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The International Yacht Club d’Antibes Officially Opens in Port Vauban

By Emily Dawkins

Last week welcomed the official inauguration of the International Yacht Club d’Antibes (IYCA) in Port Vauban, Antibes. Alongside the launch of the brand-new yacht club, which offers an array of exceptional facilities for both owners and crew, the evening also officially opened the brand-new Camille Rayon Quay which offers berthing for yachts up to 110 metres in length.

The International Yacht Club d’Antibes officially opened its doors last week, welcoming those from the local and international yachting industry to discover the array of brand-new developments that now lie at the heart of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious cruising grounds.

French architect Philippe Prost, President of Vauban 21and CCI NCA Jean-Pierre Savarino, and Mayor of Antibes Juan-les-Pins Jean Leonetti, opened the all-new IYCA, with support from sponsors Palumbo Superyachts Refit, wealth management firm, Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL), Blade helicopters and yacht insurance company, Pantaenius.  

‘Our goal is to be, and to become again, the capital of the yachting industry,’ commented Olivia Gordon Bourcart, Sales and Marketing Director of the IYCA, ‘I think the inauguration tonight is very important because it will really place the IYCA and the quay in the centre of demand. Our goal is to regain this appreciation of Port Vauban as the capital of the yachting industry, as well as to be a convivial place.’  

Arguably the most attractive and conveniently located marina in the world for superyachts over 80m, the IYCA’s recent developments have certainly caused a buzz amongst the Côte d’Azur.

As part of a €135 million development project to renovate the popular yacht club and dedicated superyacht berthing quay, the iconic Port Vauban has been transformed into a modern and versatile haven for superyacht owners and crew alike.

Behind this spectacular transformation? Vauban 21. Comprised of partners from the Antibes Chamber of Commerce and professionals from the industry, Vauban 21 began the initiative in 2017 with the goal of bringing Port Vauban to a new level of prestige and renewing its title as a superyacht hub. 

Undoubtedly, the recent launch and inauguration of the new yacht club and quay is a monumental step in defining Antibes as an unparalleled yachting hotspot. 

Penned by esteemed French architect Philippe Prost, who took inspiration for the club’s design from the exterior of explorer yachts, the new IYCA brings together unrivalled luxury, impeccable services and facilities, and an opulent social scene. Members and customers will find lounge bars, panoramic open terraces and private meeting rooms alongside a dedicated crew centre with a lounge, gym and training studio. A notable highlight of the new yacht club is the private helipad which allows easy access to the Port from the nearby international airport of Nice. 

Also premiered on the inauguration evening was the new Camille Rayon Quay. Now incomparable for berthing in the Mediterranean, the quay offers only 20 exclusive berths for superyachts over 80m, with its largest berth capable of handling a yacht of 150 metres. Alongside easily accessible services, the berths offer owners and guests premium security and privacy. 

Leading yacht brokerage houses Burgess and Edmiston have partnered as joint central agents of these berths, offering exclusive lease opportunities for owners of yachts from 85 to 110 metres. Available in 10,15 and 20-year leases with payment every five years, owners now have the unique chance to secure a position in one of the most prestigious locations in yachting. 

Alongside the new yacht club and Camille Rayon Quay, a significant amount of work to modernise the port have been completed underground including new water, electrical and pump supplies.

Despite the inauguration of the new yacht club and Camille Rayon Quay, there is surprisingly more to come for the historic Antibes marina, with further developments continuing over the coming year. 

To find out more about berthing opportunities in Port Vauban, contact the teams at Burgess and Edmiston today. 

"Our goal is to be, and to become again, the capital of the yachting industry." Olivia Gordon Bourcart, Sales and Marketing Director, IYCA

"Our goal is to be, and to become again, the capital of the yachting industry."

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International Yacht Club Antibes Antibes 06600 France

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• Telephone : +33 4 93 34 30 30
• Email : [email protected]

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43.585233 7.129680

Berth Sizes

• Max Draft : 7m
• Max Beam : 40m

Berths Available

• Berths (Under 24m) : Total Berths: 19
• Berths (24-30m) : Berths over 150m: 2
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Airport : 15 kms Airfield : 15 kms Helipad : On Site

General Information & Marina Services

The IYCA (International Yacht Club of Antibes) is located to the west of Port Vauban in Antibes, on the French Riviera.

Ideally located in the heart of the old town, visitors are spoilt for choice with the range of restaurants and bars and quaint streets full of cafes and boutiques. 

