Luxury, Litigation & Launches: What’s Making Headlines in Yachting

The Global Pulse of Yachting

Across marinas, courtrooms, and shipyards, Yachting captures a powerful snapshot of an industry defined by elegance, evolution, and accountability. From billionaires in litigation to shipyards redefining craftsmanship, the superyacht world continues to evolve with purpose and precision.

The WhatsApp Billionaire vs. the Designer to the Stars

A legal storm has emerged around Jan Koum, the Ukrainian-American billionaire best known as co-founder of WhatsApp. Koum has filed suit against celebrated French designer Rémi Tessier, alleging inflated design fees and undisclosed commissions across several luxury projects — including multiple yachts and private estates valued at more than $200 million.

“Transparency and disclosure are the twin keels of trust in luxury design — and when either fails, the ripples reach across the entire superyacht world.”

Among the claims: a $600,000 undisclosed commission on a $7 million Picasso purchase. While the case unfolds, it raises a broader question for the global yachting community — how do ethics evolve when wealth, artistry, and confidentiality collide?

Monaco Yacht Show: Prestige Meets Price Pressure

Under Mediterranean sun and €750 entry tickets, the Monaco Yacht Show balanced spectacle with scrutiny. Exclusive dock access, limited credentials, and record-high costs have left some questioning whether exclusivity has edged into exclusion.

Even so, conversations on the docks reflected both optimism and restraint — strong relationships, selective buyers, and renewed attention on long-term value rather than volume.

“At what point does exclusivity become exclusion?”

Shipyards Building Beyond Limits

In the Netherlands, Royal Huisman confirmed its largest yacht to date — the 70-metre YN 258, continuing the yard’s heritage of meticulous, handcrafted design.

Meanwhile, Italy’s ISA Yachts, part of the Palumbo Group, unveiled its first-ever 100-metre superyacht — a steel-and-aluminium flagship dubbed the grand coup of the sea. With a 31-person crew and nearly 3,000 GT of volume, it represents a bold leap in scale and ambition.

“Each new build is more than a milestone; it’s a statement of intent — proof that European yards still lead by innovation, not imitation.”

Lürssen’s Amadea: A Legal Odyssey

Once seized under international sanctions, the 106-metre Amadea has re-emerged following an undisclosed auction in San Diego. Though now registered under a Cayman flag, the yacht may still face seizure risks in certain jurisdictions as ownership challenges continue.

“Even after the hammer falls, the legal wake can stretch across oceans.”

A Revival from Another Era

In Seattle, Delta Marine is restoring Acaia, a 38-metre riveted-steel yacht built in 1929. Pulled from near ruin, she’s being refitted with modern systems while retaining her historic lines — a fusion of past and present that celebrates the enduring art of yachting.

Leadership on the Move

Corporate currents remain strong. MarineMax appointed Joshua Levin as Regional President for Southeast Florida, while Chuck Cashman advanced to Senior Vice President of Global Yacht Sales.

At the same time, HMY Yacht Sales expanded its portfolio as Florida dealer for MJM Yachts, reinforcing domestic strength in the high-performance dayboat market.

“Leadership defines the tide — and right now, the current is moving fast.”

Safety in Focus

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a critical safety alert after multiple Sea-Doo Switch capsizings, citing improper loading and lack of life-jacket use as leading causes of fatalities. It’s a reminder that technology must always be paired with awareness.

In parallel, Garmin unveiled its MOB (Man Overboard) system — a wearable network that links directly to onboard navigation, triggering alarms, cutting engines, and marking precise GPS coordinates within seconds.

“Innovation saves lives — but awareness remains the strongest life vest onboard.”

IBEX and METSTRADE: Innovation Accelerates

At IBEX, safety and sustainability dominated. Of 112 entries, 12 products earned innovation awards, spotlighting how technology is reshaping performance, refit, and crew protection.

Looking ahead, METSTRADE in Amsterdam continues to expand, bringing together more than 1,600 exhibitors across 12 halls — a showcase for the systems and materials that will define the next generation of yachting.

FLIBS: The Industry’s U.S. Anchor

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) remains one of the world’s most influential events, drawing professionals, buyers, and builders from every sector of the marine industry.

With upgraded marinas, new hospitality concepts such as Ocean Prime, and a continued emphasis on U.S. innovation, FLIBS stands as a testament to the economic and cultural power of yachting in America. Tickets are available online only at flibs.com — use code BoatBoss10 for 10% off general admission.

“From the docks of Monaco to the piers of Fort Lauderdale, the tide of innovation never stops rising.”

Final Word

The superyacht sector mirrors the wider world — where luxury, technology, and integrity constantly intersect. Whether in shipyards, boardrooms, or courtrooms, one truth holds steady:

Yachting isn’t just about boats — it’s about evolution.