Marine and Luxury Yachting News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2026

Sea-Doo Pays Tribute to Ayrton Senna With a 350HP RXP-X

Recognized as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, Ayrton Senna’s legacy lives on in the moments and memories of his life, both on and off the racetrack. Fast through the corners and on the straights, comfortable and confident in the rain, and competitive unlike any other, Senna remains one of the most monumental figures in all of motorsport. Taking one of the fastest names in sport onto open waters, Sea-Doo recently partnered with the Senna Brand to create a limited-edition RXP-X 350 that pays homage to the career of the Brazilian legend.Based on Sea-Doo’s fastest, most performance-focused personal watercraft, the RXP-X 350, the exclusive release is limited to only 1,991 units, celebrating the year of Senna’s third Formula 1 world title. Thoughtfully designed and visually authentic, the RXP-X’s livery matches the design of Senna’s original racing helmet inspired by the colors of the Brazilian flag. Along with Senna branding and logos on the traction mat, two inspirational quotes, “Seek your truth” and “Born to win,” are inscribed around the unit. With the release of the RXP-X Senna 350, Sea-Doo is debuting its fastest personal watercraft engine from factory, the Rotax 1630 ACE. The supercharged 1,630cc three-cylinder four-stroke engine delivers 350 horsepower and a 15% faster 0- 60 mph time compared to previous models. The new Sea-Doo RXP-X Senna 350 comes with a matching passenger seat, a numbered “1991” tribute plate, and a Senna-branded protective cover. Starting at $23,849 and now available for pre-order through authorized dealers worldwide, learn more by visiting the Sea-Doo website. Source: Sea-Doo

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 20, 2026

This Ultra-Rare Porsche Design Fearless 28 Yacht Just Surfaced on Facebook

While Porsche has always retained its roots on the racetrack and open road, it's easy to forget that Ferdinand Porsche also had a keen eye and passion for design in all forms, whether it be an agricultural tractor or a timeless chronograph. His vision and willingness to break through the molds fuel Porsche Design today, creating a lifestyle that extends far from the interior of its cars and into uncharted waters, quite literally. Recently, during a night of doomscrolling on Facebook looking for Marketplace deals, I stumbled across something that I’ve only heard and read about through the grapevine: a Porsche Design x Fearless 28 Yacht for sale.First debuted in 2007, Porsche Design teamed up with Fearless Yachts to build an offshore performance boat inspired by the iconic Porsche Carrera GT. Even more exclusive than its four-wheeled counterpart, the Porsche Fearless 28 was released as part of a series of 25 numbered builds. Even more surprising is the condition of this particular example, which has undergone a complete restoration and is now being offered for $425,000.Finished in Porsche Graphite Blue Metallic, the boat (#15 of 25) has been restored with an obvious attention to detail. The exterior stays true to the original Porsche Design aesthetic, while the cockpit has been retrimmed in Alcantara and Cool Touch marine upholstery for a cleaner, more modern look. Power comes from a Mercury Racing 600 SCI, a 600-horsepower engine that's believed to have been fitted to only four Fearless 28s. With just 180 original hours, it's one of the standout features of the boat, especially for anyone familiar with Mercury Racing's history. The sale also includes a custom trailer built specifically for this example and finished to match the hull.Performance boats with ties to the automotive world have always occupied an interesting niche, but the Porsche Design x Fearless partnership is one that rarely surfaces in the public eye. That's part of what makes this listing so noteworthy. With its documented restoration, rare drivetrain, and distinctive Porsche Design styling, this Fearless 28 has quickly caught the attention of enthusiasts and collectors as its listing continues to trend online. Source: Whiplash Motorsports Facebook

