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
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.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: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.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
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025