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Italian Yacht Builders: Top 8 Brands

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Discover the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship with our rundown of the top 8 luxury yacht brands. From Benetti’s heritage to Rossinavi’s custom designs, learn what makes these Italian marvels the masters of the sea.

• Benetti : A testament to Italian excellence, Benetti yachts blend tradition with cutting-edge technology, offering a range of superyachts crafted in iconic shipyards.
• Mangusta : For speed and luxury, Mangusta delivers with their sporty designs and custom yachts, all while maintaining that quintessential Italian flair.
• Azimut : Azimut stands out for its aesthetic appeal, but it’s their innovative use of nanotechnology for sustainable coatings that truly sets them apart.
• Riva : A legend in the Italian nautical scene, Riva combines historical charm with modern luxury, offering everything from sport yachts to 150-foot superyachts.
• Sanlorenzo : Known for their stunning interiors and robust construction, Sanlorenzo’s yachts are a symbol of luxury and reliability.
• CRN : With a focus on Italian design and sophistication, CRN’s custom yachts are a testament to the brand’s global leadership in shipbuilding.
• Custom Line : As part of the Ferretti Group, Custom Line offers personalized fiberglass flying bridge yachts that redefine luxury on the water.
• Rossinavi : Specializing in steel and aluminum, Rossinavi’s custom superyachts are the epitome of Italian craftsmanship and innovation.

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The best italian brands.

Italian Yachts  — a family of boats ranging more than 24 meters long, including the categories of superyachts (over 30 meters) and megayachts (over 60 meters) — are an especially important part of the overall market.

This article features the stories of 8 Italian yacht brands that were founded on the creativity, dedication, and bravery of their founders.

They are now experimenting with cutting-edge technology and creating the best Italian nautical architecture .

Benetti  is among the oldest producers of  Italian luxury yachts , celebrating Italian excellence throughout the world.

Lorenzo Benetti established the shipyard in 1873 to build wood boats for local and foreign commercial use.

With the start of World War II, the shipyard started producing recreational steel boats. Later, in the 1960s, the company would begin construction on the first large-scale luxury yachts.

Azimut Spa acquired the yacht-building company in 1985, transforming it into a modern and technologically innovative company that is now recognized worldwide.

Benetti now manufactures superyachts in the shipyards of Viareggio, Fano, and Livorno.

Tre bellissime città che vale la pena visitare.

Three  beautiful cities that are worth visiting.

Its lineup includes seven motor yacht types measuring 95 feet or longer. Custom boats in the super and giga yacht divisions are also produced by this Italian yacht builder .

Mangusta was founded in 1985 as a brand focusing on accessible, fast ships. Today, the company manufactures eight luxury sports yachts and five voyage superyachts  ranging in size from 104 to 215 feet.

Per veri amanti degli yacht (for real yacht lovers), the company also sells custom yachts that can be built from the ground up.

The Balducci family owns the firm, which manufactures exquisite Italian boats in the Tuscan shipyards of Viareggio and Pisa.

Azimut boats have a distinct and classically beautiful Italian style .

Azimut Yachts was born in 1969 to a young university student, Paolo Vitelli, who established Azimut Srl, a sailboat rental company.

In 1970, a few Italian luxury brands entrusted the new company with the distribution of their vessels throughout the Italian region.

According to business officials, the primary reason a customer chooses an Azimut yacht over another Italian luxury brand is its aesthetic appeal.

However, the firm has strengths in designing creative techniques and the use of nanotechnologies to produce long-lasting, anti-fouling coatings with a smaller effect on aquatic organisms.

Quindi , non solo meravigliosi ma anche di alta tecnologia.

So,  not only beautiful but also high-tech.

Riva Motorboats’ historic yacht-building company is one of the most well-known of all “Made in Italy” nautical endeavors.

The brand’s origins can be traced back to 1852 in Sarnico, on the shores of Lake Iseo, where Pietro Riva has since become a legend of the Italian nautical scene.

Originally, the shipyard dealt with the restoration and building of local working boats (batel de pesc a ) and pleasure ships  ( canotto da passeggio ) .

Ernesto, Pietro’s uncle, recognized the importance of motors and started building larger and larger vessels.

The brand’s flagship models, which draw on its roots, are 50-80 ft. flybridge and sport yachts , as well as smaller, open models.

However, the firm also builds 150-foot superyachts.

Gianfranco Cecchi and Giuliano Pecchia founded the Sanlorenzo shipyard in Viareggio in 1958, manufacturing boats from their headquarters in the shed of the former Canottieri Berchielli.

It wasn’t until 1972, when Giovanni Jannetti took over, that the company became recognized as a sign of luxury, beauty, strength, and reliability with stunning interiors .

Sanlorenzo creates luxurious Italian sailing yachts  and superyachts out of resin-infused fiberglass, aluminum, and steel.

Among the various specializations of the designer are naval architecture, yacht design, high-tech design, sales, and marketing.

Founded in Ancona in 1963 under the name Costruzioni e Riparazioni Navali (Shipbuilding and repairing) by entrepreneur Sanzio Nicolini, the shipyard would later adopt the acronym CRN, become a global leader and symbol of Italian design, sophistication, and excellence.

The CRN fleet currently consists of over 200 ships, including military and commercial ships as well as luxury yachts .

CRN, a worldwide symbol of innovation in Italian shipbuilding , builds yachts conceived by the owner’s imagination using the skills of its own hands.

Custom Line

Custom Line was established in 1996 as an extension of Ferretti’s flybridge fleet, which at the time comprised vessels ranging in size from 12 to 25 meters.

Now, Custom Line is an exclusive line of yachts with all the features characteristic of fiberglass flying bridge planing yachts over 30 meters in length, as well as many personalization options.

Che lusso! magari mi invitassero ad una festa su uno questi yacht.

What a luxury! I wish someone  would invite me to a party on one of these yachts.

Europe and the Mediterranean have long been the brand’s ancient stomping grounds, but Ferretti has recently made inroads into the Middle East, where its legendary comfort (both when driving and at rest) is valued.

