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The Weekly Notes

By Matteo Zaccagnino, Editor-in-Chief

With the new year comes a load of novelties. Starting with content. Let’s start right here. Or rather, from a weekly appointment that aims to summarise the main news and events that have marked the last seven days in the nautical world. The range is wide. It starts with design, of course, but there will be no shortage of forays into other territories such as sport, current affairs, personalities, industry right through to watchmaking with the latest on the marine-related timepieces front. The ambition is to provide you with even more up-to-date, timely and comprehensive reading on the hot topics affecting this sector. Naturally, the site will continue to offer all the in-depth reports edited by our editorial team that you will find on our website and in our weekly newsletter.

But let us start by summarising with a selection of the most important events that characterised this month of January.

Boot Düsseldorf 2025

The first event of the year brought with it a breath of optimism. Numbers in hand, Boot Düsseldorf closed with the presence of 1,500 exhibitors from 67 nations, to the delight of the approximately 200,000 visitors from all over the world (113 countries were represented) who crowded the 16 pavilions of the German boat show over the nine days. The air was crisp, not only in terms of temperatures, which were always around zero degrees.

Metis 45

Many world premieres were held on this occasion, which compensated somewhat for some notable absences. Especially in the sailing sphere. Halls 16 and 17, where sailing is in the spotlight this year, saw the notable absence of brands such as Hanse, Dehler and Moody to name but a few. A void that was, however, filled by some important debuts. Among the most significant ones I would like to point out Cantiere del Pardo’s GS Blue. This 9.99 metre hull, which rightfully falls into the weekender category, was conceived with an innovative approach. Starting with the construction material, a thermoplastic resin, a technology developed by NL Comp that allows it to be reused or disposed of at the end of its life cycle.

The other major innovation that could be touched upon is the new XR-41, which has the ambitious goal of bringing the Danish yard back into the sailing competition scene. And, judging by the crowds at the stand to get a closer look at this hull, it can already be said that the route taken is the right one. Beware, however, that we are not looking at a new One design but at a sporty cruiser, as they have nicknamed her, destined to have her say on the race courses. Staying in the sailing world, the other big announcement that held centre stage in Düsseldorf came from Nautor Swan. There were two novelties announced by the Finnish shipyard recently acquired by Sanlorenzo.

The first concerns the announcement to enter the aluminium sailing superyacht segment above 40 metres. This includes the setting up of a development committee comprising Massimo Perotti, Leonardo Ferragamo, German Frers and the new entry, in the history of the Finnish brand, of Jüdel & Vrölijk Studio. Not enough. The new development plan has led Nautor to enter into partnership with the American Magic America’s Cup team to strengthen and develop the Finnish brand’s presence in the United States through a series of activities. The first step goes in the direction of the new ClubSwan 28 which, thanks to this agreement, will not only be produced in the United States but will also be the protagonist of a series of high-level regattas to bring the sport back into vogue in American waters and thus bring a new public closer to sailing. 

Last but not least, as the Americans would say, the Boot was also the occasion taken by Sangiorgio Marine to announce a new exciting flying project. It is called the Metis 45 and is a candidate, in the Genoese yard’s intentions, to become a reference in full foiling offshore sailing. On a design level, this hull represents the meeting point between a Class40 and an Imoca 60 but with more accessible costs. The hull lines were designed by the Guelfi D’Angeli studio, which already has successful projects under its belt, starting with the Class40 Alla Grande Pirelli. And if a good day is seen in the morning…

What’s happening in the United States with technology 

All eyes are on what is happening on the other side of the ocean. The American market, along with the European market, continues to be the main driver of the global yachting industry. And not only that. Just to say how strategic it has become, suffice it to say that it is also the most important geographical area in terms of sales for the watchmaking industry. But back to the boats, the focus remains on what year this 2025 will be. One thing is certain: 2024 closed below expectations with a slowdown in sales. There are many reasons for this. Starting with the uncertainties linked to economic trends, inflation and, of course, the presidential elections which, as is often the case, cool the desire and the rush to buy on the part of American consumers. According to numbers and reports from the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association), the contraction in new boat sales was between -9 and -12 per cent. But according to the industry association, the wind is expected to change in 2025, blowing hard on the sails of the boating industry once again. Forecasts speak of a turnaround and an estimated recovery of between 3 and 5 per cent. Once again, all eyes will be on the first event of the year, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, which is much more than just a boat show, since it is here that 60 per cent of the yearly sales in the boating sector are generated. 

Driving the recovery of the boating industry is certainly a new approach adopted by manufacturers to make the boating experience even smoother and more engaging. Technology will play a central role in achieving this goal. It is therefore not surprising to read that a major group such as Brunswick (Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Navico, Mercury Marine, Maercury Racing to name but a few) has decided to invest heavily on this front, announcing a number of important innovations at CES in Las Vegas. On this occasion, Brunswick unveiled Boating Intelligence, a significant project aimed at strengthening the Group’s ACES (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified, and Shared) strategy by integrating artificial intelligence capabilities into its products to make boating simpler, safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

During CES, Brunswick brought a state-of-the-art virtual simulator with a 200-degree viewing angle that allowed visitors to experience the co-captain function. The AI developed by Brunswick enables assisted navigation, safety monitoring up to autonomous mooring manoeuvres, the dream of every yachtsman. This application will see the light for the first time on a pilot boat, namely a 40-foot Boston Whaler 405 Conquest. And we can’t wait to see it live. ‘CES, the world’s largest technology event, is the ideal platform for Brunswick to showcase how it is turning boats into smart partners for owners and Freedom Boat Club members,’ said Dave Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Corporation.

