Latest News
Mood index: EU business, consumer survey results for May
Economic sentiment broadly stable in EU and eurozone; job expectations pick up
Yamaha taps capital markets through dealer finance-backed offering
The US$400m asset-backed securitisation is expected to provide additional liquidity for dealer inventory financing
French industry association calls for national mobilisation against recreational boat tax
The proposed TAEMUP tax reform faces strong opposition from France’s boating and marina sector
Powerboats USA appointed Manari Yachts dealer for US market
The Miami-based brokerage and tender specialist becomes the official US dealer for the yacht builder, expanding its sales network in North America
IMM acquires Atlantic Refit Center to establish European operations
Caribbean-based yacht services specialist International Marine Management has expanded into Europe through the acquisition of the ARC in La Rochelle, France, adding a major superyacht refit facility
Hammer Yachts launches flybridge version of HammerCat 35HH
The South African sportfisher builder has unveiled the first flybridge version of its HammerCat 35HH cuddy catamaran, with the new model already making its offshore tournament debut in Cape Town
Iron Boats expands dealer network with SeaBrave Marine appointment
Swedish performance boat builder strengthens Mediterranean presence as part of ongoing international dealer expansion strategy
New association launched to represent superyacht designers and naval architects
SYDNA aims to provide collective representation, promote collaboration and support innovation across the global community
Baltic Safety Products names David Brown as Country Manager for UK & Ireland
The new hire strengthens Baltic’s UK & Ireland presence as the company targets continued growth across leisure and industrial marine sectors
Knight Frank: Superyacht market rebounds as 2025 sales surge
The 2026 Knight Frank Wealth Report reveals a strong market in 2025, with sales values up by 70%
X-Yachts consolidates production activities in Poland as part of broader growth strategy
Danish builder strengthens manufacturing platform while expanding service operations, marina activities and unmanned vessel development
French boating industry pays tribute to Tibor Sillinger
Entrepreneur, industry advocate and former federation executive remembered for his role in developing the French boating sector and promoting its international growth.
Leadership transition at SABBEX as founder steps down as chair
John Craig replaces Bruce Tedder as head of South African Boat Builders Export Council
Zeelander Yachts sells first US east coast-based Zeelander 8 for 2027 delivery
The new 24m flagship sale marks a milestone in the Dutch yard’s North American expansion
Asteria project marks milestone for Cape Town superyacht sector
The destination’s growing superyacht repair sector reached a milestone with the successful refit of the expedition yacht
RAD appoints Shiv Power and Marine Service as India distributor
The British propulsion specialist expands international dealer network amid growing demand for electric and hybrid marine systems
X Shore CEO on restructuring, rebuilding trust, and the electric boating future
René Hansen speaks exclusively to IBI about the company’s emergence from bankruptcy, the new ownership structure backing its recovery, and his vision for leading the transition to electric boating across global markets
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Nimbus, Acquera Yachting, Freedom Marine and more
IBI Summit 2026 delivers inside track on two landmark marine deals – just days away
IBI Summit brings together the architects of the Fairline acquisition and Saxdor-Malibu transaction to reveal the strategic intelligence, execution realities, and lessons learned driving consolidation across boat building
Princess Yachts reports strong start to 2026 as new model programme accelerates
The company builds on its 2025 turnaround with rising production momentum and multiple new models advancing toward launch milestones
Gtechniq strengthens marine focus with three key appointments
Ceramic coating specialist expands marketing and product teams as it targets further growth in marine and international markets
Swedish boat builder declared bankrupt
Marell Boats collapses after financial difficulties tied to Norwegian police contracts
Acquera Yachting Albania appoints new MD
Elton Barjami joins the company as it strengthens its presence across the Adriatic and responds to growing demand in the region
Vitters Shipyard builds 63m ‘next generation performance cruiser’
Six months after keel laying, the aluminium structure of Project Dreamer is rapidly coming together
New Ferretti Group CEO outlines vision for market growth
Nine days into his role, Stassi Anastassov shared his strategy at the Venice Boat Show, targeting new wealth creators while balancing artistry, technology, and Italian heritage
TISG announces return to full operations despite fiscal position
Plans to attend 2026 Monaco Yacht Show also confirmed
Mag Bay Yachts expands Florida sales team with two key hires
Mike Schmitt and Kandace Chewning bring sportfishing and yachting expertise to support the builder’s expansion
IBEX and Metstrade launch programme to help international brands enter $230bn US marine market
The new initiative targets overseas marine companies seeking access to the US recreational boating sector
Archipelago Yachts secures second order for 80ft explorer yacht
British builder advances flagship explorer series and brings the interior design fully in-house for the project
TISG shares plunge as losses push capital below legal minimum
The Italian Sea Group’s stock collapsed late last week following disclosure that debt-related losses had driven its share capital beneath the legally required threshold
Venice Boat Show opens seventh edition at historic Arsenale
The marine industry gathered at Venice’s Arsenale today as the 7th Salone Nautico launched with 300 vessels on display
Freedom Marine Vancouver team strengthened as Don Ross joins sales team
The brokerage strengthens Coal Harbour office with the experienced yacht sales professional appointment
Pantaenius joins ABC 2026 to support Africa’s expanding cruising sector
The company joins growing sponsor line-up as Africa’s superyacht and cruising sector gathers momentum
Economic uncertainty reflected in boat sales at Finland’s Naantali Boat Show
Boat buyers cautious as wider economic instability weighs on sentiment, despite busy spring turnout
Big success for SCIBS 2026 with over 40,000 visitors
Southern Hemisphere’s largest boat show reports a good volume of business done
IBI Summit 2026 unveils exclusive fireside chat with Groupe Beneteau CFO
As the countdown enters its final week, the marine industry’s premier strategic forum has secured a compelling session that goes to the heart of the industry’s most pressing strategic dilemmas
TEMO·450 rated “highly repairable” in voluntary sustainability index
The electric outboard scores 91.9/100 in voluntary repairability index assessment
Bermuda expands its Coastguard operations with opening of second base
New base opened by King Charles III during his recent visit
Vision Marine outlines operational initiatives across Nautical Ventures platform
Electric propulsion and marine retail group says ongoing integration efforts are focused on financing, inventory management, service co-ordination and customer engagement across the Florida-based dealership network
Azimut Yachts and JHSF launch Seadeck fleet experience for Fasano Sardegna debut
The companies will introduce the fleet for the Fasano Al Mare Beach Club opening in summer 2026
Nimbus Group appoints Mikael Mårtensson as CFO
The Swedish boatbuilder names experienced finance executive with more than 25 years in senior roles across manufacturing and international industry
Bryton Marine Group named among Canada’s Best Managed Companies for ninth year
Canadian aluminium boatbuilder retains Platinum Club status following continued growth, innovation and strategic expansion
Veleria San Giorgio contributes to award-winning Kanguro life-saving device project
The Italian safety specialist supports the ADI Compasso d’Oro-recognised flotation device for mothers and infants at sea
UAE strengthens shipbuilding capability with formation of new consortium
New grouping will be led by Noatum Maritime and focus on shipbuilding, vessel repair, fabrication, and marine engineering
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
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