Hot Lab is a yacht design studio created in 2004 by young partners, Antonio Romano, Michele Dragoni and Enrico Lumini, that since then has been engaged with such brands as Baglietto, Heesen, and Fincantieri.
Left to right: Michele Dragoni, Antonio Romano and Enrico Lumini.
The “made in Italy” trademark has become kind of a cliché nowadays, and yachting is not an exception. How do you benefit from your Italian roots and still manage to differentiate yourself from other Italian studios?
From the Ancient Roma to Renaissance, beautiful cathedrals and palazzos surround us. So, art is in our blood. That is why the best part of furniture firms is located in Italy and the best part of supercar builders too. By the way, our partner Michele Dragoni has a background in car design and the other partner, Enrico Lumini is an architect. So, our private customers, as well as international shipyards appreciate the Italian way of doing design. However, Hot Lab is one of the few studios in this country having seven yachts in-build this year.
VSY 67m explorer project: exterior and interior design by Hot Lab
M/Y Ipanema
Looking back, 2017 was a very important year for us. We developed four V-Line projects with Baglietto, ranging from 38 to 50 meters. We are also proud of our 67-meter explorer concept for VSY, as we consider this yard to be the best in Italy in terms of quality shipbuilding. We have also recently announced the 113-meter project Ganimede designed for Fincantieri. By the way, in December we are hosting in our hometown a private event called Hot Lab Rendez-Vous. On this occasion, we’ll update the market, but most importantly our clients, on what we have done and what we have in progress.
What, in your opinion, will be the trends in yachting design in 2018?
Yachting is a very traditional industry. New trends slowly make their way on the market. From what we can see in 2017, the client prefers to spend more time outdoors, but also to observe what is happening outside from the inside of the yacht. So, all that is related to panoramic glazing and glass sliding doors will surely prevail. The client also wants to have a closer relationship with the water. That’s why the beach club is no longer a single platform, but various platforms that may even be joined together.
And what about the digital in yachting? Do you embrace the trend?
Sure. Clients become more and more addicted to their mobile phones and, consequently, to touch-pad technology onboard. Now there is also a trend to bring IMAX private theaters onboard superyachts. So, we have projects that feature this technology as well. In fact, digital is a great help for designers, as it allows creating a virtual reality that can give the client a clear idea of the future exterior design. However, the main part of the design is in your brain. So, virtually any idea, from the profile of the yacht to the interior design inspiration, is first drawn in pencil.
Left to right: Michele Dragoni, Antonio Romano and Enrico Lumini. This interview with Antonio was recorded in the middle of his trips between Milan, Istanbul, and Monaco. He talked to Yacht Harbour about his cultural roots, challenges of doing business in Italy, the studio’s current projects, plans to expand into other luxury products and… he disclosed what his favorite car is.
Since you’ve just returned from Turkey, how is the business going there?
Hot Lab has become increasingly popular in Turkey after we delivered the refit project for the 43-meter Keyla that belongs to a very important Turkish family. We have three in-build yachts in Istanbul commissioned by our private clients. Two of them are under construction at Yildiz Shipyard and the third one is both exterior and interior design for the 68-meter M/Y Day’s built at AES Yacht. Besides, we’ve just started the 55-meter project called Nacré, which is our fourth in-build project in Turkey and the first for Sarp Yachts. The business is good. Yachting culture has developed a lot among local owners and shipyards.Turkish yards are now able to produce top-level quality leisure vessels.
Since you’ve just returned from Turkey, how is the business going there?
Hot Lab has become increasingly popular in Turkey after we delivered the refit project for the 43-meter Keyla that belongs to a very important Turkish family. We have three in-build yachts in Istanbul commissioned by our private clients. Two of them are under construction at Yildiz Shipyard and the third one is both exterior and interior design for the 68-meter M/Y Day’s built at AES Yacht. Besides, we’ve just started the 55-meter project called Nacré, which is our fourth in-build project in Turkey and the first for Sarp Yachts. The business is good. Yachting culture has developed a lot among local owners and shipyards.Turkish yards are now able to produce top-level quality leisure vessels.
