• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Megayacht News 2021 Logo

Megayacht News

the trusted source for megayacht and superyacht information

Megayacht News 2021 Logo
  • Home
  • Yachts
    • Associations & Organizations
          • Associations & Organizations Recent Posts
            Junior SeaKeeper students learn about water sampling from superyachts
            Junior SeaKeeper Program Wants Young Ocean Ambassadors

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht company Northrop & Johnson is supporting Water.org
            Water.org Gains Support From Northrop & Johnson

            June 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            YachtAid Global, which works with superyachts, launched Operation Pearl to help the Philippines following Typhoon Odette
            Operation Pearl: Typhoon Disaster Relief for Philippines via YachtAid Global

            January 4, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
          • Brokerage Recent Posts
            Graceful is alleged to be among Russian-owned superyachts
            Imperial Yachts, Several Superyachts Added to U.S. Sanctions List

            June 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Bruce Brakenoff, Jr. and his team are now part of the Edmiston expansion in the USA
            Edmiston Expansion in America Sees Perini Navi USA Team Come Onboard

            September 5, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Motoryachts
          • Motoryachts Recent Posts
            the Golden Yachts' Project X megayacht launch
            Golden Yachts’ Project X Delivered, Debuting at Monaco Show

            August 16, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the transfer of the Codecasa hull C127 megayacht
            Codecasa Hull C127 One Year From Delivery

            August 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            fire aboard the yacht Aria SF
            Yacht Aria SF Catches Fire Off Spain

            August 11, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Sailing Yachts
          • Sailing Yachts Recent Posts
            the wallywind 110 sailing superyacht can also race
            Wally’s wallywind 110 Ushers in New Cruiser-Racer Series

            August 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            sailing superyacht Oceanco Y721 heading to Rotterdam
            Sailing Superyacht Oceanco Y721 Launches, Leaves for Mast Stepping

            August 2, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            SWS96 hull five superyacht profile
            SW96 Hull 5 Sells to Repeat Southern Wind Owner

            July 16, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
          • Superyacht 101 Series Recent Post
            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht 101 owner's representative
            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
      Products
          • Tenders, Toys, & Products Recent Posts
            Miss Wonderly, from the Artefact superyacht, is a Falcon Tenders custom limousine tenders example
            2 Falcon Tenders Custom Limousine Tenders Coming Soon

            August 15, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            the Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5 R could be a great superyacht toy
            Hobie Mirage Passport Kayaks Kick Up Fun

            July 22, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            Onda superyacht limo tender
            Onda Tenders Coming to America

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • the superyacht Galaxy refit is cosmically cool
            Galaxy Refit Is Cosmically Cool

            April 28, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Royal Hakvoort superyacht Top Five II
            Top Five II Taking Charters to Fun in the Sun (or Rain, if Needed)

            December 3, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Tankoa Yachts' megayacht Olokun
            Olokun, by Tankoa Yachts, Is One With the Ocean: Photo Gallery

            November 16, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Yacht Sponsored Posts
  • Builders
    • Builders Directory
          • A - E
          • F - L
          • M - R
          • S - Z
    • Yard News
          • Yard News Recent Posts
            The Italian Sea Group has acquired Perini Navi sailing superyacht shipyards and assets
            The Italian Sea Group Hamptons Office Becomes Its 1st U.S. Presence

            August 11, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Amsterdam Yacht Builders is refitting the superyacht Gio
            Introducing Amsterdam Yacht Builders

            June 30, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Silent 80 superyacht from Silent Yachts
            Silent Yachts Acquires Italian Shipyard

            June 25, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Builders Sponsored Posts
  • Charter & Cruising
    • Charter & Cruising News
          • Charter & Cruising Recent Posts
            Ocean Independence can help first time yacht charter clients navigate superyacht options
            Yacht Charter for First-Timers: Daphne D’Offay of Ocean Independence Gives Guidance

            July 29, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            summer superyacht celeb spotting in 2022 involves David and Victoria Beckham aboard their Riva
            Summer Superyacht Celeb Spotting

            July 21, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Mykonos is popular for Greece yacht charter aboard superyachts
            Greece Yacht Charters Expand More for Non-Greek Yachts

            June 18, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Charter Yacht Brokers
      Directory
          • A - D
          • E - L
          • M - R
          • S - Z
    • Destination Guides
          • Destination Guide Recent Posts
            Kimberley cruising itineraries by superyacht should include the King George River
            Kimberley Cruising by Superyacht, for Wilderness Adventures

            July 14, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Great Glaciers to See by Superyacht in Alaska include Sawyer Glacier
            Great Glaciers to See by Superyacht in Alaska