Rossinavi , based at the Rossi shipyard in Viareggio, northwestern Italy, is an Italian luxury yacht builder of steel and aluminum custom superyachts from 28m and up.

Claudio and Paride Rossi founded the original Rossi shipyard in the 1970s, focusing on carpentry and mechanics.

Because of the family’s tradition of expert knowledge in these areas, they were in the top position of architecture and principles.

Rossinavi specializes in aluminum and steel construction , and each yacht is built with exclusive components.

To ensure accuracy, the superyacht shipyard  sources all components from authorized and accredited manufacturers.

Luxury yacht brands around the world

Luxury yacht brands around the world have made a significant impact on the superyacht industry, catering to the desires of discerning individuals seeking opulent experiences on the open ocean.

Among these brands,  Sunseeker  stands out as one of the largest UK yacht builders, renowned for its production of large and extravagant vessels.

Sunseeker’s manufacturing facilities in Poole, Dorset, showcase their commitment to excellence and craftsmanship, producing superyacht models ranging from 116 to 161 feet in length.

Their dedication to quality has solidified their position as a leader in the luxury yacht industry.

Moving across the globe to the  Netherlands , we encounter prominent luxury yacht brands such as  Heesen Yachts  and  Oceanco .

The Netherlands has long been recognized for its shipbuilding expertise, and these brands exemplify the nation’s commitment to maritime craftsmanship. 

Heesen Yachts, with its state-of-the-art facilities, has gained recognition for its exceptional yacht designs and engineering prowess.

Oceanco, in contrast, is well-known for its dedication to innovation and pushing the limits of yacht building, leading to stunning superyachts that adorn the seas worldwide.

The  superyacht industry , spanning continents and countries, has captivated enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Luxury yacht brands from various countries like the United States and the Netherlands have played a vital role in advancing the industry, establishing fresh benchmarks in terms of design, technology, and comfort.

The decks of these magnificent vessels have become stages for unforgettable experiences, blending luxury and adventure in a harmonious fashion.

Luxury yacht brands from around the world, including Sunseeker, Heesen Yachts, and Oceanco, have reshaped the superyacht industry.

Their modern facilities, exceptional skill in crafting, and dedication to innovation have transformed how we discover and experience the vastness of the ocean.

Whether it’s cruising on a Sunseeker yacht in the United States, admiring the engineering marvels of Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands, or indulging in the luxurious offerings of Oceanco’s superyachts, these brands have left an indelible mark on the world of luxury yachting.

The top 8 Italian brands

Buyers often wonder, “What is the Best Yacht Brand?” as many yacht brand names gain popularity, and several of them introduce new boats.

To answer this question, this article shared the stories of 8 Italian yacht brands that grew out of their founders’ innovation, passion, and courage .

Now you’re ready to get your luxury yacht and cruise around Italy.

Cosa stai aspettando?

What are you waiting for?

What are the Italian yacht brands?

The most popular Italian Yachts are Benetti, Mangusta, Azimut, Riva, San Lorenzo, CRN, Custom Line, and Rossinavi.

Where are the Italian yachts built?

Viareggio is definitely the headquarter of many Italian yacht shipyards. Several Italian brands have their shipyards in Viareggio: among them, Benetti, San Lorenzo, Mangusta, and Rossinavi.

What sets Italian yacht brands apart from others?

Italian yacht brands are known for their impeccable attention to detail, innovative designs, and a perfect blend of elegance and performance. Their dedication to craftsmanship and using premium materials ensures that Italian yachts not only offer luxurious experiences but also deliver exceptional quality and seaworthiness.

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Top Italian quality is a distinctive characteristic of Absolute Yachts’ design, all our products have refined beauty, great versatility, and uncompromised functionality. Every detail is thoroughly designed: elegant finishes, ergonomic spaces, top-notch materials, wide and comfortable cabins, ease of maneuverability, and plenty of innovative solutions.

Absolute Yachts, the Italian company specializing in building luxury yachts from 47 up to 75 feet, in the Navetta, Flybridge, and Coupé ranges.

Creative independence, stability, and foresight in our manufacturing, these are the core principles of Absolute.

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The 13 Best Italian Yacht Brands

Who doesn’t dream of having a luxurious yacht they could use on their sea getaway? If you’re thinking of purchasing one, consider Italian yacht brands – and don’t decide without reading this article.

Because of their unique dimensions and exceptionally well-planned interiors, Italian yachts are a top favorite in the yachting industry. The vessels are typically larger than 24 meters in length and include beautifully crafted and designed superyachts and megayachts. Italian yachts are frequently preferred by buyers due to their comfort and size.

The 13 best Italian yacht brands are listed in this article to show you the best options to consider when buying a yacht.

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Table of Contents

Whether you’re looking for mega yachts for sale or a luxury vessel, read on to learn about the best Italian yacht brands so you can make an informed investment decision.

1. Fincantieri Yachts

Only in Italy can a Fincantieri yacht be built. It is one of the most famous Italian yacht brands today.

Italy inspires the builders through their surroundings, infusing the magic of beauty into every yacht they build. These yachts are characterized by skilled craftsmanship that reaches new heights, touching the pinnacles of style and refinement.

Fincantieri Yachts represents the pinnacle of Made in Italy excellence. Every Fincantieri yacht is an unrivaled combination of one-of-a-kind and outstandingly original details designed to last and impress.

People who appreciate the extraordinary want to fill their lives with a yacht from this Italian builder as a lasting symbol and an essential example to astound experts and laypeople alike.

2. Benetti Yachts

Benetti is one of the oldest manufacturers of Italian luxury yachts, celebrating Italian excellence worldwide. Lorenzo Benetti founded the shipyard in 1873 to build wood boats for domestic and international commercial use.

With the outbreak of World War II, the shipyard began manufacturing recreational steel boats. Later, in the 1960s, the company started building the first large-scale luxury yachts.

Azimut Holding transformed the shipyard into a modern, technologically innovative company in 1985. Benetti now builds superyachts in Viareggio, Fano, and Livorno shipyards.

Benetti’s product line includes seven motor yachts measuring 95 feet or longer. This Italian yacht builder also produces custom boats in the superyachts and gigayacht divisions.