The IYCA was created in 1986 specifically to accommodate larger superyachts of 50m to 165m.There are a total 19 berths, with maximum LOA 165m/541ft, and maximum draft 7m. This is a full service facility with secure onsite parking, a 24/7 security guard at the entrance, video surveillance and a heliport.

As part of the Vauban 21 project set to put Antibes on the map as the premier destination on the Côte d'Azur, the IYCA will be receiving investment in the form of a new office and reception area, with helipad for 2 helicopters; a crew leisure centre with fitness and library facilities; storage boxes and an ISPS area. Further developments and innovations are on the horizon. 

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The International Yacht Club of Antibes can accommodate 20 or so Superyachts from 50m up to 165m LOA.

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Billionaires’ Quay – Antibes, France

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Billionaires’ Quay - French Riviera - France - Limited Megayacht Berths - Berths for Stopover, Passage and Temporary of Medium Duration Possible - Permanent Berths on Waiting List - Expansion Project in Discussions...

Berth Description

The BILLIONAIRES’ QUAY also known as the “IYCA”, currently stretches 650 m out into the sea and is the main breakwater of the entire port Vauban of Antibes. It has 19 berths for yachts up to 90 m in length, including two larger berths for 150 m and 165 m Megayachts. The leaseholds giving the right to use the berths located on this famous quay sell for record figures and they are extremely limited and highly demanded.

The berth owners of the BILLIONAIRES’ QUAY in Antibes are among the wealthiest individuals on the planet, and their Megayachts, the most stunning. Though this quay was an ambitious project in its early days, this section of the port is nowadays also subject to overwhelming demand.

Knowing how much Megayachts generate for the economy, since 2011 the port Vauban and the town of Antibes have projected an expansion which would double the length of the jetty up to 1,250 m, creating an additional 450 m of quay for 25 Superyacht and Megayacht berths, with the possibility to even welcome cruise ships, as well as creating shelter for the area on the north-eastern flank of Fort Carré. The cost of this extension is estimated at 230,000,000 €.

The exploitation of the basin of the BILLIONAIRES’ QUAY in Port Vauban of Antibes is managed by the International Yacht Club of Antibes “IYCA”, which financed and realized this project of moorings for Megayachts.

The BILLIONAIRES’ QUAY is located opposite the Fort Vauban hill and the berth layouts features a configuration essentially for Megayachts and some Superyachts in addition right next to the International Yacht Club.

The BILLIONAIRES’ QUAY of Antibes was built in order to accommodate 19 large pleasure vessels; It has been laid out as follows: 7 Posts of 70m x 16m 4 Posts of 80m x 18m 6 Posts of 90m x 20m 1 Post of 150m x 28m 1 Post of 165m x 40m

Mooring of Megayachts: A new system of mooring boxes is installed; it removes all chains, mooring buoys and brings to the ships security and ease of docking.

Heliport: The helicopter landing area represents a 28m by 29m rectangle. It has a regulatory sign allowing, subject to the authorization of the IYCA, the landing day and night. In addition, the heliport has four parking spaces.

KEY FEATURES • 23 km from Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport • 25 minutes from the private airport of Cannes-Mandelieu • Heliport • All imaginable services for Superyachts and Megayachts • Shipyard • Beaches nearby • Luxury hotels and palaces nearby • Old town of Antibes on foot • Restaurants, bars, shops and fresh produce at the Antibes market • Exclusive and secure access • Private parking just behind your yacht • Luxury real estate of Cap d’Antibes

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS Latitude: 43° 35′ 26.28″ N Longitude: 007° 07′ 51.93″ E Berths: 19 plus some stopover or temporary moorings for Superyachts around the IYCA Length: From 70 to 165 m Draft of water: 5 to 8 m max (Outport) Noticeable landmarks: Tower of the old town and Fort Carré Access: By an access pass 50 m wide, delicate by strong East wind; day and night access in all weather conditions Entrance lights: Epi Fort Carré FI.G.4s vos. 003 – 048 (45) and 186 – 218 (32) Predominant wind: East

SERVICES AND USEFUL INFORMATION VHF: Channel 9 Maximum speed in entry channel and basins: 3 knots 24 hour reception Permanent watch MONACO MARINE Antibes Shipyard Water and electricity Pumping station Fuel Station Waste Collection

COMMENTS Even if the berths are extremely limited and highly demanded in the BILLIONAIRES’ QUAY in the port Vauban of Antibes, Allied Yachting will endeavour to obtain you a berth for stopover, passage and possibly temporary of medium duration.

