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 Edward Jones – July 14, 2021

$39.9 Million Superyacht Walkthrough: 180-Foot Heesen 'Ab...

Denison Yachting's most exciting walkthrough yet. Denison Yachting is back again with a walkthrough of the 180-foot Heesen superyacht named 'Abbracci.' This is a truly exciting walkthrough for Denison Yachting as it's one of the largest yachts they have filmed and it's undoubtedly one of the finest vessels on their channel. There is so much to discover onboard Abracci, including a massive beach club area that can store four jet skis, a spacious and lavish salon, and an enclosed gym/spa. In total, she can sleep six guests across the two double guest cabins, two twin guest cabins, and a VIP stateroom. There is also the owner's suite that is downright breathtaking. For a crew, there are six lower crew cabins and one captain's cabin off of the bridge. You can learn more by watching the video up above and viewing the listing by clicking here. If you'd like to view more yachts available through Denison Yachting, be sure to click the button below to view their inventory on duPontREGISTRY.com. View Listings Source: Denison Yachting

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2021

Walkthrough the $9.8 Million Sanlorenzo SL96 Yacht

The master stateroom has its own wine cooler! Looking to spend some time on the water? There's no better way to do it than on a luxury yacht like this Sanlorenzo SL96 yacht. With an asymmetric design, it allows her to have a few features that are incredibly practical. For instance, the main deck has a full walkaround on the starboard side that allows the interior to span all the way to the port. This is a rare instance where a yacht can provide easy access to the bow and also have a full-beam interior on the port side. She also offers a master stateroom with plenty of windows to let in the sunlight, a VIP stateroom, and two guest staterooms. Each of these staterooms comes with its own ensuite. You can learn all about this outstanding yacht by clicking play up above. If you'd like to see all of the Sanlorenzo yachts offered by Denison Yachting, be sure to click the button below. Visit DenisonYachtSales.com Source: Denison Yachting

By Edward Jones – June 17, 2021

All-Electric Magonis Wave e-550 is Quiet and Stylish

The first model from the Magonis shipyard. The new Magonis Wave e-550 is here and it's a truly stylish and technologically advanced. Magonis is an Italo-Spanish shipyard that has their headquarters based in Barcelona, while the production site can be found in Sabaudia, Italy. While these locations may be far apart, they have come together to create this magnificent boat. While electric boats are not getting as much attention as their automotive counterparts, they most definitely ought to. The joy of gliding across the water in pure silence is really unmatched. For the Wave e-550, its outboard electric power comes from either the Torqeedo Cruise 4 to 10 kW (about 20 hp) or the Mag Power 18.0 and 30.0 (18 and 30 kW respectively). The Mag Power 30.0 has about 40 horsepower and can guarantee a speed of around 22 knots, while the 18.0 is capable of 16 knots. Joining in on the electric power is the stylish and comfortable layout of the deck space. The bow area can be either a dinette or sunbed and the cockpit offers comfortable seating for up to six passengers. Pricing for the Magonis Wave e-550 starts at 33,485 Euro (~$39,900 USD) when equipped with the Torqeedo cruise 4.0 RL and can go up to 68,000 Euro (~$81,000) when equipped with the Mag Power 30.0. Source: Magonis

By Edward Jones – June 16, 2021

The Benetti Oasis Deck Brings Paradise to Superyachts

The ultimate aft area for superyachts. Superyachts have plenty of space for amenities, but sometimes the aft deck or "beach club" area is overlooked. With the new Oasis Deck from Benetti, this area of superyachts has never looked better. This new solution is based on a design request Benetti made back in 2017 for a 40M yacht. What they wanted was an area that was unobstructed by walls and ceiling, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the oceanic surroundings. It was RWD who created the vision they were looking for, allowing them to launch the Oasis 40M. Now, this design is being called the Oasis Deck and it's available for the Oasis 34m and B.Now 50M and 66M. What you really need to know about the Oasis Deck is its five definitive features. Here they are in Benetti's own words: Opening wings, extending the deck close to water but safe from the waves A magnificent pool integrated in a flush deck close to the sea and within the social area An unobstructed 270-degree view off the stern, even from the saloon A mixture of sun and shade to let guests enjoy the deck at every time of day Social design weaves the entire deck into a vast convivial OASIS, from the main saloon to the sea Source: Benetti