3. Perini Navi

Perini Navi was founded in 1983 in Viareggio by Fabio Perini, who launched a prototype sailing yacht with plenty of living space that could be sailed with a small crew. These layouts aligned Perini Navia among the best Italian yacht brands.

That vision evolved into the world’s most successful fleet of large bluewater cruisers. Perini then expanded his business by acquiring the Picchiotti shipyard, a pioneer in constructing luxury motor vessels.

4. Mangusta Yachts

Mangusta was established in 1985 as a brand specializing in accessible, fast ships. The company has since produced over 300 yachts, a number of which are luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts with lengths ranging from 104 to 215 feet.

True yacht enthusiasts also sell yachts that can be constructed from the ground up.

The Balducci family owns the company, which makes beautiful Italian boats in the shipyards of Viareggio and Pisa in the Tuscany region.

5. Pershing Yacht

Pershing luxury yacht builders are experts at making high-performance motor yachts that range from 14.24 to 35 meters. This Italian yacht brand is based in Mondolfo in Central Italy’s Marche region.

Pershing Yacht has a remarkable reputation in the industry. Their yachts for sale are well-known for their advanced propulsion, aesthetics, and functionality.

The company is owned by the Italian yacht-building brand Ferretti Group.

6. Azimut Yachts

In 1969, a young college student named Paolo Vitelli started a sailboat rental business called Azimut Srl. Azimut boats have a unique and beautiful style that is very Italian. This was the start of Azimut Yachts.

In 1970, a few high-end Italian yacht brands gave the new company the responsibility of selling their boats all over Italy. Business people say that the look is why a buyer chooses an Azimut yacht over another Italian luxury yacht brand.

But the company is good at developing new ways to do things and using nanotechnologies to make anti-fouling coatings that last longer and hurt aquatic organisms less. Today, Azimut has become one of the best Italian yacht brands that money can buy.

7. Wally Yachts

Wally, a world leader in yachting technology, combines cutting-edge technology with modern design. This Italian yacht builder is always looking for ways to improve on-the-water enjoyment through performance, comfort, and style.

Wally was founded by Luca Bassani, a passionate yachtsman and visionary entrepreneur, and changed the concept of cruising yachts, creating an iconic brand in both the yachting industry and the luxury market.

Since its inception in Monaco in 1994, Wally has launched unrivaled yachts while continuously innovating the products through an intensive, one-of-a-kind research and development program.

While originally a Monegasque brand, Wally joined Italian Ferretti Group in 2019 and its yachts have been built in the Ferretti Group shipyards in Ancona, Italy, since.

8. Riva Yacht

The historic shipyard where Riva motorboats are made is one of the most famous Italian yacht brands labeled as “ Made in Italy ” nautical projects.

The Riva brand was started in 1852 in Sarnico, Italy, on the shores of Lake Iseo. Since then, Pietro Riva has become a legend in the Italian boating world.

At first, the shipyard fixed up and built local fishing boats and passenger ships. Ernesto, Pietro’s uncle, saw how vital motors were and started making bigger and bigger boats. And the rest, they say, is history.

9. Custom Line Yacht

Custom Line was started in 1996 as an addition to Ferretti’s flybridge fleet, which had boats between 12 and 25 meters long.

Today, Custom Line is an exclusive line of yachts with all the features of fiberglass flying bridge planing boats longer than 30 meters and many ways to make them your own.

Ferretti has made headway into the Middle East, where its legendary comfort (while driving and at rest) is valued.

10. Rossinavi

Rossinavi is an Italian company that builds custom steel and aluminum superyachts from 28 meters and up. It is based at the Rossi shipyard in Viareggio, in the northwest of Italy.

In the 1970s, Claudio and Paride Rossi started the first Rossi shipyard. They focused on woodworking and mechanics. Because the family has always been very knowledgeable about architecture and principles, they were at the top of their field.

Rossinavi is an expert in building with aluminum and steel, and each yacht is made with unique parts. To ensure everything is correct, the superyacht shipyard gets all its components only from approved and authorized manufacturers.

11. Sanlorenzo Yacht

Gianfranco Cecchi and Giuliano Pecchia started the Sanlorenzo shipyard in Viareggio in 1958. They made boats in the shed of the old Canottieri Berchielli, their headquarters.

It wasn’t until 1972 when Giovanni Jannetti managed the company that it became popular for its luxury, beauty, strength, dependability, and stunning interiors.

Sanlorenzo designs and builds luxurious Italian sailing yachts and superyachts from resin-infused fiberglass, aluminum, and steel. The designer’s specialties include maritime architecture, yacht layout, high-tech layout, sales, and marketing.

12. CRN Yacht

Sanzio Nicolini, an entrepreneur, started the shipyard in Ancona in 1963 to build steel and aluminum yachts for the upscale patrons. After two decades, CRN’s clients were mostly Middle Eastern royalty and wealthy Greeks who preferred large yachts.

Today, CRN has become one of the best Italian yacht brands – a global leader and symbol of Italian design, elegance, and competence. The CRN fleet currently numbers over 200 ships, including military and commercial vessels and luxury yachts.

A worldwide symbol of advancement in Italian shipbuilding, CRN creates yachts from the owner’s imagination using his own hands.

13. Picchiotti Yachts

Picchiotti built Italy’s first motor yacht, L’Espresso , in 1902. In 1905, it launched the yacht Espero and built Giacomo Puccini’s famous little lake boat called Liu’ .

Picchiotti helped revive the leisure yachting industry after World War II by building the M/Y Kon Tiki in 1947, M/Y Anita in 1955, and the Solitaire , a 42.4m motor yacht in 1977.

In 1982, the Picchiotti fleet’s flagship – the 103-meter Al Said – was built in Marina di Carrara at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, now part of The Italian Sea Group.

Picchiotti, under the Perini Navi group, supplied 3 newly manufactured yachts of the Vitruvius Explorer Series between 2010 and 2014: the 50m Falco Moscata , formerly Exuma ; the 55m Galileo G ; and the 73m Nautilus , formerly Grace E .