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 09, 2026

Damen Yachts Delivers The Amels 80 Project Zurich

Just as buyers can configure a supercar to their exact specifications, today's superyacht owners can customize nearly every detail of their vessel, creating floating homes that reflect their personal style as much as the homes they leave behind. That ability and attention to detail are what Damen Yachting prides itself on, with its flagship brands like Amels, rooted in Dutch craftsmanship and renowned in the yachting world for its award-winning Limited Edition series. Damen Yachting recently added yet another spectacular build to its portfolio with the delivery and departure of the Amels 80 Project Zurich. Now cruising the open ocean on its way to the UK before venturing onto the Baltic Sea and the Norwegian fjords, Project Zurich is the third yacht constructed as part of the successful Amels 80 series. While the exterior comes from renowned yacht designer Espen Øino, the interior has been kept under wraps, having been developed with a confidential design studio around the owner's personal vision. On deck, the yacht accommodates 14 guests with a crew of 20 plus the captain.Project Zurich also shows why Amels’ Limited Editions have become so popular with today's buyers. Instead of starting entirely from scratch, owners can build on a proven platform while still making the yacht feel uniquely their own. At nearly 262 feet long and more than 2,100 gross tons, Project Zurich is capable of reaching 16.5 knots while offering the space and amenities expected from a modern superyacht. As personalization continues to shape the luxury yachting industry, deliveries like this support the growing demand for yachts that bring individuality to the open sea. Source: Damen Yachting

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 18, 2026

Sanlorenzo’s New SL80A Is an 80-Foot Yacht With a Superyacht Feel

Every year, superyachts seem to get bigger, which sounds like no issue at all, but with marina rules and regulations pertaining to size and dock slip space, many of the world’s largest vessels often have a small list of destinations that can accommodate them. The team at Sanlorenzo first decided to embrace a more manageable size without sacrificing the luxury, design, or feeling of being on a much larger yacht with the launch of its SL series in 1995, which has since grown to six models. It's the same approach the Italian shipyard took with the all-new SL80A, an 80-foot luxury yacht that adopts many of the features and ideas found in its larger models. GALLERY-EMBED The secret to any SL series yacht is Sanlorenzo's signature asymmetric design, a concept that is actually pretty simple. By reducing the side walkway on one side of the yacht, engineers are able to offer more room to the interior. The result is a main cabin that’s noticeably larger than what anyone would expect on an 80-foot yacht, with more natural light and better views of the water. According to Sanlorenzo, the shift in design creates up to 20% more usable living space compared to a traditional layout, giving the SL80A the feel of a much larger yacht without increasing its space at the dock slip. GALLERY-EMBED That extra space benefits the entire onboard experience, with four guest cabins, including a full-beam owner's suite, along with several other areas designed for relaxing and entertaining. Large windows all around keep the interior bright and connected to the water, while outdoor spaces at the bow, stern, and flybridge give owners and guests plenty of options for soaking up the sun or enjoying dinner with a view. Because the yacht measures under 80 feet, it also offers a bit more flexibility when it comes to travel and accommodations, a major advantage for owners when planning trips and exploring waters around the world. GALLERY-EMBED Like every Sanlorenzo, the SL80A puts a priority on craftsmanship and comfort. The interior features warm wood finishes, modern styling, and thoughtful details that make the yacht more like a luxury waterfront home than a standard boat. But, in addition to the materials and finishes, what makes the SL80A stand in its own lane is how well it uses every inch of space. Instead of chasing size for the sake of size, Sanlorenzo focused on creating a yacht that’s open, comfortable, and easy to live with. For anyone shopping the luxury yacht market, the SL80A proves that bigger isn't always better, but sometimes smarter is. Source: Sanlorenzo Yachts

