The Showing Must Go On

Leading shipyards launched new models over the summer in anticipation of autumn premieres. Following major changes to the boat show calendar, shipyards are displaying new models across surviving shows but also private events at shipyards, marinas, showcases and even on Facebook Live.

- Nick Hung

MOTOR YACHTS: ITALY

Benetti’s Oasis 40M is among the most exciting world premieres of 2020 and was set to be among the largest yachts at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, before the event was cancelled. In recent years, the Italian yard has built three 100m-plus ‘gigayachts’ including the new 107m charter yacht Lana (see CHARTER), but the fibreglass Oasis 40M. Is the first launch following a design collaboration with UK-based RWD that focuses on large outdoor social spaces and poolside living.

The 133ft motor yacht has an infinity pool on the swim platform, just a few steps from the water, and the whole beach area can transform into a ‘terrace over the sea’ due to the large spaces and folding bulkheads that expand the social area. Benetti collaborated with New York firm Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture on the interiors.

Azimut’s major launch of the year is the Magellano 25 Metri, which is even the subject of a short film by Italian director Gabriele Muccino whose films include The Pursuit of Happyness and Seven Pounds starring Will Smith. The Magellano yacht and the Muccino-directed short film were both scheduled to be shown at a private premiere in early September.