December

For the YCM Awards and its prestigious UBS Trophy, the great Yacht Club de Monaco family gathered under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This event pays tribute to sporting achievements and officially welcomes new members to the Club. In his speech, the Sovereign recalled YCM’s dual mission as a private club dedicated to its 2,500 members (81 nationalities) and its public service remit that contributes to “making Monaco THE destination of reference for yachting, combining as it does innovation and sustainability”.These values are reflected in its collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ which positions the Club as a key player in protecting the oceans and promoting maritime innovation.

Bruhat Logistics Singapore is a logistics company who has an extensive global network and industry expertise making them the best choice for transporting your boats or vessels anywhere in the world. Their expertise spans across handling and transporting boats, yachts, military vessels, marine assets and more. and they have regional offices across Malaysia, India, the United States, the UK, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and several other global locations. Bruhat Logistics are positioned to serve you wherever your business takes you.

Independent professional services group Praxis has achieved a significant milestone with the international certification of its yacht safety management system, enabling it to serve commercially operating yachts over 500GT. The certification, granted through a rigorous Cayman Document of Compliance (DOC) audit, confirms that Praxis’ safety management system (SMS) aligns with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The ISM Code is a globally recognised framework that ensures the safe operation of vessels and the prevention of pollution, adhering to rigorous maritime safety standards.

It is once again time for Comprehensively Yachts, HFW’s twice-yearly briefing to the yachting industry. As ever, you will find it contains a range of commentary on matters of interest and importance to the yachting industry. First, after handling a succession of acrimonious charter disputes, several of which might have been avoided, our Monaco office set out a simple, but often surprisingly ignored, list of dos and don’ts for anyone embarking on a charter, whether they be an owner or a charterer. Second, having seen a growing number of clients enquire about the possibility of operating their yacht under the Yacht Engaged in Trade (or YET) programme, we consider the limitations and potential attractions of such an operation. Third, with biofuels increasingly being considered by owners, yacht builders and others, we examine some of the decisions to be made, in conjunction with Alessio Sbraga, one of our leading experts in environmental compliance, including emissions and fuel regulations, sustainability and decarbonisation. Fourth and finally, given recent cases brought against shipyards in the UK and the EU for infringement of timber regulations, we look at the regulatory landscape for the use of exotic timbers.

Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific is proud to announce the grand opening of Sanlorenzo Vietnam division in collaboration with O2H2O, partnering with Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific as exclusive Vietnam representative for Sanlorenzo and Bluegame, alongside its private jet brokerage and management services. The event, held on November 24, 2024, at the Hilton Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, marked a significant milestone in expanding luxury yachting and private aviation services in the region.

Azimut|Benetti Group is number one in the production of mega yachts over 24 meters, leading the industry in the Global Order Book 2025, the annual ranking by the reference publication Boat International based on data from 185 shipyards on 5 continents. “Twenty-five years at the top of the sector represent a true ‘record within a record’, a testament to our unwavering entrepreneurial vision which is based on an organic, resilient and sustainable growth strategy aimed at creating durable value that lasts over time. This is the privilege and the responsibility of a private family company,” comments Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group.

The wallywhy200 model was unveiled in Hong Kong in December and this innovative yacht represents the second wallywhy200 model with interior décor by Loro Piana Interiors, featuring new fabrics and materials that distinguish it from the first version. Part of the latest range creation from Wally, she reflects the brand’s renowned avant-garde design and forward-thinking approach, seamlessly combining advanced technology, sustainability, and luxury. The choice of Hong Kong for the wallywhy200 presentation underscores the strategic importance of the Asian market.

Travel Cue has established a business entity in the key location of Arendal in southern Norway, a small community on Norway’s south coast. Arendal has a rich history and long tradition as a hub for Norwegian shipping, where specialised crew travel for Norwegian ship owners and managers was born.

As New Zealand’s only local Māori-owned agency, Catalano Shipping Pacific offers unmatched expertise and meaningful connections in the world of superyacht cruising. With tourism booming and yachts returning to our shores, now is the perfect time to explore the breathtaking beauty of our coastlines. Catalano is your trusted partner for bespoke itinerary planning, ensuring your experience is not only luxurious but deeply connected to the heart of Aotearoa.