Nuvolari Lenard is one of the most active yacht design firms in the world. The studio was creating one-off designs for superyacht shipyards Oceanco, Lurssen, Palmer Johnson or CRN as well as designing series boats for production builders like Jeanneau-Beneteau. Over the past 30 years since the founding of the studio in 1992, in addition to yachts, the team has developed a diverse portfolio that includes aircraft and residential interiors, but their work is always defined by a profound sensibility for design in all its varied forms.
Dan Lenard and Carlo Nuvolari
Based in Venice, the studio is closely involved with the city’s academic institutions and has been an active supporter of the Venice Boat Show since its inception.
“I think we’re good at what we do because we’re passionate about what we do. We treat each new project with fresh eyes as if it were our first and never allow ourselves to become disillusioned or cynical,” says Carlo Nuvolari. “A crucial aspect of all our projects has been the fact that both of us grew up sailing. I’ve always found it bizarre that there are a lot of people in this industry, from designers to builders, who don’t go boating or have a relationship with the sea. That to me seems fundamental if you want to design or build yachts.”
Nord
Nuvolari recalls the milestone moment when an impromptu meeting with Mike Kelsey Sr, the former owner of Palmer Johnson, led to the young design duo designing the exterior and interior of 59.5m La Baronessa (later Pearl). Delivered in 1998, she is still the largest all-aluminum yacht built in the U.S. That project set them on their future trajectory and epoch-making superyachts such as Nord, Alfa Nero, Vibrant Curiosity, Lady M, Quattroelle and Atlante, but also sailing yachts such as Perini Navi’s Spirit of the C’s and Oceanco’s radical Black Pearl and many more.
AHPO
“We have worked together on some extraordinary projects,” declares Peter Lurssen, Lurssen CEO. “And without the creative input of Nuvolari Lenard Design these yachts would never have become so outstanding. Congratulations on the company's 30th Anniversary”.
“We appreciate working with partners who don’t shy away from a challenge,” adds Marcel Onkenhout, Oceanco CEO. “It has been a pleasure to watch Nuvolari Lenard’s designs make a positive impact on the yachting industry over the last 30 years and to have personally worked together on a number of game-changing projects that have altered what we think is possible on a superyacht. Bravo, Carlo and Dan, for your enduring passion and remarkable achievements over the last three decades. We look forward to many more iconic projects in the years to come.”
Black Pearl
Dan Lenard and Carlo Nuvolari, as well as studio partner Valentina Zannier, are active speakers at yachting events and firmly believe in nurturing young design talent. Five years ago the studio assisted in setting up a Masters course in Yacht Design at the Luav University of Architecture in Venice.
Carlo Nuvolari and LUISS students in Dubai
Apart from the University of Venice, Nuvolari Lenard also maintains links with the Politecnico di Milano, Coventry University and the Luiss University of Rome. In fact, Nuvolari accompanied a group of Luiss students to the 2022 Dubai International Boat Show in March.
Alfa Nero
Carlo Nuvolari is proud of his Venetian origins and Nuvolari Lenard works closely with the Venice Boat Show organizers to coordinate lectures, technical conferences and other initiatives, including the MUVE Yacht Projects together with the Foundation of Civic Museums of Venice that each year organizes a design competition where Carlo Nuvolari is on the scientific committee and jury. This year’s edition will see an exhibition of the best projects, including two racing sailboats built by the Politecnico di Torino and Uni Trieste, in the magnificent setting of the Arsenale. He will also present a public lecture on 1st June entitled ‘Shipowners' Sensitivity to the Environment’ as part of a conference organized by Assomarinas.
“After 30 years of activity it would be a shame to keep our accumulated experience in a drawer and not share it with a younger audience,” says Nuvolari.
Carlo Nuvolari, Valentina Zannier and Dan Lenard
Furthermore, the keel laying ceremony of Project NL373, a 65m Nuvolari Lenard design for CRN, took place recently. The yacht will be fitted with a hybrid propulsion system which will allow the yacht to cruise at low speeds thanks to the use of electricity supplied by onboard generators.