            July 8, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Port Angeles is perfect for superyachts to stop and explore
            Destination Guide: Welcome to Port Angeles, Washington

            February 5, 2022 By Mary Brelsford

    • Marinas News
          • Marina News Recent Posts
            the Residences at Pier Sixty-Six overlook the superyacht marina
            The Residences at Pier Sixty-Six Sales Start Soon

            August 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the IGY Trident superyacht program partly explains why MarineMax is acquiring IGY Marinas
            MarineMax Is Acquiring IGY Marinas, Expanding Marinas & Superyacht Services Footprint

            August 9, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            IGY Ibiza Marina accommodates megayachts
            IGY Ibiza Marina Becomes 24th IGY Marinas Property

            July 22, 2022 By Marie Cullen

  • People
    • Consultants
          • Consultants Recent Posts
            JMS Yachting USA has superyacht headquarters in Fort Lauderdale
            JMS Yachting USA Yacht-Management Office Opens

            August 9, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            David Ross heads the U.S. Division for Hamilton Marine International superyacht consultancy
            Hamilton Marine International Establishing U.S. Division With David Ross

            July 23, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            Peter Hürzeler says The Role of the Sales Broker Has Changed a Lot
            “The Role of the Sales Broker Has Changed a Lot”

            April 25, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Crew
          • Crew Recent News
            superyacht crew rotation impacts job satisfaction
            Junior Superyacht Crew Rotation Rising, But Could Be Better

            June 10, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            yacht crew salaries can range depending on the superyacht size
            Yacht Crew Salaries: Are You Paying Appropriately?

            April 8, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Tim Clark is the director of the superyacht crew recruitment company Quay Crew
            Megayacht News Radio: Quay Crew on Superyacht Crew Mental Health Crisis

            January 20, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Designer Directory
          • A - D
          • E - L
          • M - E
          • S - Z
    • Designers
          • Designers
            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Donald L. Blount, Renowned Naval Architect, Dies

            July 15, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Marco Casali Freedom Collection includes 500 superyacht NFTs
            Marco Casali Freedom Collection NFTs Minting Now

            April 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Justin Olesinski says AI is supercharging superyacht design
            Justin Olesinski on How AI Is Supercharging Superyacht Design

            April 6, 2022 By Georgia Tindale

    • Leadership Series
          • Leadership Series Recent Posts
            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

    • Owners
          • Owners Recent Posts
            the owner of Lady May is offering the superyacht to creditors
            Owner of Lady May Paying Fine in Lieu of Jail Time

            April 20, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Vagit Alekperov, the president and CEO of Lukoil and the Heesen Yachts UBO (ultimate beneficial owner), is under sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; Heesen Yachts is under full Dutch ownership effective May 2022
            Heesen Yachts UBO Lands on UK Sanctions List

            April 14, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the arrest of Sailing Yacht A is the latest in a few superyacht issues related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
            Arrest of Sailing Yacht A, Tied to Russian Sanctions

            March 13, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Dick Mulder (right) and Nick Mulder of superyacht builder Mulder Shipyard
            Dick Mulder, Second-Generation Mulder Shipyard Chief, Dies

            July 27, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Vagit Alekperov, the president and CEO of Lukoil and the Heesen Yachts UBO (ultimate beneficial owner), is under sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; Heesen Yachts is under full Dutch ownership effective May 2022
            Heesen Yachts UBO Lands on UK Sanctions List

            April 14, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Sunseeker clients are important to Andrea Frabetti as both yacht and superyacht buyers
            Sunseeker Clients Want “the Complete Family Wellness Environment”

            March 4, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

  • Events
    • Awards
          • Awards Recent Posts
            SeaKeepers honoring Nainoa Thompson along with superyacht owners
            SeaKeepers Honoring Polynesian Pioneers

            August 13, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            SeaKeepers honors went to Victor Vescovo, in front of yacht and megayacht owners
            SeaKeepers Honors Ocean Advocates

            March 5, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Victor Vescovo will receive the SeaKeeper of the Year award amid superyacht owners and conservationists
            Victor Vescovo Receiving SeaKeeper of the Year Honors

            January 10, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
          • Boat Shows & Seminars Recent Posts
            Baglietto has yachts to visit at the Cannes Yachting Festival
            15 Yachts to Visit at the Cannes Yachting Festival  

            August 5, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Marine Money Superyacht Finance Forum returns to Monaco
            Superyacht Finance Forum in Monaco Spotlights Intelligence

            July 30, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            "seducation" continues for first-time superyacht owners and charterers at the Monaco Yacht Show
            “Seducation” Continues at This Year’s Monaco Yacht Show

