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 builder Extra Yachts has launched the first 28-meter X90 Fast motor yacht, with plans to display the vessel at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The GRP-built yacht, sold through broker Kristina Falkone of Aberton Yachts, features exterior and interior design by Hot Lab with naval engineering by the shipyard.The X90 Fast offers 86 square meters of exterior deck space across three cockpit levels - a dining area for 8-10 guests, lounge seating, and a waterside sunbathing platform. Interior spaces include four guest cabins with the master suite positioned amidships to utilize the 7.1-meter beam. Crew accommodations consist of two cabins forward.Powered by triple Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines (1,000hp each), the yacht reaches a top speed of 30 knots with a cruising speed of 24 knots. At 12 knots, the range extends to 1,000 nautical miles. Design features include concealed hull windows, an open galley with retractable windows separating the salon from the aft deck, and dedicated crew passageways to minimize guest area disruptions.The X90 Fast will be shown alongside other Extra Yachts models at Cannes from September 9-14, 2025. The launch marks the shipyard's continued expansion of its performance-oriented X Series, which currently ranges from 76 to 130 feet. Extra Yachts specializes in the development of yachts with a strong personality. Its distinctive lines are combined in a variety of motor yacht models ranging from 76' to 130' and a 30-meter motor catamaran. Developed thanks to the advanced technical experience of ISA Yachts, Extra offers customers all the advantages of being part of the Palumbo Superyachts network.Credits: Extra Yachts
July 15, 2025
Wally has completed construction of the second wallywind110 sailing yacht, scheduled for its world premiere in late August in Costa Smeralda. The 33.5-meter vessel shares the same judel/vrolijk & co-designed performance hull and carbon construction as its sistership Galma, while introducing several custom modifications.Key updates include a sand-grey hull color scheme, lighter interior finishes, and a reconfigured lower salon with a multifunctional workspace replacing the bar area. The VIP cabin now features a sliding bed system converting between single and double configurations. Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi maintained the exterior and interior design continuity with the first unit, preserving the wallywind series' signature elements: dedicated helm stations, integrated swim platform, and expansive guest areas.Performance features include a telescopic keel (adjustable from 4.5 to 6.95 meters), twin rudders, and a carbon rigging system from Hall Spars with North Sails. The yacht's construction benefited from lessons learned during the first hull's production, allowing Wally to optimize the build process.No charter or ownership details have been disclosed for the new vessel, which joins Wally's growing fleet of performance sailing yachts. The Monaco-based brand, now part of Ferretti Group, continues production of its wallywind series alongside motoryacht projects at its facilities in Forlì, Italy.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 15, 2025
The 70-meter full-custom superyacht Project Thunderball is progressing through construction at CRN's Ancona facility, with delivery scheduled for 2026. Designed by Vripack with naval architecture focused on sailing yacht-inspired efficiency, the aluminum and steel vessel will serve as both a luxury yacht and support vessel for the owner's existing sailing yacht.With an 11-meter beam and 1,100 gross tonnage, Project Thunderball features five decks accommodating 12 guests and 15 crew. The design departs from conventional motor yacht aesthetics, incorporating a sharp bow entry and curved bilges reminiscent of sailing yachts - a direct request from the owner, an experienced regatta competitor. Vripack's co-creative director Marnix Hoekstra noted the hull's efficiency eliminated the need for a bulbous bow, with tank testing confirming unusually low resistance.The exterior design centers on a continuous shear line creating streamlined proportions, complemented by a top-deck winter garden enclosure. Custom elements include an oversized swim platform and vertically aligned window mullions influencing interior layouts. Project management firm Y.CO reports the build has progressed efficiently through collaboration between Vripack, CRN, and Nauta Design, the latter responsible for interior and exterior furniture."Seeing the project advance through key milestones demonstrates the effectiveness of this technical partnership," stated Donna Green, Y.CO's Head of New Build Projects. The yacht's construction began following the owner's 2018 commission, with Vripack describing the design process as an intensive collaboration with the highly involved client.Upon completion, Project Thunderball will join CRN's portfolio of 70-90 meter custom superyachts. The Ancona shipyard currently has four additional projects in construction, ranging from 60 to 85 meters. No exact delivery date or projected cruising itinerary has been disclosed for the Thunderball project.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Vripack
