The new permanent test center of The International Yachting Media opens at Marina Porto Antico in Genoa

In the vibrant heart of Genoa, within the picturesque setting of Marina Porto Antico, The International Yachting Media has inaugurated its new permanent test center: an innovative space designed to become a European benchmark for experimenting with technologies, engines, and boats. It’s a lively and dynamic environment where shipyards, manufacturers, and enthusiasts can meet all year round to test the best the boating world has to offer. A place where hands-on experience meets technical communication, in true The International Yachting Media style.

Ongoing tests at the new test center

test center scanner envy 1300

Scanner Envy 1300 and Envy 1500

At the entrance to the Ponte Morosini dock is the area dedicated to Scanner Marine. The two main players here are the Scanner Envy 1300 and the Scanner Envy 1500. The former, powered by twin 425 hp Mercury Verado V10 engines, combines sleek, sporty lines with the comfort of a cruiser, designed for high-speed cruising without sacrificing elegance and onboard livability.

scanner envy 1500

Next to it, the Envy 1500 represents the natural evolution of the range, standing out for its larger dimensions and deck layout focused on social interaction, with spacious sunpads, facing sofas, and a central area fully equipped for outdoor living. The scheduled tests will focus on speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption, aiming to provide concrete data on the real performance of these two maxi RIBs.

Quick Olympic anchors test center

Quick Olympic Anchors

In the central area of the marina is the space dedicated to Quick’s Olympic anchors, where holding and traction strength tests will be carried out. Using a digital dynamometer and various anchoring depths, the tests will assess the system’s efficiency and safety in real conditions. Onboard the editorial team’s lab boat are also an anchor windlass and a battery charger, both installed and tested over the past four years, demonstrating the continuity and accuracy of the evaluations guaranteed by the new test center.

stoppani test center

The section od the test center dedicated to Stoppani

Further along the inner docks lies the area dedicated to surface maintenance and protection, featuring Stoppani, the historic Italian brand and leader in marine coatings. For testing purposes, a fiberglass panel has been created and immersed below the waterline, treated with Primer Epoxy Plus and Sibelius Light Endurance antifouling paint, to measure its durability and long-term protective effectiveness. This test bench plays a key role in assessing material resistance to marine environments, with continuous monitoring documenting the results.

Selva-Bb-and-VIB-270

Selva Black Bass 8 and Tender VIB 270

Along the marina’s central walkway is the Selva Black Bass 8, mounted on a Selva VIB 270 tender, both involved in an endurance test that began last June. The program involves prolonged use over time: the tender, towed by the editorial team’s lab boat, has already covered over a thousand nautical miles, facing all kinds of weather and sea conditions to challenge every component. The goal of the test is to evaluate the resistance and reliability of parts exposed to the elements, monitoring engine performance and material durability.

selva 920 CC

Selva 920 Center Console

Among the boats scheduled for upcoming sea trials is the Selva 920 Center Console, equipped with twin 200 hp Selva engines. This model combines the sportiness of a high-performance boat with the practicality of one designed for everyday onboard living—perfect for those who love fast cruising without giving up comfort and space.

Its modern, functional layout includes a large forward sunpad, a completely open central area for easy movement, and a well-protected helm station with ergonomic seats and state-of-the-art digital instrumentation, including a joystick for maneuvering. Aft, a transverse sofa and side swim platforms create a welcoming area ideal for relaxing at anchor or enjoying life on board.

Halma-RIB-HR25-test center

Halma Rib HR25

Completing the fleet at the test center is the Halma Rib HR25, powered by a powerful 300 hp Mercury V8. This compact RIB is designed to offer the perfect balance between performance and easy handling. The layout is optimized to make the most of every space: forward, a large convertible sunpad; amidships, an ergonomic helm station with a wraparound windshield and protective seating; and aft, a convivial area with a U-shaped sofa and side swim platforms.

Test center inauguration: reception at Palazzo San Giorgio

The inauguration day concluded with an elegant reception held at Palazzo San Giorgio, one of Genoa’s most majestic and emblematic landmarks. Built in the 13th century, the palace overlooks the Porto Antico and features Renaissance frescoes that tell the grand story of the Maritime Republic.

The event brought together a large audience of guests, companies, and industry professionals. Among the ancient frescoed halls, blending innovation and tradition, the evening celebrated not only the opening of the new test center but also the spirit of the sea that has always united Genoa with the international yachting world.

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