A pioneer in automation and furling systems on large sailing yachts, Italian shipyard Perini Navi was founded in 1983 by Fabio Perini. The builder has constructed 61 motor and sailing superyachts so far, with an average LOA of 49 metres. Meanwhile, the company’s legendary Maltese Falcon remained the world’s largest sailing yacht until 2017.
Today Yacht Harbour recalls the largest vessels built by the yard.
#1. Maltese Falcon
Length: 88m
Year: 2006
Maltese Falcon is an iconic yacht that had held the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht until Oceanco launched the Black Pearl in 2017.
Commissioned in 2000 by Tom Perkins, the late venture capitalist, the Maltese Falcon took nearly six years to complete. Sold to hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou at an asking price of €70 million in 2009, the 88-meter is now one of the largest yachts available for charter with a rate starting from €360,000 per week.
Maltese Falcon’ most innovative attribute became her sails that could rotate based on the direction of the wind. This was a first for the yachting industry. This innovative system allows the yacht to even sail against the wind.
Maltese Falcon features a cruising speed of 16 knots. Meanwhile, in a storm in the Gulf of Lion, France she demonstrated a speed of 26 knots under sail alone.
Designed by Ken Freivokh, the Maltese Falcon was extensively refurbished in 2015/2016 during a refit. She can accommodate up to 12 guests on-board.
Length: 73m
Year: 2013
Delivered in 2013 by Picchiotti, part of the Perini Navi group, Nautilus (back then Grace E) instantly received a positive reaction at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2014, thanks to a unique design.
Her first owner, according to several sources, was Florida-based billionaire Bob Stiller, who built his fortune on a coffee empire known as Keurig Green Mountain. In Q2 2017, the yacht was listed for sale and ultimately found a buyer in March 2018. She was sold asking € 78,500,000.
With a beam of 13.2 metres and a draft of 4 metres, Nautilus features exterior design by Philippe Briand and interior style by Remi Tessier. Her gross tonnage makes 1590 tons.
The superyacht's key features include an open-air Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, hydrotherapy bath and pool. She also hosts a beauty salon, meditation room, sunbathing and massage area as well as a sushi bar. If that is not enough to entertain the guests, there is also a film library, satellite TV, iPod docking stations and Wi-Fi.
From a technical standpoint, Nautilus can reach a top speed of 16.5 knots and cruise at 14.5 knots. As for the accommodation, 12 guests in 6 suites can be carried on-board, as well as a crew of 20.
Length: 70m
Year: 2016
The second largest sailing yacht built by the yard since the Maltese Falcon, Badis I (originally Sybaris) was conceived for American businessman Bill Duker in 2016. The yacht was listed for sale in April 2017 asking €88 million and sold at the same asking price in October 2018.
Naval architecture on this project was handled by Perini Navi's in-house team and French designer, Philippe Briand who had previously worked with the group on the 73-metre motor yacht Grace E.
The yacht was built out of alloy complete with a keel of variable draught (4.5m to 11.74m) in order to allow access to shallow areas and achieve good sailing performance. Badis I' sails stretch over a surface of 2,300 square meters and can be controlled solely with consoles in the cockpit.
Badis I cruises at 12.5 knots and reaches a top speed at 17.5 knots. She can host up to 12 guests taken care of by a crew of 12.
Length: 64m
Year: 2003
The Spirit Of The C’s is the largest aluminium sailing yacht in the world. She features a beam of 12.7 metres and a draft of 9.4 metres, adding up to a gross tonnage of 655 tons. She is powered by Deutz-MWM engines of 1400 HP each, giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Featuring exteriors by Nuvolari & Lenard and interiors by Perini Navi, Remi Tessier, Dernier Etage, and the vessel is trademarked with a large retractable bathing platform, providing easy access into the water or onto the tenders and folding perfectly into the stern aft, when not in use.
Along with a crew of 11, Spirit Of The C's can accommodate up to 10 guests within five staterooms, including a full-beam master suite.
The yacht is now back on the charter market, following an extensive refit which included a sundeck extension, a complete rebuild and refurbishment of her interior and the remodelling of the guest cockpit area. The charter price starts from €198,000 per week.
#5. Seahawk
Length: 60m
Year: 2013
All-aluminium sailing yacht Seahawk features Perini Navi in-house exteriors and naval architecture developed in collaboration with Ron Holland Design, along with interiors by French studio Liaigre. She offers accommodation to 12 guests within 6 cabins.
With a beam of 11.4 metres and a draft of 12.3 metres, she has an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 491 tons. Seahawk reaches a maximum speed of 15.50 knots and cruises comfortably at 13 knots.
Following her 2018 refit, Seahawk has been listed for sale asking €32,000,000.