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 11, 2026

$11.5M Benetti Classic Supreme 132 “Patience” Superyacht Hits The Market

Life on the open ocean poses a whole new outlook on luxury living, where privacy and comfort come accompanied by sun-soaked days on the deck and the relaxing sounds of crashing waves. It’s the reason why the marine industry continues to soar in popularity among owners and enthusiasts, leaving shipyards with the task of constantly evolving, engineering, and designing homes away from home with five-star amenities. Offering the opportunity to skip the wait and dive right into ownership, the team at Ikonic Yachts is proud to present the only Benetti Classic Supreme 132 with six staterooms as part of its extensive inventory of luxury yachts and superyachts. GALLERY-EMBED First launched in 2012 by the Italian shipyard, the Classic Supreme Series is the result of a design collaboration between exterior designer Stefano Righini and interior designer François Zuretti. Only 13 hulls were ever produced and delivered globally. This specific vessel, named PATIENCE, is recognized as the finest example on the market today, with a recently completed interior redesign, done by Knowles in 2024. At an impressive 132 feet in length, powered by twin 1,500-horsepower in-board MTU 12V 2000 M91 engines, Benetti’s Patience is equipped to handle a transatlantic range of 3,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. GALLERY-EMBED And while its specs are just as impressive as its styling, the Classic Supreme Series is best known for its spacious interior layout, capable of cruising comfortably with 12 guests aboard. Onboard amenities are better described as five-star offerings with an on-deck experience centered around two jacuzzis, one on the top level and one on the second level of the bow. Along with ample sundeck space for sunbathing, the interior living space provides plenty of room to rest and relax, styled using rich wood and soft tones to make guests feel right at home. And for dinners on the water, a twelve-person dining area delivers breathtaking water views from the deck’s second level. GALLERY-EMBED This is also the only one of the 13 hulls produced to feature a layout with six ensuite staterooms. Run with a crew of seven, it offers a simple, turn-key operation for private use or full charters. Twin Naiad zero-speed stabilizers, a Naiad bow thruster, dual Idromar watermakers, full Starlink, and the Benetti BEST monitoring suite (entirely upgraded) round out the systems package. If you're looking for a truly impressive superyacht ready to set sail, this Benetti Classic Supreme 132 is now available through Ikonic Yachts for $11,500,000. GALLERY-EMBED

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 08, 2026

Charles Leclerc Took Delivery of a New 102' Riva Superyacht

For most people, relaxing after work might mean heading home and putting their phone on silent. For Charles Leclerc, downtime usually looks a little different. After spending nearly every weekend chasing podiums around Formula 1 circuits across the globe, the Scuderia Ferrari driver has become just as recognizable for his love of life on the water as he is for his skills on track. Growing up in Monaco surrounded by yachts and the Mediterranean coastline, Leclerc has long gravitated toward boating as a way to disconnect from the nonstop pace of racing. That passion already led him to ownership of a Riva 82' Diva, but now it’s evolving even further with the delivery of a brand-new Riva 102' Corsaro Super. Built at Riva Yachts’ La Spezia shipyard in Italy, Leclerc’s new yacht also marks an important milestone for the shipyard as the 20th build of the 102’ Corsaro Super series. Measuring just over 100 feet long, the yacht combines performance with the styling Riva has become famous for over the decades. Panoramic glass sections connect the interior to the surrounding water, while the overall design maintains the sporty profile you’d expect from someone like Charles Leclerc. He reportedly played a major role in customizing the build, selecting furnishings and materials that are more contemporary than what you’d see on a traditional yacht. The exterior features furniture from Minotti, while the beach club area includes an inflatable swim platform and setup for water toys. Inside, the yacht carries the same modern look and feel with custom Poliform furniture, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, Calacatta marble finishes, and Frette linens throughout the guest accommodations. Performance is just as impressive thanks to twin MTU 16-cylinder engines producing more than 2,600 horsepower each, giving the yacht the ability to cruise comfortably at 24 knots and reach a top speed of 28 knots. For Charles Leclerc, whose career revolves around speed, the new Riva will fit in perfectly with the lifestyle he’s built both on and off the racetrack. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riva Yacht Official (@rivayacht)

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 05, 2026

BRABUS Marine's Shadow 38 Brings 1,000HP to the Open Water

Historically, BRABUS has always had a strong pulse on all things automotive, acting as an industry leader with a long lineage of elevating Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models to the next level with bespoke upgrades and styling. The German aftermarket specialist’s expertise in craftsmanship, design, and performance continues to be the driving force behind an expanding portfolio, adding its signature touch to other automotive marques, motorcycles, and even luxury boats. BRABUS Marine, launched in 2017 as part of a partnership with Finnish boat builder Axopar, brings that luxury, performance-focused vision to the open waters with a fleet of "Shadow" superboats. BRABUS Marine is proud to announce the new Shadow 38 lineup as its next generation, built on the familiar Axopar 37, which already has a reputation as one of the most versatile and best-selling boats in the United States. Here, though, things look a little stealthier and feel a little more dialed in. The layout is cleaner, the transitions between spaces are convenient and make more sense, and the whole thing has a slightly more aggressive edge. Marine enthusiasts will notice it in small details, like how seamlessly you move around the deck and how the helm is more like a driver’s seat.The Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin is probably the one you’d live with day-to-day, offering 850 horsepower through twin Mercury V10s and a ride that’s smooth and built for distance. It’s the Gran Turismo of the lineup, fast but also relaxed, capable of stretching a few hours on the water into a full-blown boat day. The Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin, on the other hand, is pure performance. Twin Mercury Racing 500R V8s push cruising speeds close to 60 knots (69 mph), delivering immediate acceleration and a sound signature that mirrors the exhaust note of a Mercedes-AMG. It’s a little sharper, a lot louder, and aimed at owners who want a luxury boat crossbred with a BRABUS supercar.The Shadow 38 focuses heavily on modular configurability, allowing buyers to tailor layouts, materials, and onboard experiences, like spec'ing a BRABUS Rocket 900 rather than buying a boat off the showroom floor. Entertaining spaces flow into performance-focused areas, and everything onboard seems designed for everyday use, favoring usability as much as aesthetics. The official world premiere of the BRABUS Shadow 38 lineup will take place at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 8th to 13th, 2026, and will also be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 23rd to 26th, 2026. Source: BRABUS Marine

