Designers Archives | Yachting News https://www.yachtingnews.com/designers/ The International Yachting Media Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:27:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.yachtingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-TIYM-Favicon-512x512-1-1-150x150.jpg Designers Archives | Yachting News https://www.yachtingnews.com/designers/ 32 32 Besenzoni, over half a century of innovation and nautical excellence https://www.yachtingnews.com/besenzoni-over-half-a-century-of-innovation/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/besenzoni-over-half-a-century-of-innovation/#respond Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=164330 Besenzoni S.p.A. is clearly an undisputed icon of Made in Italy, recognized for the high quality, design, and innovation of its components. Its history is a fascinating journey that, as always, begins with the vision of one man. The Birth of a Pioneer (1967–1989) Besenzoni S.p.A. was founded in 1967 in Sarnico, on the picturesque […]

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Besenzoni S.p.A. is clearly an undisputed icon of Made in Italy, recognized for the high quality, design, and innovation of its components. Its history is a fascinating journey that, as always, begins with the vision of one man.

gangway

The Birth of a Pioneer (1967–1989)

Besenzoni S.p.A. was founded in 1967 in Sarnico, on the picturesque shores of Lake Iseo, a magical place for Italian boating. The founder, Giovanni Besenzoni, created a small company dedicated to exquisite craftsmanship during a crucial period of rapid development, when shipyards began outsourcing the production of accessories.

Besenzoni history

The real turning point, which marked Besenzoni’s entry into the Olympus of nautical innovation, came in 1973 with the invention of the stern platforms with ladders. This creation was a true technological revolution for its time, transforming a simple component into an essential element for onboard practicality, design, and safety.

The 1980s further strengthened this forward-thinking vision:

  • 1985: The company launched another fundamental innovation: the first hydraulic gangways with remote control, a luxurious and convenient addition that would forever change the mooring experience.

  • 1989: The company expanded and inaugurated a new, larger facility in Paratico.

Besenzoni platformThe constant research and development work leads to extremely high-level results and the first official recognitions.

In 1991, the retractable titanium gangway for sailboats wins the prestigious “Innovative Product” award from the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

The new millennium sees the company expand and further structure itself to serve increasingly demanding markets:

  • 2005: Three specialized divisions are created: Besenzoni Super Yacht Division, Besenzoni Titanium Division, and Besenzoni Customer Service Division, reflecting a widespread presence and a customer-oriented service.

  • 2007: The company receives the Category Award at the METS in Amsterdam for Sipario, an innovative watertight side window.

A key factor in the company’s success and its transition into the third millennium has been the contribution of Giorgio Besenzoni, son of founder Giovanni, who has guided the company while preserving its strong connection to original craftsmanship, all while embracing an innovative and creative spirit.

ladder

The need to create a more sustainable future led to the birth of the BeElectric line. This new range of products is characterized by electric operation and includes items such as LaPasserella, LaScala, and IlTenderLift.

After more than 55 years of activity, Besenzoni S.p.A. boasts over 60 patents and a unique range of products that includes gangways, tender cranes, pilot seats, multifunctional ladders, and handling systems.

The secret to its success lies not only in product innovation but also in an almost obsessive attention to the customer. Besenzoni also guarantees a direct and widespread assistance network made up of more than 223 operational units worldwide, ensuring immediate support throughout the entire lifespan of its products.

More than just a company, Besenzoni is part of the history of boating, continuing to set the standards of quality and innovation while confidently projecting Italian luxury and engineering into the future.

besenzoni steel gangway

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FERRARI presents HYPERSAIL: a sporting challenge to conquer the oceans https://www.yachtingnews.com/ferrari-presents-hypersail/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/ferrari-presents-hypersail/#respond Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:36:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=149859 Ferrari Hypersail: the Prancing Horse enters the world of sailing. Ferrari unveils its new project, Ferrari Hypersail — a bold new sporting challenge in the world of sailing that blends the brand’s rich racing heritage with cutting-edge technology. The name Hypersail pays tribute to Ferrari’s racing DNA and its Hypercars, the ultimate expression of endurance […]

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Ferrari Hypersail: the Prancing Horse enters the world of sailing.

Ferrari unveils its new project, Ferrari Hypersail — a bold new sporting challenge in the world of sailing that blends the brand’s rich racing heritage with cutting-edge technology. The name Hypersail pays tribute to Ferrari’s racing DNA and its Hypercars, the ultimate expression of endurance performance.
ferrari hypersail project Led by Team Principal Giovanni Soldini, the Hypersail project aims to create a state-of-the-art research and development platform dedicated to ocean sailing. With the goal of exploring new frontiers in technology and innovation, the project will draw on Ferrari’s in-house expertise in close collaboration with leading specialists in the boating sector. The yacht, designed by French naval architect Guillaume Verdier, is also a major marine engineering feat: an original prototype of a 100-foot flying monohull racing yacht, stabilized by three points of contact. The main innovation conceived by the designer is that one of the foils will be supported by a canting keel, while the other contact points will consist of a foil on the rudder and, alternately, the two lateral foils. This 100-footer is the first vessel of its size in the world to be completely energy self-sufficient.