FINCANTIERI YACHTS AND ITALY: ALWAYS CLOSE TO EACH OTHER

Italy is part of our History and we are part of the history of Italy. Throughout the emergency, our logo will bear the colors of the Italian flag as a sign of closeness to the most affected families and communities and a symbol of unity among all Italian citizens.

SMOTHLY MANAGING EVEN THE MOST AMBITIOUS PROJECT

Fincantieri Yachts is a relatively young organization, created in 2005 and fusing some of the best in-house and external Italian shipbuilding talent. We offer a unique mix of competencies backed by the expertise of an enthusiastic, experienced and proven management team that brings together the top talent in the fields of shipbuilding, design and luxury.

A team of excellence enhanced by a project-management capability that allows us to fulfil the most complex orders, through integrated management of the engineering, manufacturing, construction and purchasing processes and with the discipline to ensure exemplary risk management in terms of quality, cost control and optimization of production and delivery timescales.

MAKING THE OWNER'S DREAMS COME TRUE, WHATEVER THE SCALE

Fincantieri Yachts has a particular specialism in high-quality superyachts over 70 metres long, and there is no limit to the size or volume of yachts we can produce. Whatever her size, each of our yachts aims to be not just a leap forward in technology, design and aesthetics but a new benchmark for beauty and luxury on the sea.

Our aspiration is to fulfil future owners' expectations, either by building a unique and tailored mega yacht - a one-off product that will stand out in every port - or by leveraging our variously sized semi-custom engineered platforms to turn visions into reality much faster.

WE HAVE THE "Y" FACTOR

Above a certain size, an excellent large yacht can only be developed by starting from a strong ship design and building background, like Fincantieri's, and then incorporating those very special elements that distinguish a mega yacht from a ship. For those magnificent, large luxury vessels Fincantieri Yachts possesses all the key factors - we call it our "Y" factor - to please the most demanding yacht owners.

Our yachts are designed by our dedicated Yacht Design Centre in Muggiano. The Mega Yacht engineering department comprises more than 50 experienced professionals, who oversee in detail all the basic and functional design and engineering and part of the construction side. We rely on a team of people experienced in naval and merchant ships design and construction, partnered with a team of yachting experts. For each key element of the vessel's design and construction, we form a specific team including the best experts from the Fincantieri network, skilled people working in the area where that particular discipline is most important. These experts collaborate with the other sectors to maximize synergies.

We combine advanced technology, creativity and flexibility with a passion for quality and attentive client care.

These are the same ingredients that have helped Italian companies excel in luxury goods, from fashion to jewellery and cars to luxury boats.

THE MOST ADVANCED HI-TECH IS IN OUR DNA

Our technological excellence is built on the unique know-how developed over more than two centuries of experience in constructing vessels of all kinds.

Our wealth of proven knowledge and solutions gives us an undisputed advantage in designing and developing our yachts with sophisticated technological approaches, such as:

• engineering techniques to reduce noise and vibrations for superior onboard comfort, one of the most important technical and quality factors in our ships;
• our Interior Design Team's close collaboration with external interior designers, to meet the owner's expectations while complying with the latest stringent materials-certifications and fire-safety regulations;
• green solutions, another innovative theme and a key factor for yacht owners: we offer comprehensive technical expertise, and all our current yachts satisfy the most demanding green class notations.

In addition, the ongoing collaboration between Fincantieri R&D centres and the world's most prestigious research centres allows us to benefit from a continued transfer of knowledge, techniques and the most innovative applications.

EVERY PROJECT, A NEW PAGE TO BE FILLED WITH THE OWNER'S DESIRES

As a starting point for owners who have not yet developed their own design, Fincantieri Yachts has several concept designs of 70 meters and above to provide inspiration. At an early stage of development, these designs allow individual adaptations to the profile, general layout and interior styling that can easily translate into a custom-made design. For every project, Fincantieri Yachts is the only yard that grants to stay side-by-side with the owner and his team to provide a unique construction experience, while also infusing each of its yachts with elegance, beauty and the unique flavour of Italian creativity.

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We are dream shapers

Our yachts are not simply dreams.

They are the power of imagination. Every journey starts with a dream. But the  Mangusta experience goes beyond pure desire. It pushes you to explore your imagination, daring you to reach new limits. It leads you to search for something that still does not exist, or has not been discovered. Not as dreamers, but as Dream Shapers.

Mangusta Maxi Open Rev

Mangusta gransport, mangusta oceano, where dreams are shaped..

Located in Tuscany near Massa, Viareggio and Pisa, the company’s various production sites total approximately 190,000 square metres.

EL LEON: ITALIAN SHIPYARD, ITALIAN OWNER, ITALIAN CAPTAIN

El Leon, a 54 m GranSport yacht – the largest ever built by Overmarine Group – was the first Mangusta to cross the Atlantic Ocean and cruise around the world.

News & Events

Mangusta at palm beach international boat show 2024, mangusta at miami international boat show 2024, mangusta at boot düsseldorf 2024, mo39.1 and mo50.3 finalists at boat international design and innovation awards 2024, mangusta at flibs 2023, mangusta oceano 39 at the world yachts trophies 2023, mangusta at monaco yacht show 2023, mangusta at cannes yachting festival 2023, the fifth mangusta 104 rev hits the water, the second mangusta 165 rev has been launched, mangusta 165rev.1 – n1 is winner of the 35th annual best of the best awards in the marine category, the first mangusta oceano 39 hits the water, the mangusta oceano flagship hits the water, mangusta at palm beach international boat show 2023, sixth mangusta gransport 33 now launched, boat international design & innovation awards 2023 the mangusta 165rev wins in the “outstanding exterior design, motor yachts 40m to 59.9m” category, mangusta at boot düsseldorf 2023, m165rev finalist at boat international design and innovation awards 2023, mangusta oceano 50 awarded as the “best of show” at the fort lauderdale boat show 2022, mangusta oceano 50 us premiere at flibs 2022, mangusta at flibs 2022, second unit of mangusta 165rev, flagship of the maxi open line, now sold, monaco yacht show 2022 | world premiere the new mangusta 165rev and mangusta oceano 44, monaco yacht show 2022, mangusta oceano 44 at the world yachts trophies 2022, mangusta 165 rev at the world yachts trophies 2022, cannes yachting festival 2022, fifth mangusta gransport 33 now launched, save the date – mangusta at cannes yachting festival & mys 2022, mangusta 165 rev: the future of maxi open yachts is now., the second unit of flagship mangusta oceano 50 hits the water, mangusta 104 rev’s success continues in the usa, mangusta yachts triumphs at the world superyacht awards 2022, the fourth mangusta gransport 33 hits the water, mangusta 104 rev voting open, the second mangusta 104 rev hits the water, fifth unit of mangusta oceano 50 now sold, ‘stream yachts’ is mangusta’s new representative in israel, mangusta 104 rev finalist at design and innovation awards 2022, mangusta gransport 33 finalist at design and innovation awards 2022, the new mangusta oceano 44 lands in the usa.