In this port reserved for very large vessels, it is important to be patient and to plan in advance for any berth reservation. Please contact us for rates and availabilities.

We will be periodically informing our clients on the expansion project, especially if pre-sales or an extended waiting list are opened.

Billionaires’ Quay – Antibes, France Berth Video

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YachtForums Administrator

While atending the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, we visited the International Yacht Club in Antibes (IYCA). Never before have a I seen such an impressive line-up of Lurssens in one place. "Puritan"...

Attached Files:

Abeking puritan side.jpg, abeking puritan.jpg.

Alstom's "Kogo"...

Alstom Kogo Side.JPG

Alstom kogo stern.jpg, alstom kogo.jpg.

Benetti's "Latitude"...

Benetti Latitude 2.JPG

Benetti latitude stern.jpg, benetti latitude.jpg.

Feadship's "Drizzle"...

Feadship Drizzle.JPG

Feadship's "Sussuro"...

Feadship Sussuro.JPG

Lurssen's "Coral Island"...

Lurssen Coral Island.JPG

Lurssen coral island aft.jpg.

Lurssen's "Dilbar"...

Lurssen Dilbar Side.JPG

Lurssen dilbar stern.jpg.

Lurssen's "Phoenix 2"...

Lurssen Phoenix 2 Side.JPG

Lurssen phoenix 2 stern.jpg, lurssen phoenix 2 bow ornament.jpg, lurssen phoenix 2.jpg.

Lurssen's "Polar Star"...

Lurssen Polar Star Side.JPG

Lurssen polar star aft.jpg.

Oceanco's "Anastasia"...

Oceanco Anastasia.JPG

Oceanco anastasia aft.jpg.

Superyacht stalker at large...

Carl & Dilbar.jpg

Fishtigua Senior Member

Carl, Is Coral Island still that horrible beige/sandy colour? Hard to tell from the photos.

Yep. Shoulda named it 'Island Sand'. It's a creme color, stuck somewhere between beige and cake batter frosting.

AMG YF Moderator

FISHTIGUA said: ↑ Carl, Is Coral Island still that horrible beige/sandy colour? Hard to tell from the photos. Click to expand...

AMG said: ↑ I would say vanilla hull and white superstructure, beautiful... Click to expand...

AMG said: ↑ BTW; I think the first sailing boat is the replica of the 1908 Germania, built in Spain as Germania Nova. While the Puritan is an Alden design built by Elco (Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut) in 1931. Click to expand...

YachtForums said: ↑ Hmmm... I thought that scroll near the stern was an Abeking signature. Click to expand...

discokachina Senior Member

YachtForums said: ↑ Lurssen's "Phoenix 2"... Click to expand...

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Live updates: Seven dead in 56m superyacht Bayesian sinking tragedy

Seven people have died in the Bayesian sinking disaster. These include the six missing people who were inside the yacht when it sank, as well as a seventh person who was located shortly after the disaster. The seventh person is understood to be the yacht's chef, Recaldo Thomas. The other six are:

• British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, once dubbed 'Britain's Bill Gates'
• Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah
• Morgan Stanley's chairman, Jonathan Bloomer
• Judy Bloomer, wife of Morgan Stanley chairman
• Chris Morvillo, a lawyer working for London-based law firm Clifford Chance
• Neda Morvillo, an American jewellery designer and Chris' wife

It is understood that the yacht was being used to celebrate Lynch's recent victory in a 13-year £8 billion fraud acquittal.

No one remembers the mast snapping before 56m superyacht Bayesian sunk, says crew

No one recalls seeing the mast snap on board the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian which sank off the Italian island of Sicily on 19 August. The eyewitness account of a crewmember on board the vessel, which was obtained by BOAT International , said that the boat was struck by a freak weather event which led to the yacht heeling at around 20 degrees to starboard. As crewmembers were securing items, the heeling angle began to increase rapidly until the yacht started taking on water and sank rapidly.

The crewmembers who were up on deck were able to evacuate the yacht with minor injuries. The yacht is understood to have sunk in just twelve minutes, and it is believed that a "major ingress" of water from the top down would have caused the sinking, according to a captain who wishes to remain anonymous. This is based on the fact that no breaches have been reported in the yacht's hull, and the fact that the yacht should have been able to remain afloat with two flooded compartments.

"Very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size" says captain of sistership

The captain of the sistership to the sunken 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian has said it is "very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size" and called the 56-metre Perini Navi series "bulletproof".

