Most yacht builders have seen a drop-off in new contracts over the past year, so it’s not surprising to see a new contract heralded with fanfare. In the case of Fincantieri’s latest signing, however, there’s additional reason. The signing of Hull #6218 reportedly marks the first superyacht in excess of 80 meters (262 feet) commissioned since October 2008, shortly after the global financial crisis hit.

_{PHOTO: DANILO RIZZUTI}

In observance of Christmas, Megayacht News won’t be publishing again until Monday. Here’s hoping you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season.

Attention crewmembers and owners: “Ask questions.”

That’s the biggest piece of advice that Mark Bononi, the director of the luxury-yacht division of MHG Marine Benefits, gives to crew and their employers when inquiring about health-insurance plans. Insurance is something many of us would prefer not to think about, but should. And in the marine world, where you’re constantly traveling and in situations that are far from ordinary land-based experiences, it’s vital.

Given the name they chose and the top speed they requested for their new yacht, a European couple likes to get up and go while cruising. In fact, Espresso, from Horizon, is capable of a reported 26-knot maximum speed – 1 knot better than the contract stipulated.

_{PHOTOS: STEVE CRIDLAND}

“Nothing was spared down there.”

Catamarans are coveted for their spacious interiors and comfortable, stable platforms in certain seas. The teams behind Necker Belle expect those reasons and more will attract charter guests once she becomes available in February in the British Virgin Islands.

Plenty of companies, yacht builders included, have long-term plans. How many actually fulfill all of their expectations, of course, is another story.

Moonen Shipyards is one that has. While it was founded in Holland in the 1980s to build inland steel cruisers, mostly for Dutch owners, in 1998 it decided to create a series of displacement yachts for a wider client base. That series would encompass a 72, an 84, a 94, and a 114, each of which would gradually be introduced to the marketplace. Moonen had always been a low-volume builder, and it believed that served it well.

Fast forward to today, and there are only two changes to the initial idea: making the 94 a 96, and making the 114 a 124. While other Dutch yards have ventured into the super-size superyacht realm, Moonen has remained squarely focused on the under-500-gross-tons category. The management staff likes to call its vessels "pocket-size superyachts," emphasizing the smaller scale yet still calling attention to comfort and luxury. Judging from two onboard tours I had of Northlander, the first 124, the philosophy remains intact.

Plenty of companies, yacht builders included, have long-term vision plans. How many actually fulfill all of their expectations, of course, is another story.

Whether a yacht charters or is strictly for private use, oftentimes the guests will want to experience something exceptional. It might be an after-hours tour of a museum or shopping experience, for example. Then there are seemingly mundane but crucial tasks like ensuring a spare part flown in from overseas can make it through customs.

The list of items to address when it comes to a superyacht goes on and on. Unfortunately, the duties are sometimes placed squarely on the shoulders of the captains and crew, who already have a long list of regular duties to prioritize.