M/Y Keyla interior by Hot Lab. In 2014 this collaboration between the Milanese studio and RMK Marine won the Best Rebuilt Yacht at World Superyacht Awards.
From the Ancient Roma to Renaissance, beautiful cathedrals and palazzos surround us. So, art is in our blood. That is why the best part of furniture firms is located in Italy and the best part of supercar builders too. By the way, our partner Michele Dragoni has a background in car design and the other partner, Enrico Lumini is an architect. So, our private customers, as well as international shipyards appreciate the Italian way of doing design. However, Hot Lab is one of the few studios in this country having seven yachts in-build this year.
We find ourselves so well positioned on the market because we put a stress on the technical part of our designs. We don’t claim to be artists. We are professional designers. And we believe that this combination of Italian style and world-class technical expertise is our formula of success.
VSY 67m explorer project: exterior and interior design by Hot Lab
You have various designs inspired by contemporary or vintage automobiles, such as the Baglietto V-Line concepts. Would you be ready to go even further and embark on a crossover project launched by a premium car brand?
That would be lovely! As we work on our projects, the main inspiration comes from the automotive world, because it is at the forefront the in terms of research and design solutions. So, there is an idea to create something new. And we have already started something, but it is a little secret of mine at the moment.
Then, what's your favorite car?
Ferrari F40. It is a masterpiece of the 80s.
That would be lovely! As we work on our projects, the main inspiration comes from the automotive world, because it is at the forefront the in terms of research and design solutions. So, there is an idea to create something new. And we have already started something, but it is a little secret of mine at the moment.
Then, what's your favorite car?
Ferrari F40. It is a masterpiece of the 80s.
Ferrari F40
By the way, your our 50-meter Ipanema echoes the Ferrari lines and its signature red hue. This year the boat made it to the final of WSA. What were the main challenges for you in this project?
Ipanema started four years ago as the project M50 for Mondomarine shipyard. Our client liked her early exterior design and didn’t request any major changes to it. However, he chose that particular red color. And the red is not so easy to apply to such a big yacht. As a result, the red and white colors of the hull and superstructure are intentionally kept apart. Perhaps, you cannot see it in the picture, but there is always a black line that separates the two colors. And in reality, it creates a very powerful effect.
M/Y Ipanema
What launches of yours should we expect in the coming year?
The launch of the 30-meter project A100+, which was our first collaboration with Arcadia on the exterior and interior design, is due for May 2018. We’ll also have the 43-meter yacht for Yildiz, where we contributed to the interior design. However, of the seven boats under construction now, the most important one will be the 68-meter Day’s that will arrive between 2019 and 2020.
The launch of the 30-meter project A100+, which was our first collaboration with Arcadia on the exterior and interior design, is due for May 2018. We’ll also have the 43-meter yacht for Yildiz, where we contributed to the interior design. However, of the seven boats under construction now, the most important one will be the 68-meter Day’s that will arrive between 2019 and 2020.
M/Y Day's developed by Ice Yachts at AES Yacht facility in Turkey
Looking back, 2017 was a very important year for us. We developed four V-Line projects with Baglietto, ranging from 38 to 50 meters. We are also proud of our 67-meter explorer concept for VSY, as we consider this yard to be the best in Italy in terms of quality shipbuilding. We have also recently announced the 113-meter project Ganimede designed for Fincantieri. By the way, in December we are hosting in our hometown a private event called Hot Lab Rendez-Vous. On this occasion, we’ll update the market, but most importantly our clients, on what we have done and what we have in progress.
What, in your opinion, will be the trends in yachting design in 2018?
Yachting is a very traditional industry. New trends slowly make their way on the market. From what we can see in 2017, the client prefers to spend more time outdoors, but also to observe what is happening outside from the inside of the yacht. So, all that is related to panoramic glazing and glass sliding doors will surely prevail. The client also wants to have a closer relationship with the water. That’s why the beach club is no longer a single platform, but various platforms that may even be joined together.