David Hutchinson, captain of Rosehearty , said he had taken the yacht around the world multiple times and he had "total faith in the boat".  "We've been to Antarctica and Chile, and we've had her in 70 knots of wind," he says, and the vessel had never put them in a situation that felt unmanageable.

However, Hutchinson noted there were differences between Bayesian and Rosehearty ; notably, Bayesian's  74-metre mast, which would have been heavier and added increased windage. The yacht's layout was also different, with guest accommodation on Bayesian located further forward.

Live updates

• During a news conference on Saturday morning (24 August), prosecutors confirmed they are in the early stages of investigating a "crime hypothesis" of culpable shipwreck and manslaughter. Authorities also said the yacht likely sunk because of a downburst (powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm), rather than a waterspout.
• A search and rescue for six missing people has concluded. The final missing person is understood to be Hannah Lynch. 
• According to Reuters, six bodies have now been found in the sunken yacht. These include Mike Lynch, a British technology entrepreneur who co-founded Autonomy Corporation and founded Invoke Capital, although Italian authorities have not confirmed this.  
• One person was found immediately after the yacht sunk, and this is understood to be the yacht's chef. 
• Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, and a one-year-old are among the fifteen people rescued along with Bayesian' s captain, James Cutfield.
• Another sailing vessel in the area, the 42-metre Sir Robert Baden Powell ,  stepped in to offer assistance in the initial rescue.
• Divers have been able to reach Bayesian' s sunken hull, which lies at 45 metres of depth about half a mile from the coast. The yacht had the largest aluminium masts of any sailing yacht on the water.
• Eyewitnesses in the area reported "hurricane" conditions off the coast but local weather websites did not indicate any severe squall, which suggests that the weather event was not forecast.
• At around 5am local time on 19 August, Bayesian was hit by bad weather and sunk.  The sailing yacht was anchored or idle at the time of the incident.

Built in Italy by renowned builder Perini Navi and delivered in 2008, the yacht's naval architecture was developed by Ron Holland Design while the interior design is by Rémi Tessier . She was formerly known as Salute and was last refitted in 2016. She was listed for sale earlier this year, according to BOATPro . The yacht had accommodation for nine guests and 12 crew.

BOAT International will update the story as it develops.

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Experts puzzle over why Bayesian yacht sank. Was it a 'black swan event'?

The Bayesian set off on a leisurely cruise around Italy's southern coast on a sunny day in late July.

The luxurious super yacht − which boasted one of the largest masts in the world and carried a crew of business moguls, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his family and a chair of Morgan Stanley − set sail from the Amalfi Coast, bound for Sicily.

Less than a month later, the ship had sunk 160 feet under the water , leaving its cook dead and six of its passengers, including at least two Americans, missing and prompting a massive search that has drawn international attention.

Now, experts are trying to piece together why in the early hours Monday the Bayesian was quickly pulled under the waves amid a storm that saw at least one tornado spin up over the water.

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A perfect storm led to Bayesian sinking, experts say

The combination of unlikely factors that could have contributed to the ship's fate constituted a "black swan event," Matthew Schanck, chairman of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told USA TODAY.

The Bayesian was well-built: A 2008 product of Italian ship maker Perini, it was constructed in accordance with international maritime standards and commercially certified by the U.K.'s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, according to Schanck.

The bout of bad weather that swept the area when the ship went down was also out of the ordinary in the northern Mediterranean, "which isn't renowned for prolonged, significant stormy weather," he said.

"The fact that those two elements have then resulted in the foundering of a super yacht is pretty extraordinary," Schanck said. "These things don't happen every day."

After the ship sank just before 5 a.m. local time, 15 people, including a 1-year-old, were pulled from the water. Some were rescued from a life raft by the crew of a ship docked nearby.

Ricardo Thomas, the ship's cook and a native of Antigua, was found dead, according to authorities.

As of Tuesday, six people were missing, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter. Several missing passengers were involved in Lynch's trial on fraud charges, including Jonathan Bloomer, a Morgan Stanley chair who served as his character witness, and one of Lynch's attorneys. Lynch, accused of fraud after he sold his company to electronics giant Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted of all charges weeks ago.

Who is Mike Lynch? UK entrepreneur among those missing after superyacht sinks off Sicily

Tornado formed over unusually hot water

Storms in the area that night may have whipped up a water spout, a tornado over the water , according to local meteorologists.