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2021

Yacht Sales See Major Increase in 2021

Florida is proving to be the most desirable destination for these yachts. Denison Yachting is celebrating a very exciting year as 2021 is proving to be a hot one for yachts. Coming off of 2020, one of their best years in terms of yacht sales, they are still seeing an increase. In total, Denison Yachting sold 83 superyachts in 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, Denison Yachting sold over 40 superyachts, beating out the sales figures of 2018, 2019 and 2020. Denison Yachting is expecting 2021 to be their best year in a decade. Denison Yachting “Our industry is still riding the great wave of 2020,” commented Bob Denison. “Our first quarter numbers set new records for us organizationally across all revenue categories.” Denison Yachting This increase in sales for Denison Yachting is being seen across North America, as an additional 2,810 boats have been sold in Q1 2021 when compared to 2020. Why is there such an increase? “The first quarter of 2021 has been strong due to continued demand from 2020,” said Bob Denison. “Yachting’s competitive industries, such as skiing and higher-end vacation experiences like cruises, are still being affected by extended lockdowns, which have created a special opportunity for our industry.” Denison Yachting In the United States, Florida is a hotbed for yacht and boat sales, making up 25-30% of all sales in the country. Denison Yachting notes that Florida actually had its best Q1 in over a decade, seeing an increase of 1,008 more boats sold when comparing Q1 2021 to Q1 2020. Florida may be seeing the increase thanks to the state's less restrictive lockdown measures. If you want to ride the wave alongside Denison Yachting, you can see all of the yachts currently for sale on their website by clicking the button below. Visit DenisonYachtSales.com Denison Yachting Image and News Source: Denison Yachting

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2021

The Best Superyacht Sundecks For Entertaining Guests

Presented by Denison Yacht Sales - What’s the best part of a yacht? The sundeck. This may be our (popular) opinion but let’s be real — sipping cocktails in a Jacuzzi on top of a yacht with 360-degree ocean views is the good life. Enjoy These Spacious Sundecks Onboard Yachts For Sale Or Charter. Not that we need to convince you, but the sundeck offers the best ocean views, luxury amenities, and comfortable space for entertaining guests. For some owners, the flybridge sundeck is the perfect spot to host private parties, for others, it’s a convenient place to add a treadmill or store jet skis. Whether it’s fitted with a wet bar, barbeque grill, dining table, hot tub, pool, sun pads, sauna, or dog park (got ya on that one) — we found 5 superyachts with the best sundecks. Welcome to the good life. MIZU | 174 Oceanfast 2004 Have you ever played basketball while underway on a 174-foot yacht? It’s exhilarating. MIZU is a transoceanic superyacht with extensive exterior areas. She technically has two sundecks. The lower deck boasts an open-air basketball hoop and cushioned seating flanked by two massive davits. The fourth level sundeck hosts a 16-person hot tub, bar, air conditioned day head, outdoor shower, viewing platform, and plenty of sun loungers. Don’t dream about it, be about it — MIZU is for sale and located in Miami, Florida. EXCELLENCE | 150’ Richmond 2010 EXCELLENCE has an excellent (we had to) sundeck with enough seating areas to comfortably host 12+ guests. The top deck is broken down into 4 different sections. Forward is a centerline Jacuzzi surrounded by sun pads. Aft of the hot tub is al fresco dining, an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch. Centerline is a full-service bar with a flat-screen TV and a day head. And all the way aft is a multi-purpose space that you could fill with sun loungers, toys, gym equipment, or touch-and-go helicopter operations. CHESELLA | 124’ Amels 1983 With four massive decks, CHESELLA goes all out with her sundeck. We’re talkin’ Jacuzzi, sun pads, and outdoor bar. The enormous cushioned lounge area aft is the most attractive spot with enough pillows to make a two-story fort. The bar area amidship features four stools and is the perfect area to gather around for a party. But when it’s time to flick the switch into sunset relaxation mode, you’ll find us in the hot tub forward. CHESELLA has one of the best sundeck setups. SWEET EMOCEAN | 116’ Azimut 2009 Yacht charters know how to upgrade a sundeck for guests. SWEET EMOCEAN is a luxury yacht charter with a sundeck made for relaxation. A Jacuzzi, sun pads, dining table, and bar boast a shaded option with a retractable roof for those sunny Caribbean days. A talented chef will set you up with a menu that includes conch fritters with a chili mayonnaise dip and skirt steak with chimichurri sauce for lunch on the water. Relax and unwind on the sundeck at any time of day — but we’re thinking sunset cocktails in a hot tub sounds pretty darn good. 105′ Numarine 2022 he Numarine Explorer series has proven to be extremely popular in the U.S. Denison yacht broker Alex Clarke sold a 32XP and a 37XP as Numarine produces some of the best value and most capable yachts on the market. The Numarine 32XP has a sundeck worth telling you about. A bar is built into the aft-facing hot tub, providing a convenient place to set your drink down or nibble on snacks. The sunbed can fit 3 people and offers an adjustable backrest for your comfort. An 8-person dinette, wet bar, and grill are shaded by a hardtop and an ideal setup for hosting guests. The 2022 Numarine 32XP Hull #5 is available with a 16 month delivery period. The flybridge sundeck is a popular spot onboard most superyachts. It’s the perfect area to host a party, soak up the sun, or enjoy al fresco dining. While some sundecks are better than others, if it’s an important feature, let your yacht broker know. They can set you up with an impressive yacht with an even more impressive sundeck. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find a featured yacht for sale. Interested in experiencing the sundeck on a yacht charter? Contact a Denison charter broker to book a luxury yacht charter that has the best entertainment spaces.