#6. Perseus 3
Length: 60m
Year: 2014
Second 60m of the series, the design brief called for Perseus 3 to feature the tallest carbon fibre mast ever built, and the biggest downwind sail area on a yacht, thanks to her unique bowsprit. Built in aluminium with a carbon bowsprit, she features a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Perseus 3 offers accommodation to up to 12 guests within five spacious suites, including a full-beam master suite with a private lounge and study, two VIP doubles, and two twins with additional Pullman berths.
The yacht’s on-deck trademarks comprise a swim-in-place heated pool on the foredeck and a large flybridge with cushioned sun pads, sofas and a BBQ. On the main deck, more formal al fresco dining can be enjoyed in the cockpit, which is sheltered by a curve of glass, also enclosing the exterior lounge.
The yacht is available for charter from €250,000 per week.
#7. Seven
Length: 60m
Year: 2017
The seventh largest yacht by Perini Navi, Seven, was launched in 2017 as the third 60-metre unit.
Seven is trademarked with lighting design by Videoworks and design studio Dante O Benini & Partners. She can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins with an interior design by Studio Dante O. Bellini and an exterior design by Perini Navi.
The yacht is fitted with two Panamax aluminium masts with carbon-fibre rigging, booms and spreaders, contributing to a total sail plan of more than 2,000 square metres. Meanwhile, Seven’s maximum speed makes 15 knots.
Cantiere delle Marche's dedication to crafting exceptional vessels reaches new heights with the sale of the Flexplorer 165 to a distinguished European yachtsman. Representing the shipyard's largest explorer yacht to date, this milestone sale underscores Cantiere delle Marche's unwavering commitment to excellence.Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche, expresses pride in the achievement: "The sale of the Flexplorer 165 marks a significant moment for our shipyard. In an industry marked by fluctuating tides, our steadfast dedication to quality and precision has yielded remarkable results." Buonpensiere emphasizes the shipyard's resilience in navigating market challenges, attributing the success to the enduring reputation of their explorer yachts.Ennio Cecchini, co-founder and President of Cantiere delle Marche, highlights the distinctive qualities of the Flexplorer 165, noting its striking design and embodiment of the shipyard's core values.The Flexplorer 165, boasting a length of nearly 49.90 meters and a beam of 9 meters, showcases the renowned exterior design by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec. Collaborating with Hus studio for the interior, the yacht promises timeless elegance and unparalleled comfort.Equipped with an impressive A-frame crane capable of lifting over 4.5 tons, the Flexplorer 165 offers exceptional handling of tenders and water toys. Powered by twin Caterpillar C32 Acert engines, each generating 970kW, the yacht ensures reliability and efficiency on every voyage.The decision to offer the Flexplorer 165 on the charter market reflects the owner's confidence in its ocean-going capabilities, long-range endurance, and unmatched comfort. CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
April 19, 2024
Sacs Tecnorib makes a return to the Palma International Boat Show, marking the commencement of the boating season in the Mediterranean. The event, celebrating its 40th anniversary, serves as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the maritime industry, drawing over 32,000 visitors, hosting nearly 300 exhibitors, and featuring more than 250 boats on the water.Pirelli 42At the M-30 Pontoon P2 stand, hosted by official distributor Swiss Yachting, SACS Tecnorib will proudly display its renowned Pirelli Speedboats range. Among the highlights are the Pirelli 30, 35, and 42 models, renowned for their exceptional performance and sleek design. These walkaround vessels offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, catering to discerning boating enthusiasts.Pirelli 35The Pirelli 30, serving as the entry-level model, sets the stage for the walkaround range with its compact yet powerful build. Meanwhile, the Pirelli 35 impresses with its rugged 11-meter frame, boasting meticulous attention to onboard accessories. Completing the lineup is the Pirelli 42, the flagship model renowned for its versatility and unmatched performance on the water.Pirelli 47Adding to the allure are the Rebel 47 and Strider 13, exhibited by dealer Helimotor. Designed by Christian Grande, the Rebel 47 embodies luxury day-cruising with its modern design and elegant exterior layout. On the other hand, the Strider 13, also envisioned by Grande, stands out for its exclusive lines, safety features, build quality, and versatility, catering to owners seeking both performance and spacious comfort.Strider 13Each vessel showcased at the Palma International Boat Show epitomizes SACS Tecnorib's commitment to excellence, combining cutting-edge design with uncompromising performance to deliver an unparalleled boating experience.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Credits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
