Marine Blog
Marine Industry News
Brokerage, new builds, boat shows, sportfish and superyachts — read every morning and kept short.
The week in the trade press
October 18, 2026
42.5-meter Callisto returns to builder for service work
The 139-foot Callisto has arrived at her original builder's facilities in Aalsmeer for service. Brokers may track her availability and condition status during this maintenance period.
October 17, 2026
Sunseeker 134 series enters market with custom hull color options
The first Sunseeker 134 superyacht will feature a custom hull color called Extreme Black to distinguish the semi-custom model. Brokers should note that even within production series, owners can commission distinctive finishes to differentiate their vessels.
October 16, 2026
Heesen appoints new strategic advisor and signals 237-foot expansion
Captain Mike Rouse, an experienced yacht delivery master, has joined Heesen Yachts as strategic advisor to improve communication and coordination across the builder. This move suggests Heesen is preparing to expand its lineup, potentially offering larger.
Custom Line launches Saetta 128, a 130-foot planing superyacht
Custom Line has unveiled its first Saetta 128, featuring exterior design by SY Design and interiors by ACPV Architects with emphasis on outdoor entertaining spaces. The model represents the builder's expansion into the planing hull category for private.
Annapolis Sailboat Show opens with strong participation
The Annapolis Sailboat Show has opened with sailors attending from around the world. Industry participation indicates continued interest in the fall sailing season market.
AkzoNobel and Axalta merger creates Axanzo
The two coating companies are merging under the new name Axanzo. Brokers should note the change for paint and coating specifications on new-build and refit projects.
ABYC seeks proposals for surveying and service conference
The American Boat and Yacht Council is calling for proposals for its SUR/TECH conference on marine service and surveying technologies. Relevant for brokers engaged with survey and maintenance specialists.
Sea Ray adds Tennessee dealership in Knoxville
Tri-Star Power Sports & Marine in Knoxville has been added to Sea Ray's dealer network, offering new and pre-owned sales, service, and financing. This expansion extends Sea Ray's presence in the Tennessee market.
Freedom Boat Club opens Melbourne location in December
Freedom Boat Club is expanding to Melbourne, Australia, with operations expected to begin by December 1. The expansion extends the club's fractional ownership model to a new market.
NMMA launches Discover Boating DTX show in Dallas for 2027
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is debuting the Discover Boating DTX Boat Show in Dallas from March 18-21, 2027, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The new show expands NMMA's regional portfolio to reach North Texas boat buyers.
MarineShift360 opens applications for 2027 accelerator program
Marine Futures is accepting applications for a free ten-month program helping marine businesses reduce environmental impact. Relevant for brokers considering sustainability initiatives.
IYBA appoints Julian Gowing as digital services lead
The International Yacht Brokers Association has named Julian Gowing to lead its digital platforms including Yachtr, Yachtbroker.org and Boatdox.org. Brokers will gain enhanced access to technology tools designed to improve their digital capabilities.
Omnia Marine appointed exclusive Majesty and Nomad dealer in mainland China
Omnia Marine has secured exclusive dealership for Gulf Craft's Majesty and Nomad brands across mainland China with offices in seven major cities. The appointment expands distribution for these brands in a key Asian market.
Electric workboat Ravenna Futura launches with Castoldi waterjets
The 15-metre Ravenna Futura, a fully electric workboat, launched in Italy using twin Castoldi TD 284 EVT waterjets powered by lithium and lead batteries with integrated solar panels. The zero-emission vessel demonstrates evolving propulsion technology for.
Yotspot expands recruitment platform into shoreside marine roles
Superyacht recruitment platform Yotspot has broadened its offering to include shoreside positions for yacht management companies, brokerages, shipyards and refit facilities. The expansion leverages its community of over 180,000 members to fill technical and.
Boats Group appoints OpenAI executive Brandon McGraw to board
Boats Group, which operates Boat Trader, YachtWorld and boats.com, has appointed OpenAI's Brandon McGraw as a non-executive director. The appointment brings AI and consumer technology expertise to the online boat sales platform.
Catalano Shipping Services launches Mediterranean anchoring guidance tool
Catalano Shipping Services has launched Anchorage Intelligence, a digital tool to help yacht captains navigate Mediterranean anchoring regulations and identify suitable anchoring areas. The tool simplifies regulatory compliance for captains managing complex.
Concept yacht Project NEXO redefines crossover design focus
Concept yacht Project NEXO introduces a new interpretation of crossover design, emphasizing wellness and seamless owner experience across interior spaces rather than rugged aesthetics. The project reflects evolving superyacht design priorities toward.
October 15, 2026
Sirena 118 debuts at Cannes with Frers design and MAN propulsion
The Sirena 118 premiered at Cannes featuring naval architecture by Germán Frers and optional twin 3,800 hp MAN V-12 engines. The new model offers brokers a contemporary offering in the mid-sized superyacht segment.
Merritt 77 blends tradition with modern refinement
The Saranita, a 77-foot Merritt, demonstrates how the builder balances classic design with contemporary features. Brokers handling sportfish yachts should note the model's approach to preserving heritage while updating interiors and systems.
Curated by YachtPics · updated daily from the trade press