In the competitive superyacht industry, Yachtwerft Meyer distinguishes itself through a blend of innovation and heritage. Located on the River Weser in Bremen, this German shipyard joined Zodiac Milpro Group to enhance production and technology, meeting growing demand and accelerating development in Germany and Eastern Europe. As the shipyard marks its 30th anniversary, CEO Patrick Bloch and Head of Engineering Michael Schutte reflect on its evolution and showcase their latest tender models, including the new semi-custom Impetus series and ongoing electric tender advancements. Evolution of the Yachtwerft Meyer shipyard Founded in the 1980s, the yard that later became Yachtwerft Meyer initially focused on winter storage and minor repairs, with its first superyacht tender being a 4.5-meter clinker-built sail dinghy. In 1994, the shipyard shifted its focus to high-performance tenders and fast boats, including developments for the German Navy, and Yachtwerft Meyer as it is know today came to be.  The company emphasised composite construction, expanded its team

Interviewed during the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, Mike Brandt, Managing Director of Lift Emotion, explores the cutting-edge innovations and challenges of designing bespoke elevators for luxury yachts. From overcoming space constraints to enhancing safety and aesthetics, Mike shares insights into Lift Emotion’s meticulous approach to yacht elevators and their future plans ahead of METSTRADE. With the Monaco Yacht Show behind us, what are your key takeaways and upcoming plans? We would like to thank all our clients, old friends, and visitors from last week’s event. Now, we are preparing for METSTRADE in Amsterdam this November, where we will exhibit at the Superyacht Pavilion, at stand 09.104.Can you tell us about the projects your technical team has been working on? While in Monaco, our team was hard at work on several projects. In our assembly hall, we are building a 6-stop glass elevator shaft and two 3-stop glass elevators. A car elevator is in its final stages

Harrison MacManus joined Yachting Partners International (YPI)’s Monaco office as Charter Manager in November 2022, quickly adapting to his role. With eight years of experience as a crew member on superyachts, he brings a fresh perspective focused on consistent growth, inspired by Sir Dave Brailsford’s ‘one percent philosophy.’  “We strive for marginal gains of one or two percent, as even small enhancements can lead to significant progress over time,” he explains. INEOS’s recent part-acquisition of Manchester United has inspired MacManus to think more creatively in the department's day-to-day practices. “We can always do better, dig deeper, find more for our clients” This approach has shown promise, with YPI reporting a 30 percent increase in revenue for their fleet of 13 superyachts this year-to-date, compared to 2023. To learn more about YPI’s growth and the unique strategies driving it, we spoke with Charter Manager Harrison MacManus, who attributes this success to bespoke and data-driven client

Following the successful launch of the Awlgrip® 3D Color Visualizer, AkzoNobel has added two further digital capabilities to its technical service offer. The new innovations include RealWear, a camera headset that will change the way applicators worldwide can access support, and Virtual Reality (VR) Spray Gun technology.Both RealWear and the VR Spray Gun are compatible with the Awlgrip, Interlux®, International® and Sea Hawk® brands and will help train and upskill both the current and future generation to deliver superior yacht finishes, globally.  The RealWear camera headset is a safe and hands free visual assistant tool that connects applicators directly to the AkzoNobel team for real-time technical support. Users wearing the RealWear glasses can stream video and take pictures, allowing the AkzoNobel technical team to observe issues and offer support in real time from anywhere in the world. The software can be used via mobile and is compatible with both Apple and Google operating systems. Through the

ARES Yachts, launched in September 2023, is already making waves with its first project, the 62-metre cruising performance ketch Simena. Named after an ancient coastal city in Antalya, Simena is the company's flagship vessel.Simena’s interior and exterior designs are penned by the hands of Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited respectively. A true-go anywhere yacht is designed to RINA Class C requirements, Simena will feature traditional laid teak decks and varnished Sipo Mahogany exterior joinery. Its design is inspired by a gentler age of sail and merges the classical with the modern with ease.This superyacht combines traditional sailing aesthetics with modern technology, featuring a carbon-epoxy superstructure and aluminium masts for strong performance. Powered by hybrid propulsion, Simena can reach a top speed of 14.5 knots. Once completed, she will join the exclusive group of 60-metre+ sailing yachts under 500GT.“The main inspiration behind the exterior lines was the clipper ships - especially the bow with

History of XENTA: Founded in 2004, in Rome Italy, XENTA was born from an innovative concept that soon became a patented system for manoeuvring yachts using a joystick. XENTA pioneered this technology, as one of the first companies to introduce such a system to the market, setting a new standard in the marine industry. In October 2023, XENTA was acquired by Quick Group, a leading Italian company in the manufacturing of nautical equipment. SuperYacht Times sat down with XENTA's founder and current CEO, Lorenzo Mongiardo, to discuss the company's evolution since its acquisition by Quick, and its future plans and developments. XENTA’s evolution over the years Discussing XENTA’s evolution, Mongiardo highlighted the company’s significant expansion of its expertise in total boat control, now covering all types of propulsion systems like shaft line, surface drive and waterjet. This comprehensive capability, including main engines, thrusters, steering and attitude control systems integrating advanced functionalities like assisted manoeuvring and dynamic positioning systems