April 19, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) commemorates the keel laying of the Admiral 70m C.615 mega yacht, the esteemed model of the Admiral fleet and the group's six hundred and fifteenth yacht.The keel laying ceremony signifies a significant milestone in TISG's developmental journey, reaffirming its stature as a prominent global player in the large yacht domain and showcasing the group's commercial expansion.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, shared his sentiments on this maritime tradition, remarking, "When building a yacht, the keel-laying ceremony is a moment of profound emotion for both the shipyard and the owner."The Admiral 70m mega yacht, crafted entirely by the Centro Stile of The Italian Sea Group, boasts elegant exteriors characterized by graceful lines, expansive deck spaces, and generous glass windows. Internally, the vessel offers accommodations with 7 VIP and "Guest" cabins, along with 10 cabins for the crew.This yacht exemplifies the culmination of engineering prowess, design innovation, and the hallmark quality associated with the Admiral brand. It prioritizes absolute onboard comfort while championing environmental sustainability, with minimal emissions in both water and atmosphere.The delivery of the mega yacht Admiral 70m is slated for 2026.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
April 19, 2024
Antonini Navi introduces the Sport Utility Yacht – SUY 135, a groundbreaking vessel conceived by Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director, along with designer Fulvio De Simoni. Moravia Yachts has been appointed as Central Agency. Hull number #1 is already in construction with delivery slated for 2026.As part of Antonini Navi's broader vision, the SUY 135 is a precursor to the SUY 190 and SUY 108, forming a comprehensive lineup of versatile superyachts designed to navigate deep waters while embracing luxury and environmental harmony.Currently under construction at the shipyard in Italy, the SUY 135 spans 44 meters in length and boasts approximately 480GT. This steel displacement motor yacht marks the debut of Antonini Navi's Sports Utility Yachts – SUY series.Designed by Fulvio de Simoni with naval architecture by Studio Arrabito, the SUY 135 seamlessly blends superyacht elegance with unparalleled world-cruising capabilities."The SUY offers limitless experiences, akin to an SUV in the automotive realm," remarks Aldo Manna. "It's designed to enable owners and guests to fully immerse themselves in yachting, equipped with toys, amenities, and tenders for a myriad of recreational activities."Alessandro Diomedi of Moravia Yachting expresses pride in representing Antonini Navi's SUY series, highlighting its innovation and voluminous capacity for water toys while prioritizing owner privacy and lifestyle.The SUY 135's flexible design allows for extensive internal and external customization, featuring a main and upper deck linked by a raised deck with five guest cabins. The owner's suite, spanning 56 square meters, resides on the main deck, offering luxurious seclusion.External spaces include a 40-square-meter veranda for al fresco dining and a 35-square-meter beach club with a transom hot tub. The sun deck boasts panoramic views, a second hot tub, and ample relaxation areas.Equipped with a transversal tender garage and achieving a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots cruising speed, the SUY 135 sets new standards in environmental consciousness.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
April 18, 2024
In a remarkable display of innovation and engineering prowess, eD-TEC's groundbreaking eD 32 c-Ultra high-performance all-electric RIB has successfully completed its first sea trials after just nine months of intensive development. These trials, conducted in the Adriatic Sea near Punat, Croatia, mark a significant milestone in the advancement of electric boating technology.At the heart of the eD 32 c-Ultra lies eD-TEC's revolutionary Technology Stack, seamlessly integrated with twin plug-and-play eD-QDrive 200kW propulsion units, driving surface-piercing propellers. With a net battery capacity of 105kWh, this blank-sheet design sets new standards in the industry, delivering exceptional performance, stability, and manoeuvrability.During the trials, dubbed as an engineering feat, the eD 32 c-Ultra demonstrated remarkable capabilities, boasting a 25-knot cruise and an impressive range of over 40 nautical miles. These results underscore the vessel's potential to revolutionize the marine industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on performance.Michael Jost, founder of eD-TEC, expressed optimism about the vessel's future, stating, "We are thrilled with the initial performance of the eD 32 c-Ultra during its maiden sea trials. Preliminary estimates indicate a range of 20 to 40 nautical miles and a current cruising speed of 25 knots, with anticipated improvements to reach approximately 30 knots."Furthermore, the trials provided valuable insights into optimizing the vessel's efficiency and performance. Adaptive steering, inspired by automotive systems, and innovative hydrodynamic design elements were highlighted as areas for refinement to enhance stability and reduce power consumption.Looking ahead, eD-TEC remains committed to pushing the boundaries of electric boating technology. Plans for a two-week Booster Sprint, focused on software optimization and charging efficiency, aim to further enhance the vessel's capabilities.Philipp Lehr and Marc Jost, project leads for the eD 32 c-Ultra, expressed satisfaction with the trials, emphasizing the vessel's reliability and performance. "After approximately 500 kWh, we have encountered no system disruptions thus far, and all temperatures have remained within optimal ranges," they reported.As the eD 32 c-Ultra continues its journey towards commercialization, eD-TEC remains dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions for the marine industry. With ambitious plans for future developments, including solar-centric off-grid solutions, the company is poised to revolutionize the concept of luxury shoreside living and on-water escapes.Indeed, the eD 32 c-Ultra represents not just a vessel but the beginning of a new era in electric boating, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable marine transportation.Credits: eD-TEC
April 18, 2024