While many companies have been hit drastically during the recession, shipbuilding is lucky to currently be experiencing a boom. The West Palm Beach repair yard, Rybovich, increased capacity about 50 percent this past year in order to better service the influx of megayachts that resulted from the recent shipbuilding boom. Owners of luxury yachts have poured countless of dollars to ensure the upkeep of their beauties, a trend that will continue as these individuals strive to protect and maintain their investments. As noted in the 2006 Marine Industries Association Study, the marine industry contributed $13.6 billion to South Florida’s economy every year, amounting to jobs for 100 to 250 employees at businesses such as Dania Cut. The decline of the dollar has attracted many Europeans to South Florida shipyards as the exchange rate has made it more economical to service their monstrosities in the United States than at home. Many of these individuals who escape to the Mediterranean during the summer months have to cruise past South Florida on their way to the Caribbean, a reason for the increase in business. Despite the fact many shipbuilders are functioning at capacity since it can easily take over a year to build a luxury yacht, causing the industry to run on a delayed timetable, new orders have declined because of the shaky economy. Redecorating, a trend that had previously been the standard and a major source of income for shipbuilders, has recently seen a downturn as well. Individuals are no longer spending the money to refurbish the interiors of their boats simply because they are tired of the current decorations. While more thought is going in to the dollars spent, shipbuilding is still making a profit.

Via Miami Herald

The summer season has been chock full of competition among the international elite to win the superyacht superlative for the world’s largest luxury yacht. Earlier this year, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich beat out Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s with his 557-foot ship, the Eclipse. The Emir of Dubai gave up first place in the race for superyacht status due to his vessel, the Dubai, measuring in at only 531 feet.

But first place in the race for the world’s largest yacht may not belong to Abromavich for long, as a 656-foot ship called Everest, is set to launch a whole new category in the sizing of ships. Introducing the gigayacht. Naval architect Donald Starkey designed Everest, and the ship is reportedly under construction right now in the yachting capital of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Measuring longer than two football fields, with five different decks, the luxury yacht features a helipad, submarine, well-being center, indoor cinema, dive center, and beach club, along with 17 guest apartments and an owner’s penthouse, with a price tag of approximately $500 million.

Via Luxist

For anyone who has ever dreamed of living a lifestyle of the rich and famous like Rupert Murdoch, a new opportunity to do so has materialized. For a mere $310,000 per week, luxury sailing enthusiasts can take to the open seas in the same fashion as the media mogul. His 183-foot sailboat is available for weekly rentals and can accommodate up to nine of your nearest and dearest friends who will be waited on by a nine-person staff. The three-year-old luxury yacht, Rosehearty, features five suites, a gym, and a full beam owner’s suite with king bed and sitting area. Entertainment options found on board include six sets of full dive gear and nine plasma televisions, along with wakeboards, skis, and wireless internet technology.

Christian Liaigre is the French designer whose fingerprints can be found all over the ship, while Perini Navi was the naval architect, supported by Ron Holland who designed the hull lines.

Celebrities and dignitaries rumored to have been past guests of Murdoch aboard Rosehearty include Mel Gibson, who was spotted sailing around Alaska and British Columbia, as well as David Cameron and Billy Joel.

Via The Guardian

Speed is the theme for this summer’s aqua toys. We reported earlier about the ICAP Leopard sailing yacht breaking the transatlantic speed record, and now, with 41 Super Leggera, captains can zoom up to 100 m.p.h. across the oceans blue. The 41-foot powerboat from Outerlimits Powerboats in Rhode Island, has been compared to a Lamborghini of the sea, complete with a $650,000 price tag. Design features that enhance the aerodynamics of the speedy ship are the carbon fiber deck and epoxy e-glass hull. But just because the sketches were based on a world championship race boat doesn’t mean that luxury comforts were forgotten. Stitched leather and suede adorn the cockpit dash, while a GPS chart plotter, full cabin with shower, and side-by-side stand-up convertible bolsters are also featured on board.

Via Luxist

And you thought it was going to be a slow and boring summer. Thanks to the naval architects at Farr Yacht Design, who constructed the ICAP Leopard racing yacht, speed enthusiasts were privy to the ultimate thrill with the news that the transatlantic speed record was broken earlier this month. The original record, set by the 246-foot superyacht Phocea, sailed from New York to Cornwall, UK, in eight days, three hours, and 29 minutes. But that time was nothing for the monohull Leopard, which swiftly sailed the course in seven days, 19 hours, and 21 minutes. The ICAP Leopard has been called one of the most stlylish and technologically advanced yachts, with interiors from Ken Freivokh. The fastest sailing superyacht is available for charters for up to 20 guests for approximately $17,000 per day.

Via Luxist

When Dorothy clicked her heels three times and said there’s no place like home, she probably envisioned the Pearl 60. This beauty takes your breath away as twin 775hp Volvo engines swiftly glide its sleek body on the water. The vessel has all of the desired swanky perks including a sunroof system, Garmin touch screen navigation, and Wesgarde touch screen monitor and control system. The only thing it needs is a sexy car parked next to it, something Pearl Motor Yachts has recognized. With every new purchase of the Pearl 60 before September 20 comes the key to every yachters dream: a free Bentley GT.

