Genoa is one of the largest boat shows of the year, with thousands of boats and a full program of ‘fringe’ events to ensure it caters for every nautical fan in town.

Some 450 debuts from the world’s biggest shipyards are expected for this 51st edition, spread over three pavilions and two marinas.

The largest flagship of this year’s show will be the CBI 50 ‘Alfos’, a 50 meter yacht, although there will be a dedicated mega-yacht area which is expected to boast some 30 boats with sizes up to 50 meters.

Kirsty Bertarelli, the richest woman in Britain and her husband Ernesto have bought the biggest motor yacht ever built in the UK, the 315-ft. foot Vava II.

The $160 million megayacht, which now ranks as the 33rd largest in the world, was built by Devonport Yachts in Plymouth and boasts luxury interiors, a helicopter landing pad, lavish guest cabins and four tenders.

Kirsty is a former Miss UK, while her husband is a Swiss pharmaceuticals magnate who has won the America’s Cup twice with his yacht Alinghi and is worth a reputed $10 billion, making him the 81st richest man in the world and the fifth richest in the UK.

Pearl Motor Yachts, one of the UK’s leading luxury yacht builders, has announced a special collaboration with British interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE.

Kellyis has been brought on board to design the luxury interior of the flagship Pearl 75, which will be launched in early 2012.

Kelly creates stunning interior designs for luxury homes, yachts and private jets for an ever-expanding international high-profile client base.

Rihanna let her hair down recently in the French Riviera aboard on Benetti’s stylish 172-ft. superyacht Latitude, which charters out at about $300,000 a week.

The London Daily Mail reports that the 23-year-old star rented the vessel for some R&R following her performances at the UK’s V Festival.

She thrilled paparazzi with glimpses of a toned bikini bod as she paraded around the yacht’s five decks.

This superyacht - dubbed the ‘Tropical island Paradise’ – has been designed by British boat builders Yacht Island Design.

The 90m Tropical Island Paradise design has a theme that is centred around a secluded island paradise, with elements inspired by the islands of the Caribbean.

The main exterior deck is a private beach “cove” with a voluminous ocean view swimming pool located forward that is fed by a stream emanating from a cascading waterfall on the volcano further aft.

Six months after he finally took delivery of the Eclipse, the world’s largest yacht, Roman Abramovich is offering it up for charter at a rate of $2 million per week.

The 538-ft. Blohm + Voss behemoth is available via ultra-exclusive brokerage SuperYachtsMonaco, and is the world’s most expensive yacht charter by far.

The yacht, which has space for 30 guests and 75 crew, reportedly features a military-grade missile defense system, armor plating, bulletproof windows, three helipads, two swimming pools and a wellness center, among other luxe amenities.