It was likely triggered by the water's unusual warmth, said Rick Shema, a certified consulting meteorologist who served in the Navy.

"The water spout was an uncommon occurrence," he said. "But again, these things happen, especially in warmer water."

At 83.7 degrees, water in the area was more than 3 degrees hotter than average on the day the Bayesian sank, likely the result of climate change, Shema said.

"Hurricanes can form at 80 degrees. This was almost four degrees higher than that," he said.

The water spout may have spun up when cooler air dropped from mountainous places nearby onto the hot water, he said. "A water spout is a vortex, basically like a tornado, spinning real fast, sucking up water and moisture as the column rises," he said.

Although water spouts only reach around 120 mph, as compared with tornadoes on land, which can reach up to 300 mph, "you don't need 200 mph to sink a ship," he said.

"Even an average tornado, 120 miles an hour, that's a lot of wind," he said, "which would heel the boat over for sure."

Water spouts spring up suddenly, Shema said. Before they strike, winds can be slow, but "once the water spout comes over, bam, it's on," he said.

Before sunrise, the ship's crew may not have seen the water spout coming. "The visibility was probably a big factor," he said.

With the windows of the yacht opened, as they likely were in the hot weather, the water spout could have triggered water that flooded through the portholes, Shema said, causing the ship to sink.

Tragedy strikes: Scramble to find survivors after Bayesian yacht sinks off Sicily coast

Search continues, but shift to recovery phase approaches

Italian authorities said the Bayesian was probably at anchor when the storm struck, meaning it couldn't maneuver and ride the waves, according to Mitchell Stoller, a captain and maritime expert witness. Other ships in the area that turned on their engines rode out the storm, he said.

"When you're at anchor and you see weather, you start your engine and you put the wind on the bow. You don't let it get on the side," he said.

Schanck said another key question concerns the position of the keel, a heavy weight underneath the boat that acts as a counterbalance to keep it upright, when the ship sank. When lifted, "that's going to affect the stability of the vessel, because, obviously, you've now raised the center of gravity of that vessel," he said.

The Bayesian was floating over 160 feet of water at the time, deep enough that the keel would likely be deployed. But the fact that "the vessel heeled over so heavily makes me question that," Schanck said.

The cause of the disaster may not be known until the ship can be examined in more detail, experts say. Prosecutors in a nearby town have already opened an investigation.

Schanck said investigators will have plenty to work with once the operation moves into a recovery phase.

"The vessel is intact and in good condition on the seabed," he said. "There's a lot of eyewitness accounts from other vessels in the area and the shore."

As the search entered its second day on Tuesday, the rescue effort may shift in that direction soon. "I suspect, later on, today or tomorrow, we'll probably see some mention of a recovery operation being stated," Schanck said.

The decision to would depend on whether rescuers find signs of life in the ship and air pockets or survivable spaces, Schanck said. At this point, survivors on the water's surface looks unlikely. "My professional opinion is that the casualties will be located within the vessel," he said.

"There is a risk versus benefit in all maritime search and rescue incidents," he said. "Where we start transitioning to a recovery phase, that line shifts."

Contributing: Reuters

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at [email protected]. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

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The best marina in the Mediterranean

An outstanding site nestled in the heart of the french riviera.

Combining heritage and modernity, Port Vauban stands out for its prime location on the French Riviera. Ideally located in Antibes, between Monaco and St Tropez and less than 20 minutes from France’s second-largest international airport, Port Vauban charms yachtsmen and attracts tourists from all over the world.

With 1,500 berths set within secure and outstanding architectural heritage, Port Vauban has high-performance infrastructure that makes it the place to be for yachting and super yachting in the Mediterranean.

A range of premium services

Synonymous with international excellence, Port Vauban places customer relations at the heart of all of its projects to meet everyone’s needs and desires.

From their arrival at the port, where they receive a personalised welcome at the quay, to their departure, clients are taken care of by dedicated agents who provide support throughout their stay at Port Vauban.

With a range of high-end, high-quality services, combining amenities, technical services, a concierge service and festive and sports events, Port Vauban is committed to providing its yachtsmen with a unique experience.

An audacious architectural project

Now engaged in a vast transformation programme that will consolidate its position as the leading yachting hub in the Mediterranean, Port Vauban’s architectural project is in keeping with its over two millennia of history and sets it up for the third millennium.

The transformative audacity of this project, combining history and modernity, opens a vast horizon of innovations, transforming Port Vauban into a testing ground for new technologies designed in Europe’s leading technology park, Sophia Antipolis.

