Latest News
IBI office closed for long Bank Holiday weekend
Normal service will resume on Tuesday, May 26
Horizon Yachts holds global premiere of new Lexus LY680
The 68ft model was built by Horizon’s Vision Shipyard division
Forte Yachts strengthens international network with Adaly Yacht
The Italian shipyard targets growth across key European and Caribbean yachting markets
Southern Wind launches sixth SW96 hull in Cape Town
Performance-focused Fortissimo features racing-oriented deck layout and lifting keel, with Mediterranean and Caribbean sailing programme planned
EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT
The publication follows continued engagement by EBA and EBI, which have consistently called for clearer, more practical and harmonised interpretation of EU customs rules
ExploMar expands into France with SAS Opensea
The partnership targets growing demand for electric marine propulsion across France and the Caribbean
Gemini Marine exports rescue RIBs to flood-hit Queensland
South African RIB builder confirms order for 10 shallow-draft flood-rescue craft as demand for emergency response boats grows
Catana appoints Australian distributor for Bali and YOT brands
d’Albora Yacht Brokers will handle distribution and representation across Australia
Finnish boat designer Sakari Mattila: a man of mystery and success
Finnish boat designer Sakari Mattila has spent decades quietly reshaping the industry, creating some of its most recognisable brands while challenging convention with bold ideas and an unconventional path to success
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Ancasta, Buckler’s Hard, GOST and more
Ferretti Group takes three honours at Blue Design Awards 2026
Ferretti Yachts 800 recognised as Best Motoryacht under 24m, while Riva receives awards for brand excellence and advertising creativity at the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia
Northstar enters South American market with Ecuador dealer appointment
The Turkish RIB builder has partnered with Luxury Marine to establish its first presence in South America
Tigé Boats appoints brand experience manager and pro team lead
Jake Perlot takes expanded leadership role overseeing the US wakeboat builder’s pro rider and ambassador programme
Blue Springs Marine closes after more than 60 years in business
Long-established Missouri dealership and marina operator ceases trading after serving the regional boating market for six decades
2026 Australian Marine Industry Award winners announced
Annual awards scheme recognises innovation and success
Century Boats to relaunch
Florida investment firm commits US$20m to re-establish 100-year-old fibreglass boat brand
Valhalla Yacht Sales opens North Carolina location
Viking Yachts’ retail division establishes new facility at Bridge Tender Marina in Wrightsville Beach
Santasevera 52 new imagery unveiled as sales reach 10 units
The 52ft model returns with updated imagery and strong commercial momentum following 10 sales
Independent study validates WATCHIT collision-prevention system effectiveness
Over 57,000 events from 160 WATCHIT-equipped vessels were analysed by an external data scientist
Two Weeks to Go: IBI Summit 2026’s US Market Intelligence and M&A Strategy session offer critical insights as industry faces pivotal moment
With just 14 days until the marine industry’s premier strategic forum, the IBI Summit has lined up compelling sessions and unparalleled networking opportunities that promise to deliver the intelligence and connections boat builders and investors need to navigate 2026’s most pressing challenges
Off The Hook Yachts to rebrand as NextBoat
US-listed group says new identity reflects shift towards AI-powered marketplace and digital transaction platform
Australian industry association launches Marine Brokers Accreditation Program
The BIA program sets standards for broker training, documentation, and fund management in boat transactions
Mediterranean Superyacht Forum outlines five priorities for regional competitiveness
MSF26 discussions highlighted coordination, professionalisation and trust as keys to Mediterranean superyacht growth
Garmin selected as an official supplier for Luna Rossa
The marine electronics manufacturer will equip the Italian challenger’s chase boats with navigation and communication technology for the 38th America’s Cup
Sailfish Boats founder Paul Hoppes Jr dies
US boat builder passes away at 73 following a 40-year career leading saltwater fishing boat brand
Majesty previews 145 superyacht in UAE despite regional tensions
The boat builder unveiled the 45m vessel at its shipyard in Umm Al Quwain
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RWB Marine secures exclusive Australian distribution for AquaAmp wireless charging
The company will launch the range at this week’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Brazilian builder targets 50% export share with $8m infrastructure investment
The company’s strategy targets regions with strong demand for premium vessels
ICASA blocks ministerial push to relax BEE rules amid mounting Starlink pressure
South Africa’s telecoms regulator has rejected the Minister of Communications’ proposal to relax Black Economic Empowerment requirements for service providers
Yachting Ventures to host IBEX Start-Up Pavilion for third year
The pavilion returns to Tampa from 6-8 October 2026, connecting marine startups with OEMs, investors and industry decision-makers