By Sponsored Article – January 31, 2026

Protecting a 2015 Nautique G23

When it comes to high-end marine protection in the Northeast, WrapKingz by Mohawk has established itself as a premier destination. As a certified XPEL Marine installer, their team understands that the harsh conditions of the Atlantic and regional lakes require more than just a standard wax—they require a multi-layered shield. The Project: 2015 Nautique G23 A recent standout project involved a 2015 Nautique G23, a flagship wakeboard boat known for its aggressive styling and high-performance hull. To ensure this vessel maintains its showroom shine and structural integrity, WrapKingz applied a comprehensive protection package: Impact Zones: The team applied XPEL Marine Paint Protection Film (PPF) to the critical high-wear areas, including the hull sides, transom, and the white bow section. Full Coverage: They extended the protection to cover all of the black and green surfaces below the water line and above the rub rails on the gunnels. This is vital for preventing "dock rash" and scratches from fenders or gear. The Finishing Touch: To seal the deal, Marine V2 Ceramic Coating was applied over the top. This adds an incredible depth of gloss and a hydrophobic layer that repels water, salt, and grime. <- Gallery -> Northeast Seasonal Care: Winterization & Spring Prep Operating in the Northeast means dealing with extreme temperature swings and long periods of storage. WrapKingz leverages their position within the Mohawk network to offer more than just aesthetics; they provide a complete seasonal lifecycle for your boat. Winterization: Before the ice sets in, the team helps owners prepare for storage. This includes deep-cleaning the protected surfaces to ensure no salt or organic matter is trapped under a winter cover or shrink-wrap. Their XPEL coatings and films specifically resist the "chalking" and oxidation that often occurs during the damp winter months. Spring Launch: When the thaw begins, WrapKingz assists in pulling boats out of hibernation. Because of the Marine V2 coating, spring prep becomes a breeze—often requiring just a simple rinse to remove dust rather than hours of heavy buffing. Whether you are looking to shield a brand-new vessel or revitalize a classic like this G23, WrapKingz provides the specialized care needed to keep your investment "King of the Water" all year long. Visit Xpel.com

BRABUS Shadow 1500 XC Cross Cabin Phantom Grey Signature Edition

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 30, 2025

BRABUS Marine Debuts Its Next Generation of SuperBoats at...