Magnifica
Credits: Tom Van Oossanen; Giovanni Malgarini; Guillaume Plisson – all courtesy of press office
Custom Line concluded 2024 with the launch of two new yachts, bringing the total number of vessels introduced at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona to 18 over the past year. Among the launches were the Custom Line 50, the brand’s first all-aluminium 50-meter displacement superyacht, and the Custom Line Navetta 38, a 299 GT displacement yacht. The first units of these models were launched in January and November, respectively.Custom Line 50The shipyard completed eleven launches in the Navetta line, six in the planing line, and one in the aluminium superyacht line. A new Custom Line Navetta 30 was launched on December 4, marking the 22nd hull in this displacement line. The yacht, measuring 28.43 metres in length with a beam of 7.3 metres, was developed by the Product Strategy Department and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, in collaboration with ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel for the interiors and Filippo Salvetti for the exterior styling. Custom Line Atelier provided strategic consulting to adapt the interior design to the owner's stylistic preferences. Custom Line Navetta 38The year concluded with the launch of the 33rd Custom Line Navetta 33 on December 16. The vessel was developed by the Product Strategy Committee and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, with Custom Line Atelier overseeing the owner's requests. The yacht, measuring 33 metres in length with a beam of 7.52 metres, was designed for charter operations and includes a number of customised features such as pullman beds in the guest cabins, additional storage units, and cocktail bars on the sun deck. The interior incorporates materials such as Irish Green marble in the master bathroom and American walnut flooring. The yacht’s colour scheme reflects the owner's preference for sage green, integrated in various elements throughout the interior.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
January 30, 2025
Ocean Independence recorded a 22% increase in retail charter income in 2024 compared to the previous year, with several yachts in its Central Agency Fleet surpassing typical seasonal booking targets. The most frequently booked yacht was Onyx, securing over ten weeks of charter, followed closely by E-Motion and Isotta.OnyxChief Commercial Officer Toby Maclaurin stated, “We are very pleased with the 2024 charter result. It was a key pillar to the company’s overall performance and we expect a similar, if not better, result in 2025. Chartering large yachts is in vogue and we are well prepared to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers with our portfolio. Of course, we can also reserve any other available charter yacht for our customers.”The list of top-performing charter yachts in 2024 was led by Onyx, a 25.48-meter Ferretti-built yacht from 2007. The vessel accommodates up to ten guests in four staterooms and offers a spacious aft deck, alfresco dining areas, and a hot tub. Charter rates start from EUR 40,000 per week.E-MotionE-Motion, a 40-metre Sunseeker, was also among the most-booked yachts. It offers accommodation for ten guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam master suite and convertible twin staterooms. Charter rates begin at EUR 170,000 per week.IsottaIsotta, a Ferretti 1000 motor yacht, was another high-performing vessel. It features an innovative aft beach area and a spacious flybridge. The yacht accommodates up to ten guests in five staterooms, with rates starting from EUR 114,000 per week.VertigeVertige, a 50-meter yacht built by Tankoa in 2017, also saw strong bookings. The aluminium-built vessel features minimalist deck spaces and a contemporary interior by Francesco Paszkowski, accommodating 12 guests in six staterooms. Charter rates start at EUR 270,000 per week.HuboHubo, an Azimut 85 delivered in 2015, remains a popular choice among charterers. The yacht accommodates eight guests in four staterooms, including a full-beam master suite. Rates start from EUR 40,000 per week.With demand for large yacht charters increasing, Ocean Independence is advising early bookings for the 2025 season. Helene Delstanche, Group Charter Fleet Manager, commented, “To secure your dream yacht, I suggest calling us rather sooner than later. 2025 bookings are already strong, and demand will only get higher as we get closer to springtime.”Credits: Ocean Independence
January 30, 2025
