Latest News
Middle East update: Resilience and opportunity amid regional uncertainty
IBI’s Middle East correspondent Mike Derrett and boating consultant Mahmoud Itani examine the state of the Gulf’s boating industry as the conflict reaches its seventh week with no resolution in sight
Patrick, Lippert confirm merger discussions
Potential partnership between two major component suppliers could have significant implications for US, European boat builders
Swan Alloy: Nautor Swan and Edmiston look to shape the future of sailing superyachts
With construction of the first Swan Alloy underway in the Netherlands and bold plans for expansion, the Nautor Swan, Edmiston collaboration marks a transformative moment in the sailing maxi yacht market
Metstrain returns for 2026 with early bird tickets now available
The London-to-Amsterdam train service offers a sustainable and hassle-free way to travel to this year’s Metstrade
BAZ Yacht Design partners with Australian cat builder on new hybrid model
The Turkish firm will design the interior of Iliad Catamarans’ new long-range cruiser
US pontoon boat builder appoints national sales manager
Industry veteran joins Revel Boats to strengthen its dealer network, expand premium pontoon market presence
Nautitech 41 Type S catamaran enters production
French builder prepares new model, revamps distribution network
Phuket Yacht Haven Marina named permanent venue for Thailand show
Partnership strengthens long-term vision for Thailand’s flagship yacht show and reinforces Phuket’s role as a regional yachting hub
Lalizas Charter Summit wraps up with focus on marine tourism’s future
This year’s event brought together Greek charter firms to explore industry challenges, trends, and opportunities
Feadship unveils Project 826 as a bold redefinition of superyacht design
The Dutch builder’s latest creation marks a striking departure from traditional aesthetics
Freedom Boat Club acquires largest franchise in network
The deal includes 21 locations across Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and surrounding areas
Leadership shake-up at North Sails Cape Town as CEO retires
South African sailmaking loft makes way for new management team
Off The Hook Yachts expands into new-boat sales
US group to sell brands through Bellhart Marine, with Sloop Point Marina supporting storage-led ownership model
Catana reports Q1 drop in new-boat sales, offset by services growth
The French catamaran builder recorded a 20% year-on-year fall in first-quarter revenue for 2025/26, driven by weaker demand in the new boat segment
Rolls-Royce Power Systems reduces mtu diesel emissions
Engine tests in Friedrichshafen, Augsburg and Ruhstorf are now carried out on hydrogenated vegetable oil
Yamaha Marine expands UK dealer network
New Welsh dealer adds Yamaha outboards and Yamarin boats to its portfolio
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at AIATA, Modus, The Italian Sea Group and more
Ownership change at Swedish wholesaler
Stockholm-based Erlandsons Brygga AB enters new era
McConaghy buys Australian sailing cat builder, brings production in-house
The yard has acquired the brand and intellectual property of Cure Marine
Invictus Yacht owner becomes sole shareholder of Aschenez Srl
The group has taken full ownership of the Invictus, Capoforte and Marcopolo brands
Yamaha Motor NZ hires national marine manager
Ramon Surrey brings extensive industry expertise to the role
FarSounder strengthens European operations with key appointment
Alexia Fountain joins US firm as account manager for yachting and cruise
China Boat Industry & Trade Association joins ICOMIA as Sustaining Member
The CBITA is a key player in China’s leisure marine sector
Investor Karel Komárek on deepening his stake in Ferretti Group and the ethos driving his success
Karel Komárek, founder and chairman of KKCG, has built a global investment group spanning 40+ countries. As the second-largest shareholder in Ferretti Group, he combines his passion for sailing with a commitment to Italian craftsmanship and sustainable growth. Komárek talks to IBI about his reasons for offering to increase his ...
