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The biggest yachting news stories of March 2026

31 March 2026 • Written by Emily Dawkins

In March, it was new launches and new orders that took to the spotlight in BOAT's yachting news. Taking the top spot this month was an update to the build of a new 100-metre-plus Abeking & Rasmussen project – confirmed as sold in January – as it was announced that a mammoth German builder will be involved in the yacht's construction.

Other breaking yacht news that caught the eye of BOAT's readers in March included three new build sales, one of which was placed by professional tennis player Carlos Alcaraz. Elsewhere, news broke of a development in the high-profile Loon court case, where a fourth crew member requested to join the negligence complaint filed against the yacht's former captain.

BOAT crunches the numbers and brings you the stories that generated the most clicks in March 2026...

1. German Naval Yards to build hull and superstructure for 100m+ Abeking and Rasmussen superyacht

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German Naval Yards (GNY) announced a new contract to build the hull and superstructure of a 100-metre-plus Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht.

According to GNY, it will deliver a steel hull and aluminium superstructure to the fellow German shipyard for its new build superyacht project, which was announced earlier this year. While details remain shrouded in secrecy, the unnamed build is expected to exceed 4,500GT, according to BOATPro.

2. Professional tennis player Carlos Alcaraz places order for 27m Sunreef Ultima 88 catamaran

At the Palm Beach International Boat Show, Polish yard Sunreef Yachts announced that professional tennis player Carlos Alcaraz had placed an order for a new 26.8-metre catamaran from its Sunreef Ultima 88 series.

The Spaniard, who is currently ranked world number one in men's singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals, now also joins the House of Sunreef community of owners. In an exclusive interview, BOAT sat down with Alcaraz to discover how he fell in love with yachting and his plans for life on board.

3. In pictures: Lürssen unveils new images of 102m superyacht

Credit: Klaus Jordan for Lürssen

Lürssen shared new images of its latest superyacht project, the 102.4-metre hull 13785, also known as Jassj, following her launch in February from the German shipyard's Rendsburg facilities.

Though details remain sparse, the full-displacement, steel and aluminium motor yacht is known to feature interior and exterior design by British design studio RWD.

4. New 55m Heesen motor yacht Frida sold ahead of anticipated sea trials

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Dutch shipyard Heesen announced the sale of the 55-metre new build project Frida ahead of her sea trials in the North Sea. The yacht, which is intended for private use, was sold with POA.

She was reported to be in her final outfitting stages in October 2025, though Heesen's interior engineering department will collaborate with Luca Dini Design & Architecture to tailor the vessel's interior design to her new owner's lifestyle and taste.

5. Lürssen delivers 78m superyacht Odisea

Credit: Ruben Griffioen

In other Lürssen news, the German shipyard announced the delivery of its 78.2-metre superyacht Odisea, previously known as project Ace 21.

Simultaneously, the yard unveiled British studio RWD as both her exterior and interior designer, marking the firm's first complete collaboration with Lürssen. Following her departure from the yard's Bremen facilities, Odisea headed to London, UK, and was spotted fresh from the shed on the River Thames.

6. Fourth crew member requests to join lawsuit against former Loon superyacht captain following St Barths tender crash

Six injured following tender crash in the Caribbean

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Credit: Le Journal de Saint-Barth

In a new update to the high-profile court case, a fourth crew member requested to join the negligence complaint filed against the former captain of the 67.5-metre Icon superyacht Loon.

According to the filing, Natalie Rohrs – Loon's sous chef and co-worker of the three current Plaintiffs, Austin Scaccianoce, Natalia Niznik and Klara Holubova – was also on board the yacht's tender Reel Wild at the time of the injurious crash in St Barths on 24 December 2024. A hearing is scheduled for 2 April.

7. Third Amels 80 superyacht Project Zurich hits the water

Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting launched the third unit in the Amels 80 series, known as Project Zurich.

The 80-metre new build hit the water at the yard's second build facility in Vlissingen-East, and is now undergoing final outfitting at Damen Yachting's main headquarters in Vlissingen City. Delivery is scheduled for later this year.

8. Hull turned on Royal Huisman’s 81m custom sailing yacht

Royal Huisman turns hull of 80m+ "super-sized" sailing yacht

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Dutch yard Royal Huisman marked a major construction milestone on its 81-metre sailing yacht known as Project 412, with the hull successfully turned at the yard’s facility in Vollenhove.

The project was first announced in May 2025 as an 80-metre-plus “super-sized” aluminium sailing yacht commissioned by a returning owner. Now confirmed to measure 81 metres, the build is progressing as part of the yard’s Trident 810 series.

9. 72m full-custom Tankoa T720 Fenice sold to American owner

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Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts announced the sale of a new 72-metre full-custom superyacht known as T720 Fenice to an American owner.

The new build is a full-custom project developed around the owner’s brief from the earliest stages. Exterior design is by Team for Design – Enrico Gobbi, marking the first collaboration between the studio and Tankoa, while interiors have been entrusted to Giorgio Cassetta.

10. Second hull of rebranded Bering 88 launched

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Turkish shipyard Bering Yachts launched the second hull of its rebranded 26.2-metre Bering 88 (B88) explorer yacht.

Built in steel, the B88 offers over 256 square metres of interior space, with accommodation for 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam master suite that spans the yacht's 8.1-metre beam and crew quarters for a team of five.