Picchiotti Yachts

Since the XVI century the name of Picchiotti has been closely linked to the Italian Seafaring Tradition . A maritime heritage that, ranging from work boats as well as ocean sailing ships or military vessels, has led to the birth of the modern yachting era.

In 2010 the Picchiotti brand was revamped and leaped into the contemporary age with the construction of 3 yachts of the Vitruvius Explorer series.

Today this history and tradition has joined The Italian Sea Group .

Made in Italy

Craftmanship, attention to details and capability of combining heritage,  innovation and building technique in inimitable design, these hallmarks of the Made in Italy have always been part of the Picchiotti DNA.

It is not by coincidence that Picchiotti was the first to develop a serial production of gentleman motor cruisers, such as the Giglio, or Giannutri or Gorgona series, to mention just but few.

The Italian Sea Group Services

The Group features one of the largest private drydock in the Mediterranean Sea, capable of housing yachts and ships over 100 meters.

The skills and expertise of The Italian Sea Group, matched with its extraordinary infrastructures, are able to deliver the uppermost quality standard in the design and manufacturing of yachts over 100 m.

Technical and style innovations bestow a precious added value on every brand creation.

The Italian Register of Shipping has recorded 599 Picchiotti boats delivered from 1848 to 1978.

In 1902, Picchiotti realised the very first leisure yacht ever built in Italy, the motor yacht L’Espresso. In 1905 it launched the gentleman yacht Espero, while building smaller projects such as the Liu’, the famous little lake boat of the Maestro Giacomo Puccini.

After World War II, Picchiotti contributed to the rebirth of the leisure yachting industry with the building of famous gentleman yachts such as the MY Kon Tiki in 1947, or MY Anita in 1955 or the Solitaire, 42,4 m motor yacht in 1977, to name but a few.

In 1982 the flagship of the Picchiotti fleet – and one of the largest yacht in the world at that time – the 103 m motor yacht Al Said was built in Marina di Carrara, in the sheds of the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, today at the very core of The Italian Sea Group.

In most recent times, between 2010 and 2014, Picchiotti delivered 3 modern motor yachts of the Vitruvius Explorer Series: the 50m Falco Moscata, formerly Exuma; Galileo G, 55 m and the 73 m Nautilus, formerly named Grace E.

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Production facilities.

Strategically positioned on the Tyrrhenian coast, the production facilities of The Italian Sea Group expand from Marina di Carrara, to La Spezia and Viareggio for a combined total production area of more than 144.000 sqm.

The Group offers a full range of services including Repair and Refit operations, thanks also to its exceptional infrastructures among which 2 drydocks of 200 and 147m.

10 Best Italian Yacht Brands

People tend to invest in all sorts of things these days. It can be properties, vintage goods, handbags , or watches , but what about investing in a yacht? You might be wondering why would someone do that, surely you don’t get money from it. What you do get is new experiences and adventures. So we gathered a list of the 10 best Italian yacht brands for you.

Yes, Italians are great in everything, even in creating Italian luxury yacht brands. Rightly so, since you’ll find the best beaches in Italy where having a boat or a yacht gives you a great advantage. Of course, owning a yacht is costly and not many can afford it, but you’ll be sailing toward beautiful coasts and enjoying the sea or ocean during sunset and sunrise.

5 Best Italian Yacht brands – Italian luxury Yacht Brands

So how do you choose which Italian sailing yachts brands are the right ones for you? You can choose by model, specifications, length, interior design, and even whether the brand lets you add your personal touch to them, which is possible! Of course, it also matters how many people can fit on the yacht. And how fast can you get to your favorite Italian coasts? With these yachts, you can travel faster and better than by car.

For example, places like Cinque Terre , Amalfi , Portofino , or Sorrento are all coastal towns that you should visit and with your own personal yacht, it couldn’t be easier. And the yacht itself can feel like a luxury apartment with the newest furniture. What better flagships to purchase than the ones from the best Italian yacht brands?

It can be a challenge to purchase a yacht without prior experience. You can use a yacht charter (for example  Boataround ) and choose from many boats on offer to know what awaits you.

If you really want to stand out among your friends, Benetii should be on the top of your list of Italian yacht brands to buy. It is actually the oldest brand that started creating boats back in 1873. The founder is Lorenzo Benetti and they pride themselves on their Made in Italy yachts.

The first-ever shipyard launched by Benetti was in Viareggio in 1873. After nearly 100 years, in 1961 Benetti starts to produce steel boats, and the first yacht was launched under the name of Luxury Motor Yacht. Choose from a few different categories of yachts such as Class, B.Yong, Oasis, and B. Now or B. Century.

The Motopaniflo is the perfect yacht for travel. It is 37 meters long and it’s beautiful. Wait until you see the inside of the yacht, it is absolutely stunning! It fits 10 guests in 5 cabins and another 7 people in 4 cabins that are part of the crew. In case you’ve been wondering which Italian sailing yachts brands to invest in, Benetti should be in your top 5.

Among the best Italian yacht brands we have to count Azimut in our top 5 list. The business was founded by Paolo Vitelli in 1969. The first yacht that defined the history of the brand was the AZ 43’ Bali one and it “was an immediate success”. One of Azimut’s sayings is ”Italian as a way of life” meaning their attention to detail in the production of every single yacht is impeccable.

