Boatbuilding News 16.01.25 Feat. The Italian Sea Group, Yachting Ventures, Sail GP, Nimbus Group & Boot Dusseldorf

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???? The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has revealed that outfitting activities for the Admiral 100-metre superyacht—the largest yacht currently under construction in Italy—are in progress at the Marina di Carrara shipyard.

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Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the Admiral 100m boasts exterior and interior design by the renowned Winch Design studio and is being managed by consultancy firm Magnitude Yachts. The vessel combines classic elegance with modern innovation, featuring a futuristic, eco-conscious design and a cutting-edge diesel-electric propulsion system.

Among its standout features are a certified helicopter landing pad, a spacious swimming pool, a luxurious spa, multi-deck lounge areas, and elegantly designed guest staterooms.

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“We are satisfied with the progress of this yacht's production, the largest under construction in Italy, and the collaboration with prestigious international partners such as Magnitude Yachts and Winch Design, with whom a strong professional synergy has been established, ensuring an excellent result.”

says?Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group

Magnitude Yachts shared their enthusiasm:

“Magnitude is pleased that this important world-class project is advancing well in the construction phase in Italy. It is the second of three projects built by The Italian Sea Group under our management and adds to the growing global presence of Magnitude projects worldwide. Our guiding principle is to deliver a yacht of excellent quality, high value, and delivered within the agreed timelines with the owner.”

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Winch Design highlighted the creative vision behind the project:

“Winch Design has overseen the exterior and interior design of Project '597', a flagship and reference project for The Italian Sea Group and the superyacht industry. Lifestyle, adventure and fun merge in a project that embodies our commitment to innovation, using extensive glasswork to create a decidedly bold design. We are excited to see the progress of this ambitious project.”?

This collaboration represents a milestone for the superyacht industry, showcasing TISG's commitment to craftsmanship, design excellence, and sustainable innovation.

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??? Yachting Ventures, a leading media and events platform for startups and emerging technologies in the leisure marine sector, has announced the launch of an Innovation Zone at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2025.

Taking place from 19-23 February 2025 at Dubai Harbour, the zone will provide startups with an opportunity to showcase their technologies and solutions to an anticipated audience of over 30,000 visitors.

Now in its 31st edition, DIBS is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and is renowned for connecting maritime enthusiasts through cutting-edge marine technology, luxury yachts, and premium hospitality experiences.

The UAE’s vibrant startup ecosystem continues to flourish, with over 5,600 registered companies recorded by mid-2024.

“Having spent more time in the UAE recently, it’s clear that the region is fast becoming a global hub for the yachting industry. Startups will play a crucial role in shaping its future, and by launching the Startup Zone, we aim to connect early-stage companies with investors, industry leaders, and decision-makers who can help the startups we support scale in the UAE and broader Middle East region.”

says Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures.

Designed to offer startups an affordable entry into the UAE market, the Innovation Zone will utilise Yachting Ventures’ marketing campaigns and content to help participants gain visibility.

Applications are now open for startups looking to participate. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to companies demonstrating significant potential. Eligible startups must have been operating commercially for less than five years or have an annual turnover of less than €1 million.

This initiative underscores the growing importance of startups in shaping the leisure marine industry and further solidifies Dubai's position as a global yachting hub.

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?? SailGP to debut high-speed T-Foils in Auckland races

After nearly two years of rigorous testing, SailGP is set to introduce its new high-speed titanium T-Foils to its international F50 fleet. The T-Foils will be featured for the first time in competitive racing this weekend in Auckland, 18-19 January 2025, as part of the high-speed configuration aimed at boosting speeds and intensifying competition in the global championship.

Unveiled in October last year, the T-Foils are constructed from machined titanium and carbon, replacing the L-Foils that have been in use since SailGP’s launch in 2019. These new foils feature thinner sections, reducing drag at high speeds and allowing for greater velocity. The New Zealand team recently achieved an impressive speed of 97.2 km/h during trials.

Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team flight controller Andy Maloney described his initial experience with the new technology as a “baptism by fire” during their first training session in challenging Auckland conditions. “It was pretty crazy conditions for our first day out on the T-Foils,” says Maloney, referring to gusts of up to 50 km/h. “The wind was super gusty and shifty here in Auckland – it was a real baptism by fire for all the teams out there. A really good first day, but the learning curve is definitely steep.”

As teams race to adapt to the new technology in their identical F50 catamarans, the T-Foils could level the playing field by reducing the experience gap between seasoned and newer teams. Maloney, who transitioned from one of the league’s most dominant teams to a new national team, highlighted the potential impact. “Some of the teams we’ve seen at the top of the leaderboard the last few seasons won’t have any more experience on T-Foils than the new teams,” he explains. “So, it will be really interesting to see where everyone ends up.”

The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, led by double Olympic Gold medalist Martine Grael, is one of two new national teams joining the league this season, alongside the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team. This weekend also marks the return of the France SailGP Team, which will debut in the newly completed boat 12.

More than 25,000 fans are expected to witness the second event of the Rolex SailGP 2025 Season Championship. Maloney believes the spectacle will be unforgettable. “I’m hoping for some windy conditions. If we get that, we will see these boats going faster than they have before. It’s going to be pretty incredible,” he says.

???? Nimbus Group to unveil new models at boot Düsseldorf 2025

Nimbus Group is set to debut two exciting new models at the upcoming boot Düsseldorf show. Among them is the Aquador 400 HT, the largest model in the Aquador lineup, making its world premiere. Additionally, the Nimbus 495 Flybridge will make its show debut, marking a significant step in Nimbus Group’s portfolio.

The Aquador 400 HT measures 12.1 metres in length with a beam of 3.96 metres, accommodating up to 12 people across three cabins with eight berths. Designed for versatility and comfort, it features a hardtop for all-weather usability, expansive windows, and sunroofs for an airy interior. Social areas include a multifunctional aft deck with a convertible sunbed, a spacious salon, and a bow deck that offers optional adjustable loungers.

“We have a huge installed base of Aquador owners who have been asking for a model in this size range,” Bohm explains. “On top of this, we target an international demographic that values an affordable yet premium alternative to the brands available today.”

says Michael Bohm, chief marketing officer at Nimbus Group

The helm features a 12-inch chart plotter with an option to upgrade to dual 16-inch displays, enhancing navigation. Engine configurations include twin Mercury 350 HP V10 outboards, twin Volvo Penta D4 320 HP diesels, or twin Mercury Diesel 270 HP V6s, providing performance flexibility. Unique elements, such as a co-pilot seat convertible into a chaise lounge, set the model apart. “The view from all areas in the cockpit is something special, and together with the space, you really feel like being on a yacht,” Bohm adds.

Bohm notes that the 400 HT is part of Aquador’s strategy to respond to consumer feedback and drive growth: “Aquador is a brand developed very closely with the consumers. They have inspired us to take the step up to 40 feet, but still, it is vital to keep the 250 and 300. If we listen to our customers, we believe this move will drive growth.”

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge, also being showcased, is designed for long-distance exploration and comfort. At approximately 15 metres long with a 4.6-metre beam, it features a spacious saloon, large aft deck, and integrated propulsion solutions for sustainability and ease of use. “Nimbus 495, which is shown in Dusseldorf for the first time, has been a huge success for us,” Bohm says.

Nimbus Group anticipates improved market conditions in 2025 following a challenging 2024. The company recently confirmed the closure of its Finnish production facilities in Kuopio and Luoto, citing weak demand in the smaller boat market, a decision that will affect hundreds of employees. “Interest rates are coming down and consumer confidence is increasing. This will give the boating industry a slightly better market,” Bohm comments. “With Aquador’s new three-model series, we aim to grow internationally at a greater speed than before.”

In addition to the Aquador 400 HT and Nimbus 495 Flybridge, Nimbus Group will display several other models at boot Düsseldorf 2025, including the Nimbus T8, W11, C11 MK2 (with an updated cockpit layout), T11, 305 Coupé, 365 Coupé, and the Aquador 300 HT.

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