Flexiteek reports strong first year at US fabrication facility
The UK synthetic teak deck manufacturer’s West Palm Beach operation has experienced rapid growth since opening in early 2025
Ferretti Group reports Q1 revenue decline amid softer market conditions
The Italian builder posted an 8% decline in net revenue to €302.1m in the first quarter
Delta Marine names new director of sales
Tim Kershaw joins US yard as it advances two significant in-build projects and seeks to strengthen its presence in key global markets
Turkish shipyard opens Miami office in US market push
RMK Yachts establishes permanent office at RMK-Merrill Stevens facility in South Florida to strengthen client support and expand US presence
FarSounder announces Tocaro Blue collaboration
Marinetech brands collaborate in bid to gain share in maritime navigation market
South African marine export sector mourns loss of Yacht Haulers founder
Andrew Sickler died following his battle with Parkinson’s disease
Balearic Islands lead Spanish boat market with 13% growth
The archipelago registered 225 recreational boats in the first four months of 2026, driven by pre-summer demand and strong charter market performance
De Antonio Yachts enters Polish market with new distributor
The Spanish builder has chosen CM Nautica to represent the company in Poland
Yamaha reports Q1 sales growth
2026 first quarter revenues jump 16.6% YoY despite US tariffs
One Atlantek selects Arksen Discovery 8 for UK adventure-charter operations
The luxury charter operator will use the vessel for coastal adventure experiences and marine conservation activities in partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Optima Electric Yachts seeks new ownership to scale technology
The UK startup has developed “highly differentiated” electric vessels after five years of R&D and £1.6m in innovation grants
How Dutch builder Van der Valk delivered a textbook ownership transition
The yard’s 2024 management buyout brought ownership stability, fresh capital, and a full orderbook in less than two years
West Marine files for bankruptcy
US marine equipment retailer continues operations with support of creditors as it embarks on reorganisation effort
UK boatyard sold after 65 years, set for rebrand
Larkman’s Boatyard in Suffolk has been acquired by new owners
Tankoa strengthens Civitavecchia site as dual-yard model expands
Italian superyacht builder expands integrated production operations between Civitavecchia and Genoa as it increases build capacity and advances large-yacht projects
Sanlorenzo reports 25% growth in Q1 orders, unveils three-year strategic plan
The Italian superyacht builder has achieved its seventh consecutive quarter of order intake growth, with Q1 2026 orders reaching €223.2m
V.Group opens maritime training academy in Chennai, India
Ship management business to train cadets for fleet including yachts
FFS Africa renews sponsorship of African Boating Conference
The marine fuels and energy provider strengthens support for Africa’s growing boating and superyacht sectors ahead of the Cape Town event
Malibu Boats CEO Steve Menneto to share insider perspective on US market dynamics at IBI Summit
Fresh from landmark European acquisition, industry leader will discuss shifting consumer trends and opportunities for international brands
Former Duracell CEO takes helm at Ferretti Group
Stassi Anastassov has been appointed chief executive officer of the Italian builder following today’s AGM
Off The Hook Yachts sees record FQ1
OTH joins the handful of US marine companies which saw better-than-expected performance at the start of calendar 2026
Mediterranean Yacht Show sees record turnout as Greek charter market gains momentum
Greece’s premier charter yacht event reported strong attendance and berthing demand at its 11th edition earlier this month
Azimut CCO outlines Asian strategy at Singapore Yachting Festival
Enrico Chiaussa, chief commercial officer EMEA-APAC at Azimut Yachts, talks to IBI about navigating Asia’s evolving luxury yacht market
Tough year for Honda
Automobile, motorcycle and outboard engine builder reports first-ever financial loss as weak EV market drags down earnings
Yachts damaged as wind wreaks havoc in South Africa’s ‘Cape of Storms’
Extreme weather damages yachts and marina infrastructure at multiple sites
Halyard strengthens distribution network with C.Quip partnership
Marine equipment specialist appoints C.Quip to expand access to selected products across leisure and commercial sectors
Lomac unveils new Turismo 8.5
Italian RIB builder completes Turismo range with new vessel ahead of its official debut at the Genoa Boat Show 2026
Highfield expands beyond aluminium tenders with fibreglass ADV line
CEO Paul Blanc outlines the Chinese-French RIB manufacturer’s growth strategy
Ferretti Group shareholders back Weichai, ending Galassi’s 12-year tenure
Directors Piero Ferrari, Stefano Domenicali resign
Suzuki reports record revenues despite lower profits
Revenues climb to record ¥6,293bn, while operating profits sink to ¥622.9bn as higher raw material costs weigh on earnings
Swisspath, TAG Yachting merge to form integrated services group
New Swisspath TAG Yachting business combines sales, charter, management and ownership support across the European superyacht market
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