Maria Luisa Benetti, the last representative of the family that helped shape the Viareggio shipbuilding industry, died at the age of 87; she would have turned 88 on 12 October. Known for her vitality and resolve, she faced illness with steadfast courage and quiet dignity. Benetti was the daughter of Bertani Benetti, who founded the storied Benetti shipyards. During the 1970s and 1980s she served in the group’s leadership, strengthening an enduring bond with the Darsena of Viareggio, where she spent her life. Remembered for her modern outlook, kindness, and good humour, she was admired for her thoughtful counsel and her ability to bring people together. Her civic and charitable commitment was equally significant. In 1981 she was among the

READY FOR THE 2026 SEASON Rhodes Marina has announced that it is ready to welcome the 2026 season, positioning the marina for increased demand from mega- and superyachts in the Eastern Mediterranean. Located in Rhodes (Dodecanese, Greece) near the medieval town and adjacent to the island’s central port, the marina promotes its role as a convenient gateway to the Aegean and the wider East Mediterranean cruising grounds. Industry listings and marina profiles describe facilities designed to serve large yachts, including a berth capacity commonly cited at around 600 berths and the capability to accommodate superyachts up to approximately 120 metres in length. As part of its positioning for the 2026 season, Rhodes Marina highlights a service offering aimed at owners,

In the world of luxury yacht charters, availability seems to evaporate long before most travellers begin shortlisting vessels. To the uninitiated, it can feel as if the most desirable yachts simply vanish without warning. But within the charter industry, the pattern is neither new nor mysterious. Certain yachts consistently book out early because they blend qualities that are far rarer—and far more valuable—than many clients realize. The Invisible First Wave of Bookings Every season begins with a silent rush. Brokers start securing weeks on behalf of returning clients, long-term planners, and those who have already built relationships with particular crews. Statistical patterns from across the global market confirm the surge: for example, the 2025 winter charter season saw bookings running

The introduction of a Simplified authorisation system In recent years, Spain has undertaken a substantial reform of its yacht‑chartering regulatory framework, introducing a more efficient, modernised system intended to reduce bureaucracy and stimulate the charter market. This reform is primarily driven by Royal Decree 186/2023 and subsequent regulatory updates that collectively reshape how charter vessels obtain authorisation to operate in Spanish waters. These changes have been widely discussed and analysed across yachting‑industry publications and legal sources, underscoring their far‑reaching impact on owners, operators, and maritime professionals. Introduction of a Simplified Authorisation System As part of this reform, Royal Decree 186/2023, approved on 21 March 2023, introduced a modern framework establishing simplified procedures for maritime navigation and vessel clearance. The Decree

For years, the yacht industry has put boat shows at the centre of its sales strategy—but should we still be treating episodic, unpredictable events as the backbone of revenue generation? Are a few days of foot traffic, casual walk‑ups, and business card swaps really enough to build a dependable pipeline in 2026? And if that’s the case… is that truly a strategy, or just exposure disguised as certainty? If Consumer Behaviour Has Shifted, Why Hasn’t the Yacht Industry? Shouldn’t we be paying attention to what’s happening in the broader mobility sector, where buyers increasingly expect digital-first research, online purchase pathways, and connected brand experiences long before stepping into a dealership? Deloitte’s 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study highlights that consumers now