem; aerobic activities bring invaluable benefits. Even short sessions of just a few minutes, if repeated several times throughout the day, add up, contributing to an important “health score.”
The secret to sustaining a productive workout on a Boat
Most people go boating to unwind and enjoy a vacation, so stressing about adhering to a strict diet and exhausting workout routine isn’t sustainable and is likely to lead to failure in just a few days. There’s no need to work out for two consecutive hours, enduring intense and hot sweat sessions.
It is much more effective and sustainable to maintain an active lifestyle. This could involve swimming for a few minutes in the morning, before lunch, and in the afternoon. Interspersing short squat sessions between sails or engaging in exploration and snorkeling during stops are also excellent ways to stay active.
While on vacation, we disconnect from our daily lives and slow down from the hustle of work; our bodies also need to change rhythms, take a sigh of relief, and find their balance. If you manage to incorporate small workouts during your sails, you’ve already accomplished half the task, and in just a few days, you’ll discover that your body is reaping the initial benefits!
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]]>Monaco Ports Lounge: The Monaco Grand Prix watched from the sea
Ports de Monaco, the renowned Port Management Company of Monaco, owner of Cala del Forte, Port Hercule, and the Fontvieille port, scores another success by securing the development of a floating platform to be positioned in front of the port chicane.
An important agreement, concluding negotiations between Formula One Management, Automobile Club de Monaco, and La Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco, will allow the latter to exclusively access a new space to witness the Formula 1 Grand Prix cars’ passage from the front row.
For information about prices and access to the Monaco Ports Lounge, we recommend reaching out directly (and promptly) to the email grandprix@ports-monaco.com, as I am ready to bet that the seats will sell out very, very quickly.
The Monaco Ports Lounge in detail
The Monaco Ports Lounge – the name of the new space – will boast an impressive area of 600 square meters spread over 3 levels, allowing 400 people to enjoy a front-row view of the Grand Prix. Positioned right after the iconic tunnel exit, this is where Formula 1 cars push their limits to navigate through the Port Chicane before accelerating again and continuing on the rest of the circuit.
Access to the Monaco Ports Lounge is prestigious, highly exclusive, and incredibly convenient. It can be reached by sea directly from the Cala del Forte marina, completely avoiding the congested city, either aboard the high-speed Monaco One or with private tenders, with a maximum length of 9 meters. Additionally, there is also a land access option from the walkway near the Métropole.
To avail of all these benefits, one simply needs to have their boat moored, whether in transit or with longer-term contracts, at the Cala del Forte marina or the Fontvielle port. Purchasing one of the specially designed packages for the event grants access to all three days of the event (Friday to Sunday).
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