            June 9, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Fundraisers
          • Fundraisers Recent Posts
            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            YacvhtAid Global launched Operation Viti for superyacht owners and crew to aid Fiji
            Operation Viti by YachtAid Global, for Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Yasa Recovery

            January 1, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            Operation Nasama, YachtAid Global Relief Fund for Vanuatu, is soliciting donations from megayacht owners, crew, and more
            Operation Nasama: YachtAid Global Relief Fund for Vanuatu

            April 18, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
          • Rendezvous & Events
            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 Set to Kickstart the Summer

            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022
            Fish On! NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022

            July 31, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Feadship Siran; she's among the megayachts in Port Hercule as the Monaco Grand Prix returns in 2021
            Monaco Grand Prix Returns, as Do the Megayachts

            May 22, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht Cup
          • The Superyacht Cup Recent Posts
            The Superyacht Cup Palma regulars and newcomers are excited
            Superyacht Cup Palma Regulars and Newcomers Set to Race

            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
            Superyacht Cup Palma to Celebrate 25th Anniversary, With Changes

            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            Magic Carpet 3 is racing in the Superyacht Cup Palma Performance Class, new for 2020
            Superyacht Cup Palma Performance Class Promises Plenty of Action

            February 17, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Events Sponsored Posts
  • Podcasts & Videos
    • Podcasts
          • Recent Podcasts
            Ocean Independence can help first time yacht charter clients navigate superyacht options
            Yacht Charter for First-Timers: Daphne D’Offay of Ocean Independence Gives Guidance

            July 29, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            TRANSCRIPT Yacht Charter for First-Timers: Daphne D’Offay of Ocean Independence Gives Guidance

            July 28, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Peter Busfield shares insight into superyacht cruising in New Zealand
            Megayacht News Radio: Peter Busfield, NZ Marine Industry Association

            May 31, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Yacht Videos
          • Recent Yacht Videos
            the interior of the ClubSwan 80 My Song superyacht
            ClubSwan 80 My Song: Sunday Superyacht Video

            August 14, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the CRN Ciao superyacht
            The CRN Ciao Heads off for First Cruise: Sunday Superyacht Video

            August 7, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            sailing superyacht Oceanco Y721 heading to Rotterdam
            Sailing Superyacht Oceanco Y721 Launches, Leaves for Mast Stepping

            August 2, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Builder Videos
          • Recent Builder Video
            the Port of Port Angeles has a superyacht Marine Trades Center
            Washington’s Port Angeles Is Making Maritime Waves: Sunday Superyacht Video

            December 26, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            Sanlorenzo Arts presents Cobalto, a work that Sanlorenzo's superyacht customers are invited to see
            Sanlorenzo Arts at Art Basel: Sunday Superyacht Video

            November 28, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Feadship SoundWaves featured a DJ for its superyacht fans
            Feadship SoundWaves, a Global Party: Sunday Superyacht Video

            September 5, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

  • About
Home / People / Eight Bells: Superyacht Owner & Industry Passings in 2021
Stefano Righiini was a renowned designer whose work many a superyacht owner and fan admires
PHOTO: courtesy Benetti

Eight Bells: Superyacht Owner & Industry Passings in 2021

December 29, 2021 By: Marie Cullen

When a sailor dies, the sounding of eight bells honors the crewmember, signifying that his or her watch is over. Several significant superyacht owner and industry figures ended their watches this year. These are just some of the notable individuals we lost in 2021, listed in chronological order.

David Fraser

The founder of Fraser Yachts died at the age of 99 the first week of January. He launched his eponymous company in 1947, turning it into a global powerhouse in brokerage sales, charter, and yacht management. Equally important, Fraser encouraged women to be brokers and other active industry professionals in an era when few worked outside the home. He fell in love with sailing as a child, making his own boat from wood from his father’s lumber yard. Fraser even had a role on the big screen, taking the helm of the sailing yacht White Cloud during the 1950 film Watch the Birdie.

Joe Vittoria was a well-known superyacht owner who died in 2021
PHOTO: Robin Jones/​Shutterstock

Joseph Vincent Vittoria

To the general public, Joe Vittoria (pictured immediately above) became known for being the CEO of Hertz and then Avis. To the yachting public, though, he was a superyacht owner—really, an incredibly passionate superyacht owner. Vittoria commissioned four sailing yachts that each bore the name Mirabella. His first was 131 feet (40 meters) LOA. Mirabella II was 136 feet (41.5 meters), while Mirabella III was the same LOA as his first superyacht. Mirabella V followed—he skipped using “IV” in the names—at 247 feet (75 meters). Notably, she landed in the record books for having the world’s tallest single mast. Vittoria took an active role in commissioning each and requesting certain technology and features, being an engineer. His wife Luciana, meanwhile, managed all business aspects, including charter. Vittoria died in late January at the age of 85.