Four Season Yachts I

The big day has arrived. And more precisely, calendar in hand, 23 January marked a historic date for both Fincantieri and Four Season Yachts.

Yes, because on the docks of the Ancona shipyard was celebrated the launch of Four Season I, the first extra-luxury unit commissioned by Four Season Yachts. The ship has a tonnage of 34,000 tonnes, measures 207 metres in length and has 95 suites including the 454-square-metre Funnel Suite. This is a significant moment celebrating the haute-hotellerie brand’s entry into the cruise segment.

‘Four Seasons Yachts represents a new phase of growth for our company as we continue to explore new opportunities to differentiate the brand through immersive luxury experiences,’ says Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO of Four Seasons. ‘The first yacht embodies this vision and will provide a unique Four Seasons experience, characterised by the authentic and personalised service our customers appreciate and know.’

A sea of competition

It was a start to the year with a bang. Holding the headlines, of course, was the Vendée Globe. The non-stop solo round-the-world sailing race, the Everest of the sea, crowned Charlie Dalin who, on board Macif Santé Prévoyance, crossed the finish line first in La Rochelle after64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds of sailing. 

LES SABLES D’OLONNE, FRANCE – JANUARY 14, 2025 : MACIF Santé Prévoyance skipper Charlie Dalin (FRA) is photographed winning the Vendee Globe, on January 14, 2025 in Les Sables d’Olonne, France – (Photo by Vincent Curutchet / Alea)

This is no ordinary time: it is a new record in this gruelling race and improves by 9 days, 8 hours, 12 minutes and 57 seconds the one set by Armel Le Cléac’h in 2016. No mean feat, in fact something truly extraordinary. But it didn’t end there. Although orphaned by events such as the America’s Cup and the Olympics, this year’s regatta calendar promises to be packed. In addition to the great classics such as the Giraglia, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, and the Tre Golfi Sailing Week, there is a welcome return: the Admiral’s Cup. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club it will be contested from 17 July to 1 August. ‘Bringing back the Admiral’s Cup is a wonderful way to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club,’ commented RORC Commodore James Neville. ‘The format chosen for the Admiral’s Cup 2025 respects the tradition of the regatta, as does the choice of IRC Classes for boats racing offshore at the highest international level.’ Among the races that will compete to determine the winner of the new Admiral’s Cup is the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race. 

The beauty of rookies

Remaining on the theme of top sailing competitions to be recorded is the arrival of the Red Bull Italy SailGP, the first Italian team in the SailGP circuit. Leading the crew is an old acquaintance by the name of James Spithill, an Australian sailor with several America’s Cup campaigns to his credit. 

Ruggero Tita, driver of Red Bull Italy SailGP Team and Giulia Fava, strategist of Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in action during a practice session ahead of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, UAE. Friday 22 November 2024. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

At the helm of the F50 are double Olympic gold medallist Ruggero Tita, two-time bronze medallist and recent America’s Cup women’s winner Giulia Fava in the role of strategist, while Italian national champion Andrea Tesei will take on the complex position of flight controller. 

The new Italian team also boasts the presence of experienced SailGP sailors, including three-time SailGP champion Kyle Langford, who surprisingly left the Australian team to join the Italian crew, Alex Sinclair, and grinders Matteo Celon and Enrico Voltolini, both of whom have extensive experience in top-level competitions and the America’s Cup. Coaching the team is veteran Philippe Presti, winner of the SailGP championship. The first taste is promising. 

After a somewhat muted start culminating with an 11th place in the first race of the new season held in Dubai at the end of November, Red Bull Italy SailGP climbed the rankings in the New Zealand leg of the circuit, finishing in 6th place, thus demonstrating what it is made of. Confirmation is now awaited in the third leg to be held in early February in Australia, or in James Spithill’s home waters. The only regret the entry of an Italian crew coincides with the exit of a stage in Italy of SailGP. Taranto, in fact, has dropped out of the list of locations that will host the regattas. A real shame for the many fans who, from the grandstands, were ready to support Red Bull Italy.

Red Bull Italy SailGP Team helmed by Ruggero Tita in action during practice ahead of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, UAE. Friday 22 November 2024. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

A worldwide shock

From one debut to the next. From the foils of the F50 to those that make the RaceBirds fly, the electric single-seaters protagonists of theUIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF. The news that has delighted the many supporters is the arrival on the scene of LeBron James. ‘As a lifelong fan of sports and racing, the opportunity to own an E1 team that represents such a high level of innovation in the sport is incredibly exciting, E1 is a new type of global competition that is revolutionising motorsport and I am proud to be at the forefront of its expansion into season two.’ The number 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers, now in his 40s among the longest-tenured NBA players, has started the Team AlUla team that will be able to count on the qualities of drivers of the calibre of Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings. In the first round held in Jeddah, the new team placed 9th.

King James ‘entry into the UIM E1 World Championship arena lengthens the list of sports stars who have enthusiastically embraced the initiative promoted by Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso. In addition to the American basketball player, the Hall of Fame includes the names of former football champion Didier Drogba, tennis player Rafa Nadal, Formula One driver Sergio Perez, seven-time SuperBowl winner and American football champion Tom Brady, and cricket star Virat Kohli. Not to mention actor Will Smith and Grammy-winning singer Marc Anthony, both of whom will once again be at the start of the 2025 season with their teams. For fans of the genre, an Italian stage should also be marked in the diary. It will take place in Como on 23 August. 

Matteo Zaccagnino

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