July 15, 2025
Columbus Yachts has delivered the 47-meter Atlantique series superyacht M/Y Acqua Chiara, now available for charter through Fraser Yachts. The steel-hulled vessel with aluminum superstructure measures 9.1 meters in beam with a 2.4-meter draft and 499 gross tonnage. Designed by Hot Lab with naval architecture by Columbus Yachts, the yacht features twin 1,350hp engines delivering a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and transatlantic range of 3,400 nautical miles at 12 knots.The exterior profile showcases Columbus' signature explorer styling with three-tiered stern areas including a covered dining space, pool lounge with fold-out balconies, and swim platform positioned just 50cm above water level. Interior spaces blend classic and contemporary elements with white parquet flooring, natural oak ceilings, and specialized finishes including Vetrite glass panels and geometric Sicis mosaics. The main salon features custom white upholstered sofas with blue accents, Fendi armchairs, and a 75-inch TV integrated into Stopsol glass.Owner accommodations on the main deck include a full-beam suite with Galaxy blue glass walls, leather-clad furnishings, and Bonaldo lighting. The en-suite bathroom combines white marble with silver mosaic detailing and includes both a tub and hammam shower system. Four additional guest cabins comprise two king-size and two twin cabins, all with private marble bathrooms featuring Sicis mosaic work. Crew quarters accommodate eight staff in four cabins forward, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Upper deck spaces include a swimming pool area convertible to an open-air cinema, formal dining for twelve with Viabizzuno chandelier, and a forward lounge with full-height windows creating terrace-like sea views. The sundeck offers a central relaxation area with console seating aft and sunpad with bar forward. Storage solutions include a starboard garage for the 5-meter tender and portside garage housing a rescue tender and two jet skis.M/Y Acqua Chiara represents the third delivery in Columbus' Atlantique series, following previous 40m and 43m models. The yacht is currently available for Mediterranean charters through Fraser Yachts, though specific rates remain undisclosed. Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
July 14, 2025
Monaco-based Dynamiq presented five new superyacht concepts ranging from 41 to 55 meters during a private event at Maison Moghadam on July 3, 2025. The showcase, titled "Five Senses. Five Superyachts," featured designs from three studios: Mark Berryman Design, H2 Yacht Design, and Sturge & Toth.Global 550Mark Berryman Design introduced three interior concepts:GTT 135 (41m): A Mediterranean/Bahamas cruiser with natural oak, stone flooring, and seagrass panelingGlobal 450 (45m): An explorer yacht featuring light oak joinery and transformable furnitureGlobal 550 (55m): A long-range explorer with smoked oak, marble finishes, and bronze accentsGlobal 450H2 Yacht Design previewed interiors for the GTT 180 Heritage, a 55-meter aluminum neo-classic superyacht scheduled for full debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. The design incorporates calacatta gold marble, shagreen leather, and custom bronze detailing, with furnishings from American brands Baker and Holly Hunt.GTT 180 HeritageSturge & Toth presented a new 45-meter exterior concept under Dynamiq's GST line, featuring a double-balcony master suite and convertible pool area. The design evolves Dynamiq's existing platform with what the designers describe as "timeless elegance."Sturge & Toth delivered a compelling presentation that invited guests into their creative processConstruction will occur at Dynamiq's Antalya facility, which features a 2,000-ton syncrolift and collaborates with European subcontractors. The yard specializes in builds up to 65 meters with hybrid propulsion options.Event attendees received a private tour of Maison Moghadam's material collections, highlighting Dynamiq's partnership with Monaco-based luxury suppliers. No construction timelines or pricing were disclosed for the new concepts.Mark Berryman, Ben-Julian Toth, Gianluca Sist, Toby Sturge and Dynamiq Founder Sergey DobroserdovDynamiq CEO Sergei Dobroserdov noted the presentations demonstrate the shipyard's "expanding design capabilities across multiple yachting segments." The company currently has four superyachts under construction at its Turkish facility.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Dynamiq
July 14, 2025