Azimut’s products show elegance, luxury, and the best quality you could find. No wonder it’s at the top of the Italian luxury yacht brands. There are about 6 collections on the website. Flybridge, S Collection, Magellano, Atlantis, Grande, and Verve. All of the collections have different sizes of yachts.

The Magellano for example was built for anyone ”who wants to cruise further afield”. It has gentle navigation and limited fuel consumption. The interior is specifically for those who wish to stay on the boat for a longer period. The Magellano 43 for instance had 2/3 cabins and it’s perfect for a small family or group of friends.

3. Mangusta

Mangusta is a bit newer than the previous brands . They have over 30 years of experience in being on the top of the Italian yacht brands list. The founders are the Balducci family who came up with the Mangusta name in 1985. The name comes from mongoose, which is ”the only animal that can tackle and defeat cobras. At that time the best company for fast vessels used to be the Cobra by Tecnomarine.

So the Mangusta was a new challenge, to beat the existing company in the best Italian sailing yachts brands. Giuseppe Balducci’s history also begins in Viareggio when he was working in a historic shipyard. The innovations that came after these years are truly amazing and it’s still a well-respected company.

You’ll find three types of yachts, Mangusta Oceano, Gransport, and Maxiopen. I found the Maxi Open the most interesting. It is a luxury sports yacht, it’s designed to be spacious while still offering enough speed. The smallest model can still hold up to 14 people on board in total. While the 132E has 5 cabins for guests and the owner, plus another 3 for the crew. So in total, it can fit up to 17 people. You can bring a lot of your friends to this yacht.

Using Riva’s own words about its yachts ”Devil is in the details” and I couldn’t agree more. Out of the 10 Italian luxury yacht brands Riva is probably the most luxurious looking with so much detail. It was founded in 1842 by Pietro Riva. Today it is part of the Ferretti Group.

You’ll find three different yachts at Riva, the Sportfly, Open, and Flybridge. Sportyfly’s largest yacht is the 88’ Folgore. It’s an ”irresistible thunderbolt”, it’s fast, beautiful and the design is just magnificent. It has 4 cabins and two standard crew cabins. The interior has everything you ever need for your vacation on the Italian coast.

From the Flybridge collection, I like the 110’ Dolcevita the most. It’s their new fiberglass flagship. And it is also a collaboration between Officina Italiana Design and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The yacht itself is stunning, and aesthetically pleasing with the highest technology. It has 5 cabins and 3 standard crew cabins, so it’s quite spacious. Let’s see the last of the Italian yacht brands.

5. Sanlorenzo

The last on our list of Italian sailing yachts brands is Sanlorenzo. They have over 60 years of experience in this field, founded by Gianfranco Cecchi and Giuliano Pecchia in 1958. They have been building high-quality motor yachts that can be ordered on request. And their motto is ’made to measure’, meaning you can request them to be made in many ways.

There are 4 collections to note at Sanlorenzo. SL, SD, SX and SP Range. The SL yacht for example is elegant and well-balanced, available in 6 different models. All of them can be personalized based on the owner’s taste and passions. Let’s take the SL106 Asymmetric as an example. It is 32,38 meters long and can fit a total of 15 people on board.

The SP range is quite new, designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. There’s only one model available, which is the SP110. It ”offers the best performances at the lowest fuel consumption”. Have you seen solar panels on a yacht? Yes, the SP110 has solar panels that supply the power to run the hotel load. It fits about 12-13 people and has a length of 33,04 meters. Even from an architectural point of view, this yacht is exquisite and worth investing in. Which of these Italian yacht brands is your favorite?

6. Baglietto

Continuing our list of Italian luxury yacht brands, next up is Baglietto. The brand was founded over 160 years ago, in 1854 with just the dream of having small fishing boats. Its founder is Pietro Baglietto whose vision was so clear that even today Baglietto is a well-respected yachts brand. He created racing boats, cruising yachts, and standard boats. Over the year the family business has been passed down to generations.

Today they stand proud as a 160 years old business that creates the most amazing yachts in Italy. There are 4 distinctive ranges to look at. The Dom Line, Tline, Fast Line, and Superfast Line. But besides these 4 ranges, Baglietto also offers the possibility to custom make your own yacht.

In the Fast Line, there are 3 different models designed by Francesco Paszkowski. The Fast43 is a 43.65 meters long yacht that can hold up to 17 people, out of which 7 are crew members. Another designer for Baglietto is Stefano Vafiadis, whose range is the Dom Line. The Dom 133 – Hybrid, has an overall length of 40.60 meters and can hold up to 18 people. The interior design is magnificent. You can literally live on this yacht!

7. Ferretti

The Ferretti Group was founded by the Ferretti brothers in 1968. They were previously marketing motor boats for an American Firm but then decided to build their own ones. The first one was built in 1971 and was called a ‘motor sailer’. After this, a series of other motor yachts were built by the Ferretti brothers, and soon they expanded into a bigger company.

The Ferretti Group also owns Riva, Custom Line, and CRN. So what type of “boats” can you buy from one of the best Italian yachts brands like Ferretti? According to the company, “the Ferretti Yachts fleet is a rich mix of comfort”. Let’s take the FERRETTI YACHTS 1000, which is a new concept of yachts. It looks and feels luxurious from the inside out.

The amount of time spent on designing and prototyping these yachts is over 15,000 hours. And to this day, it is their largest yacht built. The exterior looks premium with all of the details thought out carefully. The interiors look like the inside of an apartment. With sofas, tables, and chairs that make up a lounge and allow 20 people to be on board. The bedrooms and bathrooms are stunning too!

8. Rossinavi

The brand Rossivani is fairly new compared to the other Italian sailing yachts brands. Rossivani was founded in 2007 by Cantiere Fratelli Rossi. So many brands in Italy have been created by families and passed down to generations, working with the same passion. They create stylish yet simple designs which are made to last for years to come.

