“Hundreds” of yachts destroyed after freak Italian storms

It’s been reported that “hundreds” of yachts have been destroyed by the catastrophic storms in Italy, especially in the country’s Liguria region – a popular spot for superyachts throughout the Med season.

The unusually powerful weather has led to 11 fatalities and is believed to have caused millions of euros of damage to coastal regions and property. Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, a marina which can host yachts up to 50 metres (164 feet) along the Italian Riviera, was hit particularly hard by 10-metre-plus waves.

The severe damage is reported to have been partly due to the destruction of the breakwater, reinforced in 2000 after a similarly strong storm, which was supposed to protect the tourist port. This let violent seas into the main marina and damaged or destroyed dozens of vessels – including, according to reports, those belonging to the family of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Video footage shows the enormity of the situation.

Superyachts damaged or destroyed in Rapallo

Rapallo’s locals claim that of the 390 yachts and superyachts moored in the marina at the time, over half have been damaged or completely destroyed.

Sky Italy also reports that a number of superyachts were washed ashore and Liguria Nautica notes that Portofino has been cut off completely after the only road to the village collapsed.

The ill-fated vessels, as reported by Superyacht Times, include:

  • 37.8-metre (124-foot) Custom Line Suegno
  • 1913 sailing yacht Sakara
  • 1961 Feadship Eutopia
  • 30-metre (98-foot) Benetti motor yacht Darling Boys
  • 1975 Ocean 75
  • Codecasa 35s Maria Carla

In Genova, along the Italian Riviera, 92-metre (302-foot) motor yacht Queen Miri (formerly Delma) and 52-metre (171-foot) motor yacht Harmony (formerly Toinie) collided after breaking free from their lines. Much of Venice is also submerged after rising flood waters.

Sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered direct to your inbox every month.

Superyacht News
March 28, 2024
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review

In the realm of maritime luxury, the quest to offer yacht charter guests the perfect night's sleep has become an art form, one which luxury bed and linen supplier, CC Design, has fully committed to.

By Ben Cooling
March 15, 2023
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review

A jacket completes any crew member's uniform so it's an important garment to get right. In this Tried & Tested, Sea Design pits eight popular jackets against one another to determine which one is best for superyacht crew in 2023.

By Nathan Bees
April 19, 2023
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review

iAQUA creates high-performance, technologically advanced underwater scooters. In this Tried & Tested, a team of experienced testers have rated and reviewed the AquaDart Pro and AquaDart Nano series to reveal the stand-out iAQUA sea scooter.

By Holly Sanderson
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April

Singapore Yachting Festival returns for its 2nd event from 25th to 28th April 2024! This years event will showcase an ex...

By Jody Paisey
March 27, 2024
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

MB92 Group, a leading name in superyacht refit and repair with shipyards in Barcelona and La Ciotat, has introduced "The...

By Holly Sanderson
March 27, 2024
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

Finished reading? Now find your perfect supplier.

Search our industry-leading directory for over 20,000 superyacht suppliers, providers and marinas.

Search now