When you hear a yacht owner say a single word to describe what drew them to their vessel—and that word is style—you know you’re about to experience something unique.

I recently had the pleasure of stepping aboard the Aquitalia 78, accompanied by Aaron Leatherwood, brand ambassador for Aquitalia Yachts, to explore the Italian-built flagship making its North American debut. The 78 leads a lineup that includes a 68, 88, and 95, and it sets the tone for a brand eager to make waves on this side of the Atlantic.

A Modern Italian Interior, Revitalized

From the moment you step into the salon, the 78 surrounds you with a tactile sense of refinement. “Aquitalia has a deep heritage in Italian yacht design,” Leatherwood tells me. “For this new series, they’ve revitalized that design language in a way that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.”

Leather, high-gloss wood accents, brushed metals, and elegant finishes combine to create an interior that’s not just visually luxurious—it’s experientially so. The salon is warm, spacious, and filled with natural light, encouraging both relaxation and socializing. Every detail has been thought through to strike the balance between elegance and comfort.

Customization That Sets a New Standard

One of Aquitalia’s standout strengths is their flexibility. “This is a semi-custom builder that truly listens to the client,” says Leatherwood. Owners can request lighter or darker woods, different upholstery colors, tailored galley layouts, or reconfigured seating areas. The 78 becomes an extension of the owner’s lifestyle, not just a yacht—but a curated living space.

A Master Suite That Rivals Home

Below deck, the four-stateroom layout is anchored by an exceptional master suite. Accessible via a private staircase, the full-beam master stateroom offers rare privacy and space, with amenities more commonly found in high-end residences. From the plush seating and desk area to the massive flat-screen TV and a full walk-in closet (truly his and hers), this space redefines onboard comfort.

“The master bath is also full-beam, with stone, wood, and metallic accents creating a spa-like atmosphere,” Leatherwood says. “It’s a space that consistently impresses—it’s hard to get people to leave once they’ve been down there.”

Outdoor Living, Elevated

Entertainment doesn’t stop at the salon. In fact, the Aquitalia 78 boasts more exterior entertainment space than interior. The aft deck features a large dining table with seating for eight, while the foredeck transforms into a social hub with room for 12–15 guests to lounge. The flybridge is a showstopper: two oversized settees, generous wet bar, abundant refrigeration, and storage all set the stage for unforgettable gatherings at sea.

Power and Performance

Underway, the Aquitalia 78 is no slouch. This particular model is powered by twin Volvo D13s for a total of 2,000 horsepower, reaching a top speed of around 19 to 20 knots. However, clients can select from a variety of propulsion options, including Caterpillar, MAN, or MTU powerplants—opening the door to 25–30 knot performance depending on configuration.

A Builder With a Legacy

With nearly 30 years of experience in both commercial and recreational marine industries, Aquitalia Yachts brings a rich heritage of boatbuilding to the table. Now, with models built to ABYC standards and enhanced for American preferences, the brand is poised for strong entry into the U.S. market.

“We’re excited to Americanize the Aquitalia brand,” Leatherwood says. “It’s a product that brings European elegance, proven performance, and serious customization potential to discerning buyers here.”

Learn More

To explore the Aquitalia 78 or any other model in the lineup, visit UnitedYacht.com

The post A First Look at the Aquitalia 78: Italian Elegance Meets American Ambition appeared first on Yachting.

Australia’s Maritimo Yachts used the Palm Beach International Boat Show as the occasion for the North American premiere of the Maritimo M600 Offshore Flybridge Motor Yacht.

The M600 has straight shafts at an 8-degree angle, coupled to five-blade nibral propellers. Standard engines are twin 800-horsepower Volvo Penta D13s. Maritimo says it chose the propulsion setup with an eye toward engineering simplicity for offshore cruising.

In addition to helping with efficiency, Maritimo says, this setup limits the yacht’s draft to 4 feet, 10 inches, which allows for exploring in more remote anchorages. The 1,200-gallon fuel capacity also was chosen with an eye toward long-distance cruising and offshore stability. The setup includes three tanks that lower the M600’s center of gravity: two wing tanks and a 607-gallon main tank on the keel line. Refueling can be done through a single filler on either side of the yacht.

Up top, the flybridge balcony spans about 120 square feet with a station aft for docking or for use during offshore fishing. The flybridge hardtop has a rear awning with optional clear and roll-up sections for use in various types of weather. With the flybridge doors open to the skylounge on nice days, the total space for relaxation is nearly 250 square feet.

On what Maritimo calls the upper cockpit and adventure deck, there’s more protected seating, along with dining, a barbecue grill, a sink and refrigeration for outdoor cooking. Side decks lead forward from here to the anchor well, with significant bulwarks for safety at sea.