Albert Hakvoort

Best known as Albert Sr., Albert Hakvoort (below) took over the shipyard his father started in 1919, helping steer it into yacht construction in the 1980s. The yachts that resulted brought Hakvoort Shipyard to the attention of Americans, Russians, and other nationals globally. Similarly, clients worldwide grew to join Albert Sr. in his love and admiration of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Though he stepped down from running the shipyard in 2014, he lived long enough to see his family shipyard receive the prestigious Royal designation. In The Netherlands, the title is bestowed only if a company has been in business for 100 consecutive years or longer, for instance, and if it holds national significance, among other requirements. Albert Sr, who died in March, was 80 years old.

Oleg Burlakov

Oleg Burlakov wasn’t just a superyacht owner. He commissioned the technologically advanced Black Pearl, which additionally has the world’s largest DynaRig. His passions for sailing and engineering are among the reasons why the yacht reportedly can cross the Atlantic while burning just 5 gph (20 lph). Russian by birth, Burlakov established multiple businesses over the years in mining, cement, and gas. He was just 72 years old when he died, of Covid-19, in June. Burlakov and Black Pearl have been back in the news recently, due to a court battle over his estate, including the yacht.

Stefano Righini

If you’ve ever admired an Azimut or a Benetti—or, for that matter, merely seen one—then you have seen the handiwork of Stefano Righini. The designer (pictured at top) was responsible for the exterior styling and naval architecture of thousands of yachts from the two Italian brands. In fact, the Azimut-Benetti group estimated he penned the looks of more than 5,500 of their deliveries. Since Righini preferred spending time in his studio over traveling to boat shows and seeking the spotlight, he was quite a private person. Therefore, it remains unknown how old he was at the time of his death on October 1. The cause is unknown, too.

Capt. Mark Howard

A longtime yacht captain, Mark Howard died suddenly at his home in Florida in October, at the age of 65. He ran a number of megayachts over the course of about 30 years in the industry. While at the helm of both privately owned and charter yachts, Howard crisscrossed the waters of the Caribbean to the South Pacific. Interestingly, Howard also pursued a passion high above the water, as a helicopter pilot. However, he may be best known for appearing in Below Deck Mediterranean for its first season, in 2016. During that season, he took the helm of Ionian Princess. Bravo, the network that airs the Below Deck shows, noted he was a mentor during his time “and will forever remain part of the Bravo family.”

Bob Healey Sr.

Earlier this month, the co-founder of Viking Yachts (above) passed away, at 92 years old. A native of New Jersey, Bob Healey Sr. and his brother Bill took over a struggling wooden boatbuilder in 1964 and transformed it into the renowned Viking brand. A staunch advocate for the yachting industry, Healey Sr. led the fight against the federal luxury tax that nearly put Viking out of business in 1991.Specifically, the national, grassroots campaign he helped organize led to bipartisan support for repealing the tax. Repeal took place in 1993. Additionally, 25 years ago, Healey Sr. and Bill Healey established the Recreational Fishing Alliance. This non-profit promotes sustainable fisheries and a healthy marine environment.

Categories: Crew, Designers, Owners, People, Yard StaffTags: Azimut, Benetti, Fraser Yachts, Royal Hakvoort Shipyard

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Margery Buck

    May 11, 2022 at 9:39 am

    Ted Brewer also passed away this year, he was the Naval Architect that produces our Ted Brewer 43’ Steel Pilothouse Cutter . Great Boats!!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search Megayacht News

Popular Posts

  • Yacht Aria SF Catches Fire Off Spain
  • Jaime Botin, Adix Owner, Found Guilty of Smuggling Painting Aboard Yacht
  • Carl Allen, Superyacht Owner & Walker’s Cay Entrepreneur

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get extra stories, plus be the first to know about new features and events, in your inbox

Subscribe

Explore more

  • the first Riva 130 Bellissima megayacht
    Riva 130 Bellissima, a Beauty for Her American Owner
  • the Lurssen superyacht Project Icecap
    Project Icecap Nearing Leave From Lürssen
  • summer superyacht celeb spotting in 2022 involves David and Victoria Beckham aboard their Riva
    Summer Superyacht Celeb Spotting
  • Kimberley cruising itineraries by superyacht should include the King George River
    Kimberley Cruising by Superyacht, for Wilderness Adventures
  • the History Supreme superyacht is actually photoshopped pictures of the Baia One Hundred
    Gold-Clad History Supreme Superyacht Makes History—Not
Megayacht News 2021 Logo (White)

Footer

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2022 · RedHedInk LLC · Designed and Developed by Bet Hannon Business Websites