After choosing between 8 or 10 berths, allowing complete control over the layout, you can play interior designer and decide which of the various internal finishes, contrasting leathers and plethora of wall and ceiling linings will adorn your baby. The exterior hydraulic bathing platforms located on the top deck provide the perfect place for guests to enjoy basking in the sun. And if it starts to get too hot, head downstairs and mix up the perfect cocktails at the posh bar. After eating dinner and watching the sunset, venture inside and relax on one of the corner sofas, designed to maximize space, and play a movie on one of the plasma TV’s. When it comes time for bed, privacy is assured with two principle cabins at different ends of the vessel. Chances are even Dorothy could not picture this.

Via Luxist

Straight out of a superhero movie, this beast on the water looks like it has some Flash-like speed.  And those batman wing windows are the epitome of posh. Just imagine if the sundeck retracted, convertible style–that would be a sight to drool over.  Although it would negate the use of the sun deck’s steering console, sun pads, c-sofa, table and icebox.  Much needed accessories for any luxury yacht.
Just unveiled in Milan, the brand new Pershing 108 super sports yacht created by founder Tilli Antonelli and Ital Projects’ Fulvio De Simoni boasts the shipyard’s first ever split engines. Eco-friendly and not lacking power, the three 1815kw MTU diesel engines allow for a top speed of 41 knots. This revolutionary technology provides alternative navigational preferences. Opt to use one engine for unparalleled range of 1,070nm at 11 knots, or two engines for a balance between speed and distance.

Enjoy the exterior layout with plenty of room for sun and shade. The bow features a private area with sofa, table and retractable bimini top while the aft is perfect for a social, outfitted with a bar, table for 10, duel sofas, and large sun pad.  Venture inside and notice the distinct Canaletto Walnut furniture and Poltrona Frau leather.  The combination balances the main deck’s open lighting from its multitude of windows.  Follow the same design elements to the lower deck, which is comprised of a full beam master bedroom, two guest cabins, and for the special guest on board, a VIP room in the bow.  The layout is fully customizable per individual preference and the option for a fifth cabin is available. Crew accommodations are located in the stern.  Plenty of room for tenders and water toys with a swim platform to boast this 108-foot vessel is cutting waves in the world of yacht design.

Via Luxury Launches

Being dictator is not all it’s cracked up to be when a man is not able to buy a decent pair of luxury yachts. All that money from the country’s fear-stricken citizens, and North Korea’s Kim Jong II can’t even enjoy the open sea air aboard his vessel of choice. And he probably could have used that oceanic retreat since he’s reportedly suffering from  pancreatic cancer. The Italian megayachts were impounded by Italian police in Viareggio according to Italy’s Libero-News. Worth an estimated 13 million Euros, the yachts were on their way to China when a sting operation known as Operation Flybridge confiscated the vessels under the international trade embargo. Kim should know better than to try a stunt like that. Breaking the rules must run in the family, as his son was arrested in 2001 for traveling on a forged passport. Red flags were raised when an Aussie businessman paid cash for the construction of the yachts, and then transferred the titles to a Chinese company. Bank accounts were traced back to Kim. The boats will be put up for auction and the money that has already been paid is currently frozen. That would be a fun new purchase and a great conversation starter for guests. Guess who recently tried to buy this floating beauty?

Via Luxury Insider

The 165-foot superyacht is like a bullet in water. Streamlined and quick with a top speed of 33 knots, and an interior nicer than many million dollar homes, one need not set foot on land for weeks, months even. The Overmarine Mangusta 165 is the largest open yacht in the world, and is conveniently for sale at bargain price of $40 million.

The forward sundeck features apt room for guests wanting a tan as well as a dining area for a sunset meal. The lavish interior is the star of the craft with five guest staterooms, and additional rooms for the cabin crew. The neutral colors and posh wood furnishings make way for an opulent core boasting back-to-back flat screen TVs that pop out for viewing in the dining room and salon. The on deck garage houses all the toys and tenders of choice with a push of a button. Enjoy safety and luxury aboard this ultra swanky yacht powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M93 engines and a comfy cockpit manned by three qualified captains of choice.

Via Luxist

One can marvel at the two-toned white and beige luxury megayacht for hours before getting a glimpse of what the ship actually has to offer. Sleek and sexy from a nose front view, the behind captures the elegant and elongated duel staircases cascading from the bridge, Manolo heel friendly. Italian owned International Shipyard Ancona (ISA) has released the new 48-meter Alexandar V.
The three level craft boasts rear sun decks from each level connecting to the top deck, which offers a luxury dining experience towards the bow, and a pool, Jacuzzi, and beach party atmosphere approaching the rear. Don’t let the sun stun your eyes as guests are dazzled by the interior. French doors open way to shades of brown, white, and ebony creating an elegant and modern style.  The main deck is home to the living and dining area, as well as the master suite and private bath equipped with his and hers sinks and a private Jacuzzi adorned in marble and teak. The lower deck houses four guest cabins and the crew quarters keeping the panache of above in maple, teak, onyx, and leather in shades of brown, black and white.  The three spacious levels, inside and out, offer plenty of space for privacy and versatility while on board.

With plenty of room for toys, the ship carries three wave runners, two tenders, dive gear to accommodate eight, two kayaks, two windsurfs, water skis, snorkeling gear, audio visual entertainment and an elliptical trainer. Twin MTU M71 engines allow for a cruising speed of 14 knots and a respectable range while at sea.

Via Luxury Insider