Inside N&J’s 2025 European Shipyard Tour

In early 2025, 20 team members from Northrop & Johnson’s brokerage division, as well as team members from MarineMax and the Superyacht Division, embarked on a three-day European shipyard tour to some of the most prestigious shipyards across the continent to learn more about the builder, their upcoming projects, build upon already strong relationships and build new ones.

The team included N&J CCO & President Cromwell Littlejohn, Commercial Director Europe, Ben Young, VP of Business Intelligence Anne Dixon, Yacht Brokers Ali Tanir, Bob Fritsky, Deniz Kaymaz, Ed Cavendish, Ilker Tahincioglu, James Rayner, Kevin Merrigan, Kristen Klein, Mike Finnegan, Rebecca Cutter, Richard Callender, Richard Higgins and Wes Sanford.

“Frequent shipyard tours empower our brokerage teams with in-depth insight into the Yachting industries latest developments, learn about new vessels coming to market and strengthen strategic relationships with leading industry partners”

The team began their tour in Monaco on Tuesday, February 25. The first stop on the list was Tankoa. This Italian builder, located in Genoa, was founded in 2007. A relative newcomer to the world of luxury yacht building, Tankoa has quickly earned a reputation for excellence. The Italian shipyard launched its first two yachts, each over 65 meters 2008. From concept to completion and beyond, Tankoa places the client experience at the heart of every project.

The second builder on the docket for day one was Riva. Our brokers had the opportunity to witness firsthand the legendary craftsmanship and heritage behind one of the world’s most prestigious yacht builders. From the sleek lines of modern designs to the classic elegance rooted in its 1842 origins, Riva’s blend of Italian artistry and engineering continues to impress. Guided through the shipyard where the spirit of Carlo Riva still resonates, the N&J team explored how tradition meets innovation, primarily through Riva’s exclusive design collaboration with Mauro Micheli of Officina Italiana Design. The visit underscored why Riva yachts remain a symbol of European luxury and performance, beloved by yachting enthusiasts and icons like James Bond alike.

Day one concluded with a visit to Baglietto. During the shipyard tour in La Spezia, Italy, N&J brokers experienced firsthand the heritage, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship that define Baglietto yachts. With roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, Baglietto has built a global reputation for producing sleek, contemporary superyachts that seamlessly blend Italian artistry with cutting-edge technology. Specializing in custom and semi-custom aluminum and steel motor yachts up to 200 feet and comprehensive refit services for vessels up to 400 feet, Baglietto continues to set the standard in luxury yacht construction.

La Spezia was the site of the second day of the shipyard tour, where N&J Brokers visited Sanlorenzo. Known for its pristine lines, balanced proportions, and tailor-made approach, Sanlorenzo seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with artisanal expertise. The visit offered N&J brokers a closer look at how the shipyard produces its custom yachts each year — each one an embodiment of the brand’s commitment to individuality and excellence. From world-renowned designers to master craftsmen, every element of a Sanlorenzo build reflects the brand’s dedication to creating unique vessels.

Later in the day, they were off to the Italian Sea Group, which welcomed the delegation from N&J for an exclusive tour of its state-of-the-art shipyard. During the visit, the N&J team had the opportunity to explore the shipyard’s cutting-edge facilities, observe the meticulous craftsmanship behind the Group’s renowned superyachts, and gain deeper insight into the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and Italian maritime heritage. The tour included an overview of TISG’s prestigious portfolio of brands—Admiral, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, Picchiotti, and NCA Refit—each representing excellence in yacht construction, sailing innovation, or refit services. This engaging visit fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and strengthened the relationship between the brokerage and shipyard.

The third and final day of the shipyard tour started at Overmarine. During the exclusive visit to the shipyard in Viareggio, N&J’s brokerage team members had the opportunity to witness the craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that define the Mangusta brand. Hosted by the Overmarine team, the tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process of Mangusta’s iconic maxi open yachts, GranSport, and Oceano lines. From advanced engineering facilities to the meticulous finishing touches of Italian design, the visit highlighted Overmarine’s commitment to excellence.

The last two stops were at Benetti’s shipyards in Viareggio and Livorno. Excited to visit both world-class sights, the N&J brokers were privy to insight into the craftsmanship and innovation behind some of the world’s most sought-after superyachts. Brokers explored the meticulous production process and signature Italian design elements at the Viareggio facility, known for producing Benetti’s composite and semi-custom yachts. In Livorno, where the shipyard specializes in fully custom steel and aluminum yachts, they witnessed the construction of several impressive large vessels currently underway. N&J’s brokers are proud to offer an exceptional selection of Benetti yachts for sale and charter to clients around the globe.

Northrop & Johnson is proud to offer yachts and superyachts from these incredible builders for sale. View our listings here. For more insights on any N&J yachts for sale or building a new yacht with one of these shipyards, please contact your preferred Northrop & Johnson broker today.