Hot Lab design for Fincantieri 113m concept Ganimede
And what about the digital in yachting? Do you embrace the trend?
Sure. Clients become more and more addicted to their mobile phones and, consequently, to touch-pad technology onboard. Now there is also a trend to bring IMAX private theaters onboard superyachts. So, we have projects that feature this technology as well. In fact, digital is a great help for designers, as it allows creating a virtual reality that can give the client a clear idea of the future exterior design. However, the main part of the design is in your brain. So, virtually any idea, from the profile of the yacht to the interior design inspiration, is first drawn in pencil.
Italian yacht builder Maiora, part of NEXT Yacht Group, will preview its new M|30 model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 30.4-meter yacht is scheduled for delivery in summer 2026, representing the latest addition to the brand's M line.Designed in collaboration with Quartostile studio and Acube Design, the vessel features a 7.5-meter beam and three-deck configuration. Accommodations include five cabins for 12 guests, with a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck and four guest suites below. Crew quarters aft of the lower deck accommodate five staff members.Design characteristics incorporate full-height windows and glass bulwarks to connect interior and exterior spaces. The exterior profile emphasizes coupé-like lines while maintaining interior volume. The beach club area has been enlarged and reconfigured as an open veranda space connected to the main deck.Acube Design's interior approach utilizes natural materials and organic aesthetics. The main saloon offers flexible usage options, while the owner's suite includes walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathroom with windows, and convertible desk space. The upper deck provides customizable layouts alongside a separate wheelhouse area.Outdoor features include a redesigned sundeck, WalkAround concept passageways, and a forward garage convertible between toy storage and swimming pool functions. The hull incorporates a signature lighting strip consistent with Maiora's M|36 model.The presentation forms part of NEXT Yacht Group's strategy to expand its European market presence. The company describes the M|30 development as contributing to its "Renaissance" initiative focused on contemporary Italian yacht design standards. Production will utilize Maiora's existing facilities with the first unit currently in development.Credits: Maiora
September 10, 2025
Cantiere del Pardo brings three new models at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The presentation includes the Pardo 43 walkaround yacht, VanDutch 75 day cruiser, and Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance sailing yacht.Pardo 43 The Pardo 43 represents an evolution of the previous model, with over 300 units sold since its introduction. Company President Gigi Servidati stated: "This new version is not about revolution, but evolution - continuing to refine and improve a model that has already made history." The design maintains the walkaround configuration while updating various elements.VanDutch 75The VanDutch 75 measures 22.9 meters and introduces updated styling to the brand's existing design language. The model retains the low-profile silhouette and clean geometry characteristic of VanDutch yachts while incorporating new technical details and Mediterranean design influences.The Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance follows the Long Cruise version presented at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The sailing yacht measures 24.4 meters and offers performance-oriented features alongside customizable interior layouts. The first unit has been sold and is currently under construction.Grand Soleil Plus 80 PerformanceCantiere del Pardo currently has four yachts in production across its Plus series: two Grand Soleil Plus 80 models (one Long Cruise and one Performance), one GS Plus 72 Performance, and one GS Plus 65 Long Cruise. Delivery schedules indicate spring 2026 for the first GS Plus 80 LC and late 2026 for the GS Plus 80 Performance.The company maintains production facilities in Italy supporting both motor yacht and sailing yacht construction. With over 5,000 yachts built since its establishment, Cantiere del Pardo operates through a network of 60 countries worldwide. The Cannes presentation demonstrates the company's continued investment across its three brand portfolios.Credits: Cantiere del Pardo; Gianluca Naphtalina Camporesi
September 10, 2025