A jewel in the international yachting crown

Since it was established 2,500 years ago, Port Vauban and its history have fascinated professionals and the general public alike, making it a key destination in the international yachting world.

In 1986, the inauguration of the Quai de Grande Plaisance, the Camille Rayon Quay, nicknamed “Billionaires’ Quay”, or ‘IYCA’ definitively established Port Vauban’s international reputation on the superyachting scene. Now, the IYCA (International Yacht Club d’Antibes) offers 18 superyacht berths up to 160 metres.

The port is now engaged in a vast transformation programme, encompassing both its infrastructure and its range of services, which will consolidate its position as one of the most attractive ports in the world in the next few years.

The ARTEMIS Group: leading the Vauban 21 project

Made up of the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur, the Caisse des Dépôts (via the Banque des Territoires) and the Caisse d’Epargne Côte d’Azur, the ARTEMIS Group was chosen to manage Port Vauban for the next 25 years following a DSP (public service delegation) process launched by the city of Antibes in 2017. The Artemis Group’s strategic project for Port Vauban (Vauban 21) will turn the port into a unique, authentic and forward-looking port by 2022/2023, combining innovation, sustainable development and economic performance.

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A Waterspout Was Seen When a Luxury Yacht Sank. What Is It?

Witnesses reported seeing the tornado-like phenomenon hit the Bayesian, a sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

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By Eve Sampson

What caused the sinking on Monday of a sailing yacht carrying the British billionaire Mike Lynch and 21 other people off the coast of Sicily is still unknown. But some attention has focused on observations by witnesses, who described seeing a small tornado-like column known as a waterspout forming over the water during an abrupt and violent storm as the vessel sank.

Fifteen passengers on the 180-foot yacht, the Bayesian, escaped on a raft before being rescued by a neighboring cruise ship. The body of the ship’s cook was recovered on Monday and six people remain unaccounted for , including Mr. Lynch and his daughter Hannah, according to officials with Sicily’s civil protection agency.

Prosecutors in the nearby city of Termini Imerese have opened an inquiry into the cause of the sinking.

Here is what to know about waterspouts, a surprisingly common weather phenomenon that may have helped sink the luxury yacht.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts are columns of spinning air and moisture — similar to tornadoes over water, according to the National Weather Service .

While some form in fair weather, and are aptly called fair weather waterspouts, another more dangerous variety called tornadic waterspouts develops downward from a thunderstorm. These tornadic waterspouts can either form as regular tornadoes over land and move out to sea, or form in a storm already over a large body of water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association .

Fair weather waterspouts are weak, often dissipate quickly and do not cause major damage, according to the agencies, but tornadic waterspouts are more often associated with high winds, dangerous and frequent lightning, and hail. The Italian authorities recorded strong winds and intense lightning activity at the time the yacht went down.

How common are waterspouts?

Experts say waterspouts may be more common than tornadoes, but because oceans are so vast, they are more difficult to track — and as difficult to predict.

“The Mediterranean is possibly one of the places where waterspouts are most likely around the world due to the warm ocean surface and a climate that is very susceptible to thunderstorms throughout the summer and autumn,” according to a statement by Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Inness pointed to a 2022 study by scientists from University of Barcelona , which found that waterspouts occurred more frequently over warmer sea surfaces. The North Atlantic ocean has been unusually hot for over a year, repeatedly reaching record highs for the time of year , according to data from the oceanic association.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research on Monday said on X , the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it had confirmed 18 waterspouts near Italy in recent days, and several fishermen in the area of the accident told Italian media that they had witnessed a waterspout near the yacht.

What may have happened?

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby boat that rescued the 15 passengers, said in an interview that he saw the Bayesian about 490 feet away before the wind and lightning picked up.

While it was difficult to see what happened amid the storm, “my theory was that she was capsized first and then went down over the stern,” he said.

Towering over 237 feet tall, the Bayesian mast was one of the tallest aluminum masts in the world and it also had a special keel that could be raised or lowered, according to its manufacturer, Perini Navi. A keel is the downward-extending centerline underneath a boat that can help stabilize the vessel.

“In this case, having a tall aluminum mast would not make it the safest port to be in case of a storm,” said Andrea Ratti, associate professor of nautical design and architecture technology the Politecnico di Milano.

He added that “a lot of questions will remain until we have other elements at our disposal.”

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting.

Eve Sampson is a reporter covering international news and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Eve Sampson