Scanstrut wins Red Dot Award
The jury commended Scanstrut’s Ventura Series for its exceptional design, blending precision engineering, intuitive functionality, and a refined aesthetic
New Heesen Yachts owner unveils bold expansion strategy
Laurens Last to steer yard toward growth in the 60m-80m segment
Spanish refit yard establishes new Mediterranean hub
Astilleros de Mallorca is now operating from VMG Astilleros de Sagunto’s facilities in Valencia, mainland Spain
Sirena Marine issues build update on new 42m superyacht
The yacht is in final outfitting for its July debut
Sanlorenzo opens Mayfair showroom to boost UK presence
The move underscores the Italian superyacht builder’s commitment to the UK market and its long-term global strategy
RIB-X nears completion of defence contract for BAE Systems
The company is finalising the delivery and outfitting of six SOLAS Fast Rescue Craft RIBs
![Carl Pook and Pieter Feenstra[1]](https://d1ajyvl96t5n4x.cloudfront.net/Pictures/415x277/8/3/0/60830_carlpookandpieterfeenstra1_229294_crop.jpg)
Smartgyro strengthens UK reach with new dealer appointment
Italian stabilisation specialist appoints Yacht Master Marine as new certified dealer
Finnmaster sets sights on major growth
IBI speaks with the owner of the Finnish boat builder about overcoming post-pandemic challenges and his ambitious plans for the future
Sailfish Boats adds to its dealer network
US builder expands availability of its inshore and offshore V-hull fishing boats
IBI Summit 2026: Apply now for tickets to join boating industry leaders for innovation, insights, and networking in London
Join boat building industry leaders at the IBI Summit 2026 on June 3 in London for a day of exclusive insights, networking, and innovation. With limited tickets available, secure your spot now to explore key themes shaping the future of the boating industry, including M&A trends, AI-driven sales strategies, and ...
New CEO at Mercator Marine Group
Arjan Pols joins MMG to bolster its position in the European watersports market
European Boating Industry joins Waterborne Technology Platform
The move is designed to boost innovation and sustainability in the blue economy
The Italian Sea Group appoints new CFO and financial reporting officer
Fabio Zanobini takes up his position on April 20
African Boating Conference confirms first speakers and sponsors for 2026
Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, and Paris Baloumis of Oeanco to share industry insights
ACOBAR reelects Eduardo Colunna as president
The move comes as the Brazilian Association of Boat Builders celebrates 50 years in the nautical sector
Gemini Marine reports milestone four-tender superyacht contract
The package features four tenders, each designed for specific onboard roles
3rd Virgin Islands Boating Expo to focus on growing industry workforce
This year’s event will spotlight the future of the marine industry and the need for skilled marine technicians
KKCG to propose new Ferretti Group board directors at next AGM
The move follows a mixed response to its €3.9 per share offer to increase its stake in the Italian yacht builder
AIATA appoints new general manager
Hakan Kefoğlu has 20+ years of experience in global business, exports, and engineering
Barcelona Electric Marine Show honours leaders in sustainable innovation
The 2026 Sustainable Nautical Awards recognised projects driving eco-friendly ports, clean energy, and sustainable boating practices
Seaquip joins IFBSO following successful inaugural edition
Membership gives B2B trade show access to a global platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing
KingFisher Boats unveils largest, most advanced offshore vessel to date
The 38 GFX is a 38ft aluminium vessel designed for high performance and extended trips
Yamaha Motor Europe, Sessa sign five-year OEM deal
Yamaha named preferred outboard partner for selected Sessa models across Europe
Regulatory review could pave way for Starlink’s entry into South Africa
Changes to empowerment regulations in the ICT sector offer alternatives to the 30% black shareholding rule
Saxdor Yachts appoints new customer experience director for the Americas
Tripper Vincent will lead all customer experience, after-sales, and service initiatives
Voodoo Yachts unveils new flagship
The XF80 builds on the acclaimed XF75 platform with enhanced speed, expanded space and advanced features
Sharrow Engineering scales propeller production with Ford collaboration
Production timelines have been cut from months to weeks, accelerating output ahead of the summer boating season
Arcadia Yachts names new marketing and communications director
Federico Peruccio brings a strong strategic vision to the Italian boat builder
Bahamas revises boating fees after drop in visiting vessels
Changes include new pricing tiers based on vessel size and duration of stay
OSASA reports further growth in South African cruiser visits
The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa registered 140 vessels in six months, boosted by improved coastal infrastructure
Former superyacht show producer launches three budget shows
Peter Bryant shifts focus to the small boat sector with a series of low-cost, two-day Boatfest events in the UK
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Candela, Dometic, Sanlorenzo and more
Lenco, Albemarle Boats ink supply deal
Lenco’s Pro Control trim tab system will be featured across a range of Albemarle offshore fishing boats from 27ft-53ft
Ferretti board divided over latest KKCG tender offer
The shareholding battle between Weichai and KKCG intensifies as divisions emerge
2026 Sanya Boat Festival to strengthen global yachting connections
The festival will showcase 200 yachts, 15 China premieres, six superyachts over 80ft, and top global and Chinese brands
Lofrans inaugurates new state-of-the-art facility in Milan
The move to Cambiago marks a major step for the Italian windlass specialist, offering more space and streamlined production
UK marina operator buys Dart Marina Group
The acquisition includes Dart Marina, Dart Marina Hotel, and the Dartmouth Higher Ferry
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