Inside, the layout includes three staterooms and two heads. One of the guest staterooms has a convertible setup for single or double berth use. The master stateroom is amidships with a king-size berth and hullside windows that provide wide views of the outdoors.

“We’re really excited to showcase the M600 to our North American customers,” Keith Teynor, Maritimo’s managing partner for the Americas, stated in a press release. “It really showcases what makes every Maritimo so special from the accommodations, fit and finish, volume and seakeeping ability.”

Take the next step: visit maritimoamericas.com

The post Maritimo’s Long-Range Yacht Debuts appeared first on Yachting.

Tankoa Yachts plans to display the 190-foot Diamond Binta, at the Palm Beach International Boat Show this month. Delivered in the summer of 2024, the yacht made its global debut at the Monaco Yacht Show last fall.

The superyacht was developed for an experienced owner, who previously commissioned the 164-foot Binta d’Or. Tankoa partnered with Francesco Paszkowski Design for the exterior and Margherita Casprini for the interiors, focusing on a balance of form, function and material selection.

“Our design philosophy for Diamond Binta included the owner’s requests and extended beyond them, focusing on creating a welcoming ambience defined by understated elegance,” Paszkowski stated in a press release.. “We emphasised the interplay of architectural forms, extensive wood applications, and a neutral colour palette to craft spaces that are harmonious and timeless.”

Built at Tankoa’s shipyard in Italy, Diamond Binta has an aluminum hull and superstructure. The exterior design incorporates soft curves and extended deck spaces, maximizing outdoor usability. A beach club at the stern includes a lounge area, a treatment room and fold out terraces to increase usable real estate. A skylight from the main deck adds natural light to the space. 

The yacht’s layout includes a main-deck owners’ stateroom as well as five guest staterooms. The full-beam owners’ space has a private lounge, study area and drop-down balcony. The guest accommodations include two Pullman-equipped staterooms, accommodating 12 guests. 

Interior finishes emphasize natural wood tones, marble and leather. Oak in various finishes, including striped, brushed and dark-stained tatami textures, is incorporated throughout the superyacht. Marble surfaces are used in the lobby, dining areas and bathrooms, while smoked-glass elements add contrast and depth. Nearly all onboard furniture is custom-designed, complemented by high-end pieces from Minotti and Poltrona Frau.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show will run from March 19-23.

Take the next step: tankoa.it

The post Tankoa’s <i>Diamond Binta</i> to Debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show appeared first on Yachting.

Grand Banks Yachts will unveil its newest model, the Grand Banks 62, at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 19-23. The latest addition to the Grand Banks lineup builds on the builder’s GB60, delivering enhanced range, efficiency and performance.

“The principles you’ll see in the Grand Banks 62 define the 60 series and our entire range—less weight, more strength, reduced fuel burn, increased range, and improved efficiency,” says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks Yachts.

The Grand Banks 62 has the company’s V-Warp Technology, a proprietary hull design that combines a knife-like entry, graceful curvature amidships, and minimal deadrise at the transom. The hull is infused with E-Glass, unidirectional and multi-axial fiber, then fused to a carbon fiber structure, deck and superstructure to create a robust, bluewater cruising platform.

During initial sea trials, the builder reports the GB62 recorded a top speed of 30 knots and a fast cruise speed of 27 knots. At 20 knots, the total fuel-burn rate is 38 gallons per hour. The yacht reportedly has a 2,000-nautical-mile range at 10 knots with a 10-percent fuel reserve.

Power options include twin Volvo Penta D13s (900 hp each) with straight shafts as standard, with optional twin D13s (1,000 hp each) or IPS 1200s (900 hp each).

The Grand Banks 62 is available in flybridge or skylounge configurations.

An amidships master stateroom is equipped with a king-size berth, large shower and abundant stowage for extended cruising. The forward VIP stateroom includes a queen berth and dedicated head. A third guest stateroom to starboard is sizable with an athwartships double berth and a single berth, an en suite head and a utility space for a washer/dryer.

The main deck has nearly 360 degrees of glass that provide natural light and views, with a galley-aft layout that enables seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. The lower helm station offers clear sightlines in all directions.

“The Palm Beach International Boat Show is the perfect venue to introduce the Grand Banks 62 to our owners, media, and enthusiasts,” Richards says.

The Grand Banks 62 continues the brand’s nearly 70-year history of building long-range cruising yachts, offering a blend of performance, efficiency and craftsmanship.

For more information, visit: grandbanks.com

The post Grand Banks 62 to Debut at Palm Beach International Boat Show appeared first on Yachting.

Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands has delivered the 186-foot Santosha, which is the first hull in the builder’s 57m series.

Exteriors are by Omega Architects, with interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard. According to the shipyard, the yacht is “highly personalized” to meet the preferences of the owners, who have years of chartering experience.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to build this exceptional yacht for such a wonderful family,” Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, stated in a press release. “Both the Heesen and owner’s teams worked tirelessly to bring Santosha to life. I am confident she will set a new standard for Heesen yachts, offering unparalleled comfort and style for those who love to cruise.”