Fort Lauderdale is the place to be this weekend to see the biggest and baddest BRABUS boats. For the fourth year running, Axopar Boats and BRABUS Marine are back at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, better known as FLIBS, to show off what they've been working on. It's the world's biggest in-water boat show, and if you've ever walked the docks, you know it's where buyers come to find their next ocean voyager. This year, both brands have arrived with a fresh lineup, smarter tech, and a few surprises that perfectly capture what makes them leaders in the luxury boating world. The biggest head-turner this year is the BRABUS Shadow 1500 XC Cross Cabin Phantom Grey, making its world debut right here in Florida. After its first public outing in Cannes, the 45-foot beast now hits U.S. waters with 1,500 horsepower courtesy of three Mercury Racing V8s. Every detail, from the carbon accents to the "Ice" upholstery, feels tailored for those in search of the same kind of precision and performance found in the BRABUS' supercars and superSUVs. Axopar's approach this year leans into more intelligent boating, thanks to the new Axopar Connect app and its redesigned user interface. It's a digital ecosystem that combines real-time data, safety alerts, and trip information into one clean, intuitive layout. Integrated with Simrad's multifunction displays, the new UI feels like the future of boating, with less fuss, more insight, and a genuinely enjoyable way to stay connected to your boat. Visitors at FLIBS can actually try it out on-site, and it's easy to imagine this kind of tech becoming standard across the industry in a few years. Meanwhile, the BRABUS Performance Line is expanding across the entire Axopar range, which means even the smaller 22, 25, and 29 models can now sport that distinctive BRABUS styling. There's real performance tuning behind it, but the aesthetic touches are hard to miss, with blacked-out details, red stitching, and that unmistakable BRABUS steering wheel. It's the upgrade that speaks to people who want more personality in their boat, something that's as exciting to drive as it looks docked in the marina. And then there's the Axopar 37 Iconic Edition, a nod to the brand's best-selling U.S. model and one that's earned its place as a true modern classic. The new edition doesn't reinvent the wheel but refines it with new colors like Icon Grey and Glacier Blue, free package upgrades, and fresh upholstery options. For a boat that's already topped its segment in U.S. sales, it's a well-deserved celebration of everything that's made it so popular. Together, Axopar and BRABUS Marine are proving once again that performance boating doesn't have to be predictable. Whether it's a 1,500-horsepower powerhouse or a smarter, more connected helm, both brands are steering the conversation toward what's next. All BRABUS Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Axopar Boats (@axopar) Source: BRABUS Marine

A large, modern power catamaran from IKONIK Yachts with a camouflage-patterned hull is anchored in calm water, carrying a smaller boat on its deck—an impressive vessel aptly named THE BEAST.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 28, 2025

IKONIC Yachts Debuts 'THE BEAST' As Its New $14.5M 39.2-M...

THE BEAST is built for all adventures, and its for sale! Some yachts are meant to be admired from afar, the kind you picture idling beside a multi-million dollar waterfront home with polished chrome catching the sun. IKONIC Yacht's THE BEAST is everything but a dock queen. It's the kind of yacht that looks like it has stories, almost as though it's already chased a few storms and come out laughing on the other side. Built in New Zealand in 2019 and now listed through IKONIC Yachts, this 39.2-meter expedition catamaran bridges the gap between an ultra-luxury, 5-star yacht and a purpose-built expedition vessel for those with an adventurous, on-the-go lifestyle. The whole idea for THE BEAST came from Sir Michael Hill, a jeweler by trade but an adventurer at heart, who wanted a yacht with real capability, something that didn't shy away from remote coastlines or proper fishing. He worked with LOMOcean Design and Profab Central Engineering to design and engineer a boat that could carry its own serious tender (Baby Beast), stay under 500 gross tons, and still feel like a comfortable home out on the open water. Its build story feels almost like an indie film, the aluminum hull constructed inland at Palmerston North, then hauled through rural New Zealand to finally meet the ocean before heading off to explore the Pacific. There's a rugged confidence in the way THE BEAST looks and feels, the wide 12-meter stance, functional cranes, and the grey camouflage paint that blends into cliffy coastlines rather than shouting for attention at a Monaco marina. It's built to cross oceans (and has), powered by twin Caterpillar diesels and enough range to reach far-flung places most luxury yachts never even consider. Not in a "look how powerful I am" way, but more like a seasoned guide who quietly knows the way. Inside, it shifts gears to an ultra-luxury setting. The interior feels warm and lived-in with soft greys, oak finishes, and big windows that make the ocean part of the décor. There's room for 12 guests across five cabins, including a main-deck owner's suite that offers a secluded and relaxing space. Add in an easygoing outdoor setup with a teppanyaki grill and spaces designed around wandering conversation, and you understand it's a boat for salt-in-your-hair days and late-night parties. In a world where superyachts often feel like static status symbols, THE BEAST stands out because it has already done the thing so many owners daydream about: it actually went. It explored New Zealand's wild corners. It visited Fiji, Tonga, and Tahiti. And in 2020, the World Superyacht Awards recognized that spirit with respect for a vessel that knows what it's meant for. THE BEAST is now for sale at $14,500,000. What matters more is the next chapter, where it will roam, what fish will be caught off the transom, and who will wake up on the aft deck and realize they're exactly where they're meant to be. Source: IKONIC Yachts

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