On their website, you can check out the fleets as they were made in each year, all the way back to 2000. The “South” was the first-ever made yacht by the Rossivani company and it’s 54 meters. The average speed is 15 knots with a maximum of 17, meanwhile smaller yachts go between 6-8. These yachts can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Looking at the newest model which is the “Piacere” one, was built for anyone in all types of sea conditions. It’s made in a way that both the internal and external spaces are optimized. The overall length is almost 50 meters. Although it doesn’t say how many people can fit into this yacht, however, you can choose to have a large garage on the bow. Simply said, it’s a pretty big yacht!

The story of CRN began in 1963 in Ancona which is in the Marche region of Italy. If you’re familiar with this region, then you know the Le Marche beaches as beautiful, so it’s only right that you need a yacht to discover all of them. CRN comes from “Costruzioni e Riparazioni Navali” which translates to “Shipbuilding and Ship Repairs”. Ancona has been a “strategic maritime hub” for 2400 years.

CRN is passionate about steel and aluminum, to bring their ideas to life and listen to your visions of how you imagine the yacht to be. They say “if you can dream it, we can make it”. Looking at the CRN Megayachts, they are definitely larger than the previous ones on our list. Mimtee for example is a beauty of 79 meters and it was designed for families.

Another beautiful 54,80-meter yacht is the Atlante. It’s quite huge and it fits around 13 guests. Although the exterior is more similar to the exterior of a ship, the yacht is still beautiful and functional for pleasure use. Other fleets CRN designed are Ciao, Rio, Voice, or Cloud 9. The Cia and Rio are the newest addition to the 2022 year. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for premium yachts!

10. Custom Line

As we have mentioned before, Custom Line is owned by the Ferretti Group. If you have seen the yachts they produce then you know you’ll only get the best quality. What does Custom Line promise to deliver then? Their fleets are “designed to fulfill every lifestyle and cruising need”. They have two main fleet lines, the Planing, and Navetta. All of these yachts were made with excellence in mind, so your sailings can go as smoothly as you can expect them to.

From the Navetta line, the 42 is the company’s largest displacement yacht. It is practical, it’s stunning and it blends into the sea. What’s even better is that this beauty is fully customizable. Whatever you wish to create inside this yacht, Custom Line will grant your wishes. It can fit up to 4 VIP sections, meaning that a maximum of 20 people can be on board. This will include 5 cabins for guests and another 4 for crew members. Which one was your favorite out of the 10 Italian yacht brands?

Best Italian Yacht Brands – Italian Sailing Yachts Brands – Wrap up

That concludes our list of Italian yacht brands. In case you wish to experience the luxury life and travel more on the sea, a yacht is a perfect investment. In this case, you’ll gain more life experience, you’ll travel and if you’re lucky enough you get to do that with family and your loved ones. After all, what’s the point of owning a yacht if you cannot take your family and friends on it? What we love about the Italian luxury yacht brands is their attention to detail. From the outside of the yacht to the inside furniture , everything is so well-thought-out.

For instance, if you purchase a bigger yacht, you’ll get about 8 cabins easily. Of course, some need to be reserved for the crew members as it’s important to have people help with sailing, however, you still have plenty of room for yourself. Other specifications may include fuel consumption. The majority are designed in a way that you use less fuel and get more travel time out of it. Whichever brand you choose, they will not disappoint you!

Pin it: 10 Italian Yacht Brands – Italian luxury Yacht Brands

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Rossinavi is one of the world's most prolific builders of high-end luxury yachts and superyachts. Combining Italian class and style with world-class technological innovation and performance, each Rossinavi yacht is an exemplary embodiment of this shipbuilder's prestige on the global stage.

Established during the 1970s. Rossinavi started out as a general partnership company that specialised in simple metal fabrication works. The company’s move into the more challenging fabrication works and its relentless effort to diversify its core business have subsequently transformed the company into a full-range boat builder with specialties covering a broad range of vessels and pleasure boats.

Rossinavi has continually sought for the adoption of more advanced and innovative production processes and applications in its overall effort in creating top-of-the-line yachts and mega yachts. Its exemplary performance is anchored on a dynamic team of highly skilled and experienced naval architects, technicians, project managers and engineers. It is at the forefront when it comes to superyachts and luxury yachts that are considered hallmarks of fine craftsmanship, topnotch performance and reliability. The company's specialisation is particularly advanced in the "custom made" field: each motor yacht is custom designed and produced based on the individual client's needs, resulting in the creation of veritable works of art of the sea. A continuous and ongoing commitment to strengthening and strategically repositioning the Rossinavi name in the market in order to expand the brand without losing sight of their roots in the past. The Rossinavi production is organized in four production units, three with attached waterfront (two in Viareggio and one in Pisa) plus the inland mechanical workshop in Viareggio. 

The heart of the shipyard is the mechanical workshop, specialised in metal-working and electro-hydraulic systems. This means that every component of Rossinavi full custom yachts is designed, developed and produced in-house. The total surface of the four production units is about 9000sqmt of open spaces plus 8000 sqmt of sheds and offices. The maximum production capacity is about 4 yachts under construction at the same time from 40mt to 90mt full custom/one-off projects.

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Admiral Yachts

Admiral Yachts stands out as a specialized builder of super yachts and mega yachts, exceeding 100 meters in length. The yachts under ADMIRAL BRAND  are universally recognised and appreciated for their elegance, classic style and prestige.

Present in the yacht market, Admiral has launched 149 super yachts and mega yachts over the years, realising the dreams of the most demanding yacht owners.

Made in Italy

Passion, attention to details, refined style and cutting edge design, tradition, know how and craftsmanship, enthusiasm, dedication to perfection, creativity and professionalism; these are the values that have made ADMIRAL so well appreciated all over the world, a fine example of Excellence and made in Italy.

The Group offers its customers the largest private drydock in the Mediterranean Sea, the only one capable of accommodating super yachts and mega yachts up to and over 100 meters and offers full REFITTING and MAINTENANCE SERVICES  including a bright new crew village which can be used by captains and crews in order to monitor all the operations on site.

Technical and stylish innovation guarantee a precious added value to every brand creation.

launched yachts since 1966

Group launches since 1575

made in Italy

sqm production area

Brand of The Italian Sea Group , global operator of the international nautical industry   with a production capacity of super yachts and mega yachts up to and over 100 m, Admiral is worldwide recognized for its elegant, classic and prestigious lines.