Sunreef displays the Ultima 55 performance catamaran at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, marking its European debut following initial presentation at the Dubai International Boat Show. The 16.8-meter model represents the first in Sunreef's new performance-oriented catamaran series.The vessel achieves 36-knot maximum speed using twin Volvo Penta IPS-800 drives, with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion available on subsequent hulls. The design incorporates a hydrofoil system between hulls to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Construction utilizes carbon composite materials for weight reduction.Sunreef founder Francis Lapp stated: "We listened to our clients, and the feedback was clear. There is still huge enthusiasm for our sustainable, solar-powered luxury catamarans, but some of our owners were requesting a smaller, faster and nimbler take on the genre." The company reports 16 orders with seven hulls currently under construction.Accommodations include an owner's cabin plus two additional guest cabins with king-size beds, each hull containing longitudinally arranged bathrooms. The design allows optional crew cabin configuration. Solar panels integrated into the coach roof provide auxiliary power generation.The catamaran features twin stern platforms extending beam to 7.6 meters for water access, with storage capacity for tenders and water toys. The main saloon connects to exterior spaces through sliding glass doors, creating continuous indoor-outdoor areas. The series will eventually span 13 to 34 meters across six models.The Ultima 55 will be exhibited alongside other Sunreef models at the festival, which runs till September 14. The company continues production at its Gdansk facility, with delivery timelines for ordered hulls extending into 2026.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
September 10, 2025
Moonen Yachts has launched the 37.4-meter motor yacht Ad Astra, representing the seventh hull in its Martinique 122 series. The vessel was commissioned by an American owner and features customized elements including a hot tub and distinctive orange waterline marking.The yacht underwent christening ceremonies in September 2025 before beginning sea trials. Following testing completion, Ad Astra will transit from the Netherlands to Caribbean operating areas for private use and charter operations.Design collaboration involved René van der Velden for exterior styling, Diana Yacht Design for naval architecture, and Hollander Yacht Design for interior spaces. The owner worked with designers to incorporate personalized elements throughout living areas and exterior features.Nicky van Zon, Moonen's Technical Director, stated: "Each new build reflects the strength of the platform while giving space for owners to make their yacht truly their own. With her striking orange waterline and bespoke lifestyle features, Ad Astra is a perfect example of this balance."Project Manager Ian Vermoen noted the team's craftsmanship in executing owner-requested modifications while maintaining the Martinique series' technical specifications. The model continues Moonen's focus on semi-custom construction within its production range.IYC's Matthew Stone, representing Moonen's global sales, confirmed the owner initially considered larger yachts before selecting the Martinique platform for its volume and customization capabilities. The yacht's design emphasizes Caribbean cruising suitability with extended range capabilities.The Martinique 122 series maintains consistent naval architecture while allowing owners to personalize interior layouts and exterior styling elements. Moonen continues production at its Netherlands facility with additional hulls in various construction phases.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
September 10, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has opened a new design studio and office in Viareggio, Italy, expanding its service offerings in new construction, refit, and design sectors. The facility includes a materials lounge and digital configurator for client presentations.CEO Paolo Casani stated: "With this studio in Viareggio, we reaffirm our roots and expand into areas that strengthen our heritage: new build sales, project management, refit, and design." The Italian operation is led by Managing Director Daniela Duck, who also serves as Group Head of New Build.The studio will provide three core services: new build sales and project coordination, technical refit services through worldwide shipyard partnerships, and interior/exterior design for both yacht and residential projects. The materials lounge allows clients to review physical samples while digital tools enable real-time visualization of design concepts.Daniela Duck noted: "Our clients can now experience a truly collaborative environment. This is where owners, shipyards, and our team come together to create yachts of the highest quality."The Viareggio location places the company near several Italian shipyards while maintaining global project capabilities through existing international partnerships. The technical team currently oversees multiple new construction and refit projects worldwide.The expansion represents Camper & Nicholsons' increased focus on comprehensive project management services from initial concept through final delivery. The company will maintain its existing offices while utilizing the new facility for client meetings and design development activities.Current projects include the studio's first new build commission and several refit operations managed through partner shipyards. The company continues to provide brokerage services alongside its expanded project management offerings through the Viareggio location.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
September 9, 2025