Sialia Yachts will showcase its fully electric 57-foot model, the Sialia 57 Deep Silence, at the Miami International Boat Show from February 12-16, 2025. The yacht will be presented in collaboration with Yacht Sales International, Sialia Yachts’ official dealer in North America, and will be located at One Herald Plaza, Dock B (3rd intersection).The Sialia 57 Deep Silence is equipped with a proprietary drivetrain featuring a 256 kWh battery, which can be upgraded to 1 MWh, and twin 400 kW electric motors. The yacht has a cruising speed of 16 knots and can exceed 25 knots at full speed. Its carbon fiber hull, optimized by Vripack, measures 16 feet in beam and is designed for stability and efficiency.The model accommodates up to 12 passengers and includes a climate-controlled cockpit, multiple lounge areas, a beach club with folding sides, and a garage for an 11-foot tender. It is also fitted with fast-charging capabilities to reduce downtime. A biofuel-compatible range extender is available to increase operational flexibility.Sialia Yachts emphasizes lifecycle considerations in its construction process, using carbon hulls that are more recyclable and durable than traditional GRP. The electric propulsion system is designed to require minimal maintenance, with electric motors needing only a grease change every 10 years. The batteries are rated for 30,000 cycles and come with a five-year guarantee, along with the rest of the propulsion system. The yacht’s technology is designed to be upgradable, allowing for extended operational longevity and reduced depreciation.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Blueiprod/Sialia Yachts
January 30, 2025
Arcon Yachts has confirmed the sale of two new-build Benetti Oasis 40M models, with both units scheduled for delivery in 2027. The 40.8-meter yachts will be constructed at Benetti’s facility in Livorno, Italy.The Oasis 40M series is one of Benetti’s most established lines, recognized for its Oasis Deck, which features a 90-square-meter open space with a flat platform, two unfolding gunwales that create overwater balconies, an infinity pool, and multiple seating areas. The design is intended to maximize outdoor living and provide an extended connection to the water.Accommodation is arranged across five cabins, including a main deck master suite. According to the broker, the interiors will emphasize contemporary design, though further details have yet to be disclosed. Exterior styling for the series is by British studio RWD, while the interiors are developed by Bonetti / Kozerski architecture.Powered by twin MAN engines, the standard performance specifications of the Oasis 40M include a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. The yacht has a beam of 8.5 meters and a draft of 2.1 meters.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
January 29, 2025
Italian yacht builder Pardo Yachts is charting a course for significant expansion into the Middle East, announcing an exclusive dealership agreement with Dubai-based Ocean 360 and a highly anticipated debut at the Dubai International Boat Show 2025. This strategic move underscores the brand's commitment to establishing a strong presence within one of the world's most discerning yachting markets.Pardo 43The partnership with Ocean 360, a leading provider of premium yacht services, will see Pardo Yachts showcase its renowned craftsmanship and innovative designs to the UAE and wider Gulf region. The Dubai International Boat Show, running from February 19th-23rd, 2025, will serve as the ideal platform to unveil the brand's flagship models, the Pardo 38 and Pardo 43.Pardo 38"The Middle East represents a strategically important market for Pardo Yachts' global growth," commented Marcello Veronesi, CEO of Cantiere del Pardo. "Partnering with the established and respected Ocean 360 provides us with the ideal platform to connect with discerning clients who appreciate the unparalleled quality and style synonymous with our yachts."Sebastian Dumitrescu, CEO of Ocean 360, added: "We are privileged to represent Pardo Yachts as their exclusive dealer in the UAE. Their commitment to innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with our dedication to providing world-class yachting experiences. We are thrilled to introduce these stunning yachts to clients throughout the region."Marcello Veronesi, Sebastian Dumitrescu, Bogdan Borascu and Rok Babarovic (photo by Luca D'Ambrosio)Visitors to the Dubai International Boat Show can experience the epitome of Italian yachting excellence firsthand. The Pardo 38 and Pardo 43, both representing the pinnacle of Pardo's walkaround range, will be on display, showcasing the brand's intelligent use of space and unwavering commitment to bespoke luxury. These models epitomize the perfect harmony of aesthetic appeal and superior functionality, offering unparalleled comfort and performance.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Cantiere del Pardo
January 29, 2025