Currently under construction in Italy, the yacht is scheduled to be launched in 2026, when it will begin sea trials and the initial testing phase.

ferrari

Hypersail is a new challenge that pushes us to go beyond our limits and expand our technological horizons. At the same time, it follows in Ferrari’s tradition, drawing inspiration from our Hypercar, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designing a boat for offshore sailing is perhaps the ultimate expression of endurance – said John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari – Giovanni Soldini is a cornerstone of this project—not only for his achievements as a sailor but also for his unmatched experience in yacht development and construction. The incredible teamwork between Ferrari and Guillaume Verdier is giving life to a unique boat that will fly across the oceans. It also represents an opportunity for innovation in both the nautical and automotive worlds”.

I’m happy and honored to be part of this adventure – said Giovanni Soldini, Team Principal of Hypersail – It’s an exciting challenge backed by a truly exceptional team that brings together Ferrari’s excellence and the expertise of designers specialized in ocean sailing. The meeting of different cultures and advanced technologies is allowing us to build a boat that is revolutionary in many ways. From a sailing standpoint, it’s innovative in both design and flight. On the systems side, Ferrari’s contribution is driving the development of an onboard control system unlike anything ever seen before. To best prepare for the variability and force of the phenomena and conditions we’ll face at sea, the priority is to strike the right balance between extreme performance and maximum reliability”.

Technical details

The search for entirely original solutions applied to sailing has already led to the filing of nine patents, with six more in the works. Equally significant is the contribution that the pursuit of ultimate performance at sea is making to the evolution of the Prancing Horse’s sports cars. The monohull is designed to operate exclusively on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and kinetic energy. No combustion engine is installed onboard, and all the energy required to power the control systems and movement of the foils, keel, and rudder—as well as the entire onboard electronics suite including computers and instruments—must be self-generated during navigation.

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Giangi Razeto at the Blue Design Summit: a multifaceted artist, from yachting to sculpture https://www.yachtingnews.com/giangi-razeto-design/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/giangi-razeto-design/#respond Mon, 09 Jun 2025 01:02:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=149388 The Blue Design Summit is a major event dedicated to the design, planning, and construction of everything related to the world of water. An unmissable occasion for Razeto & Casareto, an Italian company specializing in the design of a wide range of customizable components and accessories for superyachts and cruise ships. The company took part […]

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The Blue Design Summit is a major event dedicated to the design, planning, and construction of everything related to the world of water. An unmissable occasion for Razeto & Casareto, an Italian company specializing in the design of a wide range of customizable components and accessories for superyachts and cruise ships. The company took part in the 2025 edition of the event, held this past May in La Spezia. Specifically, designer Giangi Razeto spoke during the final panel of the Blue Design Summit, which focused on products and art forms that are part of the exclusive “superyacht way of life” experience. He shared his professional journey, straddling the worlds of design and sculpture.

giangi-razeto-sculpture

The session, moderated by Chiara Modica Donà dalle Rose, featured the participation of several prominent brands, artists, and designers alongside Razeto. Architect Matteo Fraschini spoke about his work on the general setup of Euroflora 2025 in Genoa, a project recently selected to represent Italy in the Italy Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. “For Euroflora, we imagined a route that would help visitors find their way while also enhancing and rediscovering the renewed Levante waterfront – said Fraschini – We worked around a concept we called ‘Origami,’ with structures serving as landmarks that create a dialogue between land, sea, and sky”.

Luciano Massari, sculptor and director of Litix Spa—a company that blends art and technology by using robotics to work marble and create sculptures and other works of art and design—shared his experience on Easter Island and the inspiration that led him to develop his own poetic approach to form, deeply connected to water and light. Musician Elsa Guerci, on the other hand, spoke about the inspiration behind “88 Keys – a surrealist concert around Erik Satie”, one of the closing performances of the three-day event in La Spezia.

Finally, Giangi Razeto recounted the path that led him to become an established designer and creator of innovative solutions for an element that might seem simple and difficult to reinvent: onboard door handles. Giangi Razeto explained: “Specifically, I spoke about how, after graduating with a thesis in sociology on club cultures, I ended up designing handles for the nautical sector—bringing together the concepts that emerged from my sociological research: ‘Patchwork Generation’ (on cross-pollination in design) and ‘Tribes of Uniques Among Similar’ (on the sense of collective belonging while still asserting one’s uniqueness)”.