During sea trials in the North Sea, Heesen’s team says, Santosha achieved a top hop of 22 knots with twin IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines. The yacht’s displacement is approximately 510 tons at half load.

The client was introduced to Heesen by MarineMax and Northrop & Johnson. MCM helped to coordinate the project throughout the build process.

MCM’s Peter Wilson says the all-aluminum yacht “combines exceptional speed and performance with hydrodynamic efficiency. At slower speeds, she offers a remarkable range, and her shallow draft makes her incredibly versatile, allowing her to excel in various conditions, making her a multipurpose vessel. The owner’s design talent and considerable experience from many other projects was brought to bear on Santosha, and her success is in no small part due to their intimate involvement throughout.”

Santosha also represents a significant milestone in Heesen’s yacht design and engineering. “The accuracy of the weight calculations was critical in achieving the Bahama draft,” said Peter van der Zanden, head of Heesen’s engineering department. “This yacht exemplifies our commitment to precision engineering and design excellence.”

Accommodations are for 12 guests in six staterooms. The owner’s apartment is on the main deck, spanning nearly 700 square feet.

When will Santosha debut in the United States? The yacht is expected to be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2025.

Take the next step: go to heesenyachts.com

The post Heesen Yachts Delivers <i>Santosha</i> appeared first on Yachting.

Sirena Yachts in Turkey says preparations are underway for the U.S. debut of the Sirena 48 at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, which is scheduled to take place March 21-24 in Florida.

The Sirena 48 is the builder’s new entry-level model. According to the shipyard, 27 of the hulls are already sold, including 13 that are bound for owners in the United States.

“Similar to the Sirena 58, the new Sirena 48 has the qualities to become another bestseller for Sirena in the USA and the Americas as a whole,” Constantinos Constantinou, head of operations for Sirena in North America, stated in a press release. “The anticipation and excitement for her arrival is very high already.”

The yacht joins Sirena’s other models, which include the Sirena 58, the 58 Coupe, and the 68, 78 and 88.

The builder expects the Sirena 48 to be popular with owner-operators. The semi-displacement hull is designed to be efficient in displacement mode, but also to permit fast planing performance. Naval architecture is by Germán Frers.

Features include a swim platform sized to carry a tender or personal watercraft. Owners can choose from layouts that are open, or that have a more traditional aft deck. The crew cabin can be replaced with extra stowage.

In all the layouts, the flybridge is extended with an alfresco dining area and numerous sun pads located forward.

Inside, accommodations include three guest staterooms and the optional crew cabin. The owner’s stateroom, according to the builder, is comparable in size to what’s typically aboard a 60-foot yacht.

The hardtop of the coupe version gives the Sirena 48 a sportier exterior and brings natural light into the salon below. This version also reduces the yacht’s weight and windage, improving performance for owners who select the option of electric propulsion. Solar panels set into the hardtop roof help to prolong the operating range of the yacht under electric power alone.

“As an all-weather yacht offering an unprecedented level of choice and flexibility for a boat in her size range, we anticipate that she will be very well received across both the Mediterranean and U.S. markets,” Sirena Yachts COO Ali Onger stated in a press release. “The fact that we’ve already sold more than 27 of these units to date speaks for itself.”

Let’s talk performance: According to the builder, the Sirena 48 can achieve top speeds of 27 knots, with a cruising speed of 17 to 20 knots. Economical cruising speed is 10 knots. The hybrid version is driven by twin 213 kW (285 hp) electric motors for a top hop of 14 knots. In silent electric mode, the boat can draw power directly from the battery bank to cover up to 30 nautical miles before switching on the variable-speed generators, according to Sirena.

Take the next step: head over to sirenayachts.com

The post Sirena 48 to Make U.S. Debut appeared first on Yachting.

Ocean Alexander is preparing for the public to check out its new 35M Puro (35P) at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, which is scheduled to take place March 21-24 in Florida.

The Ocean Alexander 35P is the first model in the builder’s Puro series, which is being offered in addition to the Revolution, Explorer and Legend series. The builder says the idea behind Puro is to offer yachts for the global marketplace, instead of taking stylized cues from niche geographical markets.

Size-wise, the Puro is a 113-foot yacht with a beam of more than 25 feet and a gross tonnage of 273. It’s a collaboration between designer Giorgio M. Cassetta and naval architect Andrea Agrusta of NavalHead.

Power is a pair of 2,000 hp MAN engines, drawing from fuel tanks that have a capacity of 5,030 gallons.

Accommodations are for 10 guests, with the master stateroom on the main deck forward. It includes seating areas to port and starboard, with a window-facing desk for keeping up with the office while out at sea.