On the market since 1575 The Italian Sea Group has launched over 1265 yachts.

More than 50 years have passed since 1966 when Admiral launched its first wooden 18m yacht, beginning its story and marking a crucial moment in the YACHTING INDUSTRY  and in the world of ‘ MADE IN ITALY’ LUXURY .

149 super yachts and mega yachts launched, a unique and unrepeatable style constantly focused on attention to detail and technical-styling perfection. In 50 years Admiral has become a benchmark in the International yachting industry, synonymous with style, creativity and quality.

The perks of Admiral are shown through its story in pictures and words of yachts, super yachts and mega yachts which perfectly describe the elements that make ITS STYLE , its lines and its SIGNATURE unique all over the world.

Shipyard's Services

Located in Marina di Carrara, between the Apuan Alps and the sea, the Group production area spreads on a surface of around 120.000 sqm and can offer a wide range of REFIT SERVICES thanks to remarkable facilities such as two dry dock.

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Design & creativity, the headquarter, launched yacht, yacht model, cookie policies, safety and quality policies, t: +39 0585 6440 f: +39 0585 506250.

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THE ITALIAN SEA GROUP S.p.A. Viale C. Colombo, 4Bis 54033 Marina di Carrara (MS) Italy

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2024 Boat of the Year Best Crossover: Italia 14.98 

• By Dave Reed
• December 19, 2023

Die-hard racers and cruisers alike have strong opinions about what makes the ideal dual-purpose boat, a debate that has endured for as long as builders have been putting furniture into race boats. While it is true there’s no such thing as a perfect crossover, the Italia 14.98 comes pretty darn close as far as our Boat of the Year judges are concerned. This year’s Best Crossover, they say, is a beautifully styled and practical yacht that presented and sailed superbly.

Italia Yachts and its ever-­expanding lineup is a relatively new brand to the US market, but it is well-established in Europe, where other Italia models have been hoarding the ORC world titles of recent. There’s an undeniable winning pedigree here, and the Italia Yachts 14.98 continues the lineage.

While it’s a production boat, there’s nothing cookie-­cutter about this semi-custom Italian-built yacht. Artemis , the Italia 14.98 presented to the judges for Boat of the Year in Annapolis, is hull No. 7. It is owned by a highly experienced couple from Annapolis and expertly maintained. Even with a full season of racing and cruising under its hull, the boat was showroom-quality. The judges each noted it was impossible to discern it had been through the ringer a few times with a race crew, as well as a few summer cruises with the owner’s tribe and family dog.

The boat is accessorized with a lot of cruisy extras: air conditioning, anchors, alternators, a watermaker, and an array of electronics and communications systems, including a Starlink terminal. But 1,000 pounds or more of accessories didn’t seem to slow down the boat one bit on the breezy test sail.

“It’s a beautiful sailing boat,” was judge Mike Ingham’s assessment after two long sailing sessions—one a light-air drifter and a redo the next day in a puffy 15-knot breeze. “It felt great for a boat its size and so fully loaded. Even when the breeze was pretty light, it would just accelerate and go.”

The boat’s vacuum-infused construction, the judges noted, is custom-quality, and the interior finish is flawless. Even after a deluge of a rainstorm on the day of their dockside inspection, the bilge was bone-dry. To eliminate potential leak points and avoid a ceiling full of exposed fasteners, the boat’s winches, clutches and most deck hardware components are threaded into backing plates bonded into the deck.

Once under sail, the judges immediately appreciated the hull’s stiffness, a result of what the builder describes as essentially one monolithic structure. With a robust carbon keel grid, carbon longitudinal stringers, and Y-shaped chain plate stringers tied into the grid, the hull is plenty solid and light at nearly 25,000 pounds. Artemis is a slightly heavier Bellisima model of the 14.98, and sails with an ORCi rating of 484.1 and a PHRF Chesapeake rating of 6. (The Fuoriserie model is longer and lighter.)

“It definitely has a big-boat feel—nice and solid and stiff,” Greg Stewart says. “This boat’s ORC certificate has its limit of positive stability at 122.3 and its stability index at 130.5, so that’s really good. The Bermuda Race entry limit is 115, so this boat feels like it should—a good, stable and stiff platform. It felt really lively, even in the light stuff.”

The standard keel draft is 8 feet, 4 inches, with a torpedo bulb and stainless-steel fin, but shoal and deeper draft options are available. The standard rig is an aluminum Selden section with rod rigging, but a Hall Spars or Axxon Composites carbon rig is an option, as are “boomerang” carbon spreaders and EC6 rigging. 

The deck layout is straightforward and clean, with halyards and a control line running aft under channel covers. Reinforced tack points on the bow accommodate staysails, and there are longitudinal jib tracks with an inhauler system. Hidden under a foredeck plate is a trough for an optional self-tacking jib track.   

Judge Chuck Allen was mostly impressed with the 14.98’s performance upwind. His assessment is the boat “has a really nice groove. It is easy to access all the controls, and the winches are set up well for racing.”

Artemis has a six-winch configuration, but the cockpit accommodates an eight-winch setup should an owner opt to go with backstays. “It was presented with an A3 [spinnaker], which is a pretty small kite,” Allen says, “but it’s easy to jibe and get the boat to reset quickly. The boat responds instantly to crew weight movements too. We could really feel the difference as we moved people around.”

Stewart agreed, adding that the hull profile is both powerful and slippery, with some underwater magic that Italia’s designers have utilized and the ORC rule seems to favor. An unmistakable design trait of the Italia 14.98 that separates it from other wide and hard-chined transoms common today, Stewart says, is that it is “wide in the back end, but the corners are well-rounded. It has some rocker, so you don’t have big corners that dig and make all that turbulence. With this boat, you don’t hear anything back there, and the water releases beautifully.”

A quiet ride on deck means a peaceful ride below for off-watch crewmates and family members, who will no doubt enjoy the experience of knocking off fast sea miles surrounded by a bright and expansive interior that’s as easy to move about and live in at sea as it is at the dock. The family will enjoy the luxury as much as the race crew enjoys taking line honors—a true measure of a proper crossover.

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