“I explained my functional approach to design,” continued Giangi Razeto, “and focused on the multifunctionality of the product. Handles, which have traditionally only served to open doors, must meet additional requirements on board to prevent them from becoming hazardous objects—for example, in rough seas, where people might lose their balance”. IWith this in mind, Razeto & Casareto developed the Soft Handle—flexible, elastic handles that bend but still allow doors to be opened.

soft-handle

“I also described my wireless systems for transmitting data and energy from the doorframe to the handle, which make it possible to illuminate handles and provide safety-related information in emergencies such as blackouts, fires, general alarms, or abandon-ship scenarios – said Razeto, highlighting another unique feature that sets Razeto & Casareto apart and has helped the company become a market leader – I then went into detail about the OSSH system for fire doors: when these doors close in the event of a fire, the handles light up green on the fire side and red on the opposite side, creating safe, preferential escape routes”.

Razeto concluded his talk by discussing the Free Go handles with interchangeable grips—one-of-a-kind items made for special clients, which led him to explore sculpture and embrace his role as a full-fledged artist. In fact, several of Razeto’s installation pieces were on display inside the theater that hosted the Blue Design Summit.

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Camillo Garroni at the Miami Boat Show 2025 talks about the success of Prestige Yachts https://www.yachtingnews.com/camillo-garroni-prestige-yachts/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/camillo-garroni-prestige-yachts/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 01:48:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=144521 Camillo Garroni  is undoubtedly one of the most creative and prolific designers on the scene today. His style is elegant and always surprising, as seen in the new F-Series from PRESTIGE YACHTS, which has delivered three new models in just over 18 months. Calling these yachts innovative would be an understatement. That’s why, as soon […]

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Camillo Garroni  is undoubtedly one of the most creative and prolific designers on the scene today. His style is elegant and always surprising, as seen in the new F-Series from PRESTIGE YACHTS, which has delivered three new models in just over 18 months. Calling these yachts innovative would be an understatement.

That’s why, as soon as we ran into him at the Miami Boat Show 2025, we seized the opportunity to interview him.

prestige yachts

Camillo, how have these first 18 months been? What has been the public’s reaction since the launch of this line, which is so different from anything we’ve seen before?

Camillo Garroni: The new F-LINE has been completely redesigned and reimagined to suit the tastes and needs of today’s yacht owners, which is why it has been such a success. Take the galley cockpit, for example—the Ocean View Galley—which opens onto the aft deck in a unique and original way, maximizing sea views and allowing the cook—who is usually a family member—to be part of life on board. After all, these yachts are typically owner-operated, without crew.

The galley plays a key role on board, much like in our homes. Open-plan kitchens, which connect to the living room or lounge area, have become very popular because they allow whoever is cooking to stay engaged with family and guests.

PRESTIGE-F-Line-5.7-camillo garroni

Another major innovation was moving the master cabin from midship to the bow. This creates a much more comfortable space, away from the noise of the engine room, such as generators or stabilizers. Secondly, and just as importantly, having the master cabin forward offers significantly more privacy, much more natural light, and, thanks to the increased space, a completely step-free layout. The bed is also exceptionally large—a full king-size at 1.80 meters wide, something unique for a yacht of this size. These innovative layouts have been very well received by our clients, who truly appreciate this new way of experiencing life on board.

Today, we’re aboard the F 5.7 for its American premiere. In your opinion, what are the standout features of this new Flybridge model?

Camillo Garroni: The F-LINE 5.7 is the second model in this new generation. In this case, we have further enhanced onboard comfort by creating three large living areas: the Ocean View Galley, which we just discussed, a spacious foredeck, and an impressively sized Flybridge. Additionally, the F-LINE 5.7 features three cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom.

The challenge was to design a forward lounge area with a large sunbed and sofas without compromising the headroom in the master cabin. Normally, when you have a high cabin forward, the foredeck is limited to a sunbed. But on this model, we’ve achieved the perfect balance, optimizing both the upper and lower spaces.

Another major innovation was repositioning the entrance to the master suite so that, upon entering, the owner isn’t immediately met with the bed but rather a transitional space leading into the actual cabin—essentially, a layout designed to feel like a true luxury suite.

master cabin

At BOOT Düsseldorf, we had the pleasure of admiring the smallest model in the range—the entry-level F-LINE 4.3, which, at just 13 meters, sets new standards for onboard living. Camillo, can you help us understand how you managed to achieve such spacious volumes on a such compact yacht?

Camillo Garroni: My approach to designing the new F-LINE 4.3 was a bit different. I started with a concept that is very popular today—the Day Boat—which typically features a centrally positioned galley, a large cockpit, and the main living space in the bow, all arranged in an open walkaround style. So I thought, why not adapt this highly functional and contemporary design into a Flybridge model?

I applied the same concept by placing the galley amidships and radically rethinking the yacht’s access, shifting it to the side—something truly innovative. Modern clients really appreciate this choice because it allows us to move the entire galley block further aft, which in turn expands the interior