By Edward Jones – May 25, 2021

Evo Yachts Have Launched the New and Beautiful Evo V8 Fla...

A yacht meant for pure relaxation. Evo Yachts, owned by Blue Emme Yachts, has just announced the launching of their new Evo V8 flagship. This 78.7-foot yacht is a vessel meant to excite, with Evo Yachts comparing it to a Russian matryoshka doll hiding multiple surprises. The launch ceremony occurred at the Torre Annunziata marina close to Naples, where the owner and Evo Yachts team was in attendance. Production Manager Paolo D’Orazio had this to say regarding the Evo V8: “During these hectic months, the shipyard’s team have worked on this ambitious project with dedication, passion and commitment. The creation of Evo V8 is the result of an important period of growth for the shipyard and this fills us with pride. At the same time, the launch is also a point of departure towards new increasingly ambitious and innovative projects.” The Evo V8 has a truly innovative layout that makes it stand out among other similar-sized yachts. One of the most interesting aspects regarding the layout is that she offers four helm stations. How Evo yachts accomplished this was by putting two yacht wheels, one port and one starboard, on the main deck and two more on the roof top. The Evo V8 also has an spacious and open beach area that invites guests to take in the ocean view surrounding the yacht. Expect to see the Evo V8's debut during the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival. Source: Evo Yachts

By Edward Jones – May 24, 2021

The 1st SILENT 60 Solar-Powered Catamaran Has Been Launched

An easy-to-use kite wing can add 5 knots to the boat's speed. The very first SILENT 60 solar electric catamaran has been launched and it comes packing some unique, green technology. SILENT-Yachts describes the SILENT 60 as a "green" yacht, thanks to the powerful 42 solar panels and the aforementioned kite wing. The innovative kite wing allows the boat to take advantage of the window without needing a massive mast. This kite wing is stored in a box at the bow and the process for getting up in the sky is pretty simple. If you've put a regular kite up into the air, you can put this kite wing up into the air. “The kite system sounds like the perfect match for windy days together with the electric propulsion system of SILENT-YACHTS,” said the German owner of the first SILENT 60. “I am an enthusiast of new technologies which help, little by little, to overcome the ecological challenges we are facing today.” While this is the first SILENT 60, there are eight more hulls currently under construction and 17 have been ordered in total. Be sure to also check out: Silent-Yachts Sells Three Electric 80 Tri-Deck Catamarans Worth Over $6.6 Million Each Photo Credit: Jorgen Udvang Photo Credit: Jorgen Udvang Source: SILENT-Yachts

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2021

Walkthrough This Fully-Loaded 70-Foot Ocean Alexander Yacht

For those that want to operate their own luxurious yacht. Denison Yachting has a beautiful 70' Ocean Alexander listed for sale named 'Playbook' and she's worth your look. If you're looking for either a 70-80' four stateroom yacht or one that was designed as an owner-operator yacht, this one is for you. Joining the four staterooms are three heads, plus a Captain's Cabin, each of which is perfectly appointed. On the outside are plenty of areas for entertaining, including an aft deck that's complete with a covered seating area, sink, refrigerator, and television. The bow features a dinette and a massive sun pad. Up above is a very spacious flybridge that offers bountiful seating, a full wet bar, and even a grill. It's on the flybridge that guests will get the best views aboard this yacht. Click play on the video up above to get a full walkthrough of 'Playbook' and click the button below to view her listing. View Listing Source: Denison Yachting

By Edward Jones – May 12, 2021

Walkthrough the $4.5 Million Sanlorenzo SL86 Yacht 'Stae'

This yacht is actually the lowest priced late model Sanlorenzo SL86 on the market. In Denison Yachting's latest walkthrough video, we're taken through the gorgeous 86' Sanlrenzo 'Stae'. This late model Sanlorenzo is looks incredible both inside and out. The exterior of the yacht features an off-white, gray and matte-black color scheme that is undeniably stylish. When taken inside Stae, you'll be transported into a world of modern luxury that has been beautifully curated. Features like the hidden TVs, angular furniture, breathtaking views of the outside and more all combine to create an interior that you would not want to leave. Stae features one master cabin, one VIP cabin, two guest cabins, separate crew accommodations and five heads. Her cruising speed is near 30 knots while a fast yet comfortable cruise speed is 20 knots. These speeds are made possible thanks to the twin MTU 12V2000 Series M94 1,947 horsepower engines. There's truly so much to uncover aboard Stae, so be sure to watch the video above and click the button below to learn even more. View Listing Source: Denison Yachting

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