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.
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025