Latest News
Blackstone acquires MarineMax in US$1.5bn all-cash deal
The agreement ends the months-long bidding war between Blackstone and investment groups Donerail and Centerbridge
Princess Yachts announces death of founder
David King founded Princess in 1965 and spent over six decades building it into one of the world’s most respected yacht manufacturers
Temo’s Vannes facility destroyed by fire
The electric boat motor manufacturer says operations have been suspended at the site while it works to maintain business continuity
Declining revenue, lawsuits lead FB Marine Group to file for bankruptcy protection
The Florida-based marine retailer and boat dealer reports US$1.7m in assets and US$2.6m in liabilities in bankruptcy petition
Ancasta expands European network with new offices
The yacht brokerage and dealership group opens offices in Amsterdam and Montenegro as it targets growth in northern Europe and the Adriatic
TISG launches formal investor search amid restructuring
Multiple potential investors have expressed interest in acquiring the troubled superyacht builder
Q2 profits climb for Lippert Components despite lower revenues
Effective cost controls lead to higher earnings for US equipment manufacturer as it prepares to merge with competitor Patrick Industries
Shadow-Caster hires EMEA sales manager
Ex-Lumishore sales lead Gina Tilsley joins marine LED lighting manufacturer to expand EMEA distributor and OEM networks
Interboot appoints first female project manager
Zuzanna Sroda is taking over as head of Germany’s oldest water sports show
President of Dominica prioritises marine tourism with plans for new marina
The proposed marina at Portsmouth will help expand Dominica’s marine tourism sector, attract more visiting yachts and support wider economic growth as part of the island’s blue economy strategy
Spanish recreational boating market grows 6.8% in first seven months of 2026
Spain records 3,934 registrations as larger boats and charter activity drive continued market growth
Nautical Ventures names new general manager
The leadership role is announced as the Vision Marine subsidiary expands its US retail and service operations
Gulf Craft introduces latest version of the Nomad 70
The updated explorer yacht features refreshed styling, redesigned interiors and extended cruising capability
US ambassador backs South African boat building during Robertson & Caine tour
Brent Bozell praises Robertson & Caine during Cape Town visit highlighting bilateral marine trade
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Sirena Yachts, ICOMIA, Ancasta and more
Australia’s largest off-water boat show wraps up successful four-day run
Thousands attended Sydney Boat Show as exhibitors reported strong sales, quality leads and growing consumer confidence
De Wave invests €10m in new facility as group targets further growth
The marine interiors specialist will consolidate four Monfalcone operations at the new site and plans to hire 150 employees over the next two years
Manoel Island marina to remain as Transport Malta prepares new concession
Maltese government confirms yacht marina and yacht yard will be retained following the end of the wider MIDI concession
AkzoNobel and Axalta shareholders approve merger of their companies
Shareholders overwhelmingly back merger creating the world’s second-largest paints and coatings manufacturer
Polish RIB producer shifts production to fishing craft amid booming demand
Cavo Marine is planning to broaden its portfolio of craft for fishing enthusiasts next year
Getting noticed in the DAME Design Awards 2026
The awards at Metstrade offer exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their latest products to an international audience of marine industry professionals. With strong competition across every category, these 10 pointers will help you create an entry that clearly communicates the design strengths and commercial potential of your product
Crest and Balise to offer Savvy Navvy with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on 2027 models
MasterCraft Boat Holdings’ pontoon brands will introduce integrated navigation via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on selected models
Sirena Yachts USA undergoes leadership transition
The former US operations chief moves into an advisory role as a new leader takes charge of the company’s North American growth strategy
Olympic Yacht Show 2026 attracts interest from more than 100 yachts
Early exhibitor demand points to continued growth for the Greek in-water show, which returns to Olympic Marine in October
New leadership breathes new life into Royal Balk Shipyard
With new Dutch ownership, Royal Balk Shipyard is building on more than two centuries of heritage to grow its specialist refit and recraft business
Sterk Yachts begins European testing of Vision Marine electric propulsion system
The integration programme aboard the Sterk 26E builds on the partners’ exclusive supply agreement and will evaluate the E-Motion 180E under European operating conditions
Singapore Yachting Festival announces expanded 2027 format
The event will return in April 2027 with a new consumer-focused format designed to increase visitor engagement, attract qualified buyers and strengthen opportunities for exhibitors across the marine and luxury lifestyle sectors
ABYC to host webinar on latest small craft standards updates
Free webinar to be held August 27
US bank enters yacht finance market
Peapack-Gladstone has begun offering specialised yacht finance for HNWIs
Polboat Yachting Festival hosts 20 boat premieres amid improving industry outlook
This year’s edition of the Polish boat show showcased more than 110 craft
Smartgyro appoints All Points Boats as South Florida partner
Smartgyro has expanded its US dealer and service network through the partnership with All Points Boats, which will provide sales, installation and after-sales support for the company’s range of marine stabilisation systems in South Florida
Polish builder launches e-catamaran for disabled boaters
The electric cat can accommodate up to six people, including four wheelchair users
Gemeco opens registration for 2026 marine electronics training event
The US marine electronics distributor is inviting dealers, installers and boatbuilders to attend its annual Technical Training Event in South Carolina, offering four certification programmes
SilverCat broadens international dealer reach
IBI’s Middle East correspondent visited SilverCat’s production facility in July as the Gulf Craft Group brand continues to expand its international distribution network, increase production capacity and target new dealer appointments in South-East Asia
Saxdor expands Americas dealer network with appointments in Argentina and Canada
The Finnish builder has entered the Argentinian market while strengthening its Canadian presence through two new dealer partnerships
Ancasta creates group brokerage role to support UK and European growth
The UK dealer and brokerage has appointed Rob Seabourne to strengthen operations across its 22-office network in the UK and Europe
Michael Schmidt & Partner rebrands as Inspiration Marine Group
Brokerage business adopts parent company’s name as group brings sail, power and brokerage operations under a single brand
Two Oceans Marine completes NSRI Offshore Rescue Craft series
The purpose-built, self-righting 14.8m ORCs are engineered for extreme sea conditions with a 40-year operational lifespan
Balkans Sea Fair grows as Albania boosts Mediterranean yachting presence
This year’s event returns to Marina Orikum in October with an expanded exhibition, Blue Economy Summit, and international yacht builders
Beneteau first-half revenues: IBI comments
Concerns over Middle East conflict continue to weigh on growth
Informa Prestige launches The Future of Refit, debuting in Monaco in 2027
The exhibition and conference will target the growing global superyacht refit and maintenance market with a specialist industry platform
Fairline boosts European dealer network with Yachthub Group addition
Partnership expands UK builder’s presence into Malta and nine Adriatic territories
New owners of Your Boat Club sell Minnesota marina to reduce debt
YBC has a fleet of around 350 boats across Minnesota, Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin
Rolls-Royce H1 profit surges 46% on transformation gains
The London-listed group, whose Power Systems division owns mtu, raised full-year profit guidance to £4.7bn-£4.9bn after a strong first half
Mercury Marine, Telwater extend exclusive BMT partnership
Agreement will see Mercury remain the exclusive outboard supplier for Telwater’s boat, motor and trailer packages in Australia until 2029
Cyclops Marine rebrands as Cyclops Global following diversification
The UK wireless load sensor manufacturer has consolidated three brands under one corporate entity as it diversifies beyond marine
Highfield dealer meeting outgrows hometown
Dealers will gather at Chicago’s Navy Pier Marina from 25-26 August instead of Cadillac, Michigan
ICOMIA creates new partnerships role to strengthen global member engagement
Romina Bompani has been appointed head of partnerships to expand strategic collaborations across the global recreational marine industry
Reboat raises funding to expand sailboat refurbishment operations
French company plans to grow its Lorient facility, open a Mediterranean site and scale output to 30 boats by 2027
MB92 Barcelona secures concession extension to 2050
Expansion backed by €40m infrastructure investment
Ferretti delivers strong cash generation in H1 2026 despite 5.6% revenue decline
New CEO Stassi Anastassov acknowledged a more challenging commercial environment but emphasised the group’s strong balance sheet and operational capabilities
Sunreef Yachts, Brabus unveil the new Brabus Ultima 55
IBI’s Middle East correspondent previewed the vessel in Dubai this June, ahead of its official launch this week
Japanese quake could put pressure on semiconductor market; factory shutdowns across industry groups
Yamaha Marine has temporarily halted production at its two Kumamoto Prefecture facilities which manufacture outboard motors and related marine products
Bellini Nautica raises €2.3m through share placing to support expansion
Italian builder will use the proceeds to expand production capacity, invest in technology and advance its industrial plan
Lengers Yachts declared bankrupt
The Dutch yacht dealer represented brands including Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, Prestige, SACS, and Pirelli Speedboats
Callegari RIBs acquires Italian tender specialist
Production of 50-60 tenders annually to be consolidated at Callegari’s Anagni facility
Catamaran Guru expands into Caribbean
US dealer establishes its first dedicated Caribbean office through Virgin Island Yacht Brokers integration
Croatia’s ACI marina group posts strong H1 2026 results
Revenue, net profit and EBITDA all rise
ICOMIA, MPN and 11th Hour Racing partner to protect Posidonia seagrass in the Med
High-resolution Posidonia mapping will be available through chart plotters and boating apps, enabling responsible navigation and habitat protection
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Icomia, Robertson & Caine, Sunseeker and more
Patrick reports 22% marine segment growth in solid Q2
Marine segment gains help offset RV sector decreases as US components supplier tightens full-year guidance
LinkedIn
X / Twitter
Facebook
Email us