The four guest staterooms are on the lower deck, with two VIPs and two twin-berth setups. The captain’s cabin, crew mess and quarters are forward on the lower deck, with the after portion of this deck reserved for a beach club.

On the main deck, there’s a conventional layout with a salon and formal dining area. The galley is to port just forward of the dining area, with a pass-through door for crew service.

Up on the bridge deck, there is outdoor dining aft, along with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for guest relaxation. A day head is on this level as well. The helm is outfitted with three captain’s chairs.

Way up top on the sky deck is more guest relaxation space, along with a bar for snacks and cocktails. Seating here wraps around a coffee table, making it a great spot for hors d’oeuvres with a view.

Where will the Ocean Alexander Puro 35P be located at the Palm Beach show? This yacht is expected to be on display through MarineMax Yachts and Alexander Marine USA. “We are excited to unveil the 35P to the world at Palm Beach,” Dan Mundy, head of global operations at Ocean Alexander, stated in a press release. “The 35P embodies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of luxury and innovation, offering an unmatched yachting experience.”

Take the next step: click over to oceanalexander.com

The post Meet the Ocean Alexander 35M Puro appeared first on Yachting.

Princess Yachts’ F65 debuted to the North American audience at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show. Styling-wise, the new F65 hints at the flowing lines and contemporary exterior profile displayed by her larger Y Series sisters.

About the F65

The Princess F65’s layout brings loved ones together. Focussed around a sociable use of space she provides accommodation for eight guests across four cabins. Vast panoramic saloon windows and signature wrap around front screens offer uninterrupted vistas from the main deck whilst elongated hull windows generously flood her accommodation areas with light.

The expansive main deck is segmented into an aft galley with dinette, saloon with large U-shaped sofa plus companion seating opposite the helmsman area which features a side access door to the deck. The foredeck provides the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor relaxation with split sunpads and the ability to include an integrated cool box.

Her contemporary flybridge is the perfect outdoor entertaining area, with ergonomic dining seating, wetbar with barbecue, coolbox and sink, plus an aft sunbed and L-shaped companion seat with infill as a secondary sunbed.

Specs at a Glance

Length overall (inc. pulpit): 66ft 7in (20.30m)

Length overall (excl. pulpit): 65ft 8in (20.03m)

Draft: 5ft 4in (1.63m)

Beam: 16ft 9in (5.10m)

Displacement (approx.): 40,177kg (88,575lbs)*

Fuel capacity: 902 gal/1,083 US gal/4,100l

The post Yachting On Board: Princess Yachts F65 appeared first on Yachting.

IYC, which offers yacht management, charter and other services, has inked a partnership with private-helicopter operator HeliFlite.

The partnership will give IYC clients direct-transfer options from the superyacht to the helicopter and vice versa.

This partnership will be in place across the U.S. Northeast and in Florida, and will include collaborations at events such as Art Basel Miami Beach, the Newport Charter Yacht Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and the opportunities it presents for our clients to create extraordinary experiences, combining the freedom of yachting with the convenience and speed of helicopter transportation,” Raphael Sauleau, IYC’s CEO, stated in a press release. “Whether our clients are looking for a convenient way to join us during the Palm Beach International Show, fly from Nantucket to the Hamptons for dinner, head over to their preferred golf course, or travel to and from their jet, we look forward to providing a seamless journey together with HeliFlite.”

More about HeliFlite: The company has served destinations along the Eastern Seaboard for more than 25 years.

Where to learn more: go to iyc.com

The post IYC Partners with HeliFlite appeared first on Yachting.

About the S72

The cockpit features a unique sociable U-shaped seating area with modular seating, folding teak table and servery unit – the perfect place to entertain, or to sit back, relax, and enjoy the yacht’s exhilarating performance. The cockpit bar connects to the galley unit to create an almost seamless transition from outside to in, with a glass window partition which folds up from the unit below to provide servery access when entertaining. The saloon is designed for sociable living, with a large L-shaped dining area opposite the fully equipped galley, leading to a cavernous main deck saloon with U-shaped sofa, Princess Design Studio coffee table, and an elegant sideboard unit containing a 55” UHD LED TV on rise and fall, plus companion seating with fold out table opposite the main helm.

Below deck, eight guests enjoy four beautifully appointed cabins, three of which are en-suite, all bathed in natural light from elegant hull glazing, with a further twin cabin with en-suite aft for occasional guests or crew. A dedicated staircase leads from the main deck to the full-beam owner’s stateroom amidships, via a private lobby area in the lower.

Specs at a Glance:

Length: 23.09 metres

Top Speed: 34 – 36 knots

Berths: 8 people

Engine Power: 2 x 1,800mhp

The post Yachting On Board: Princess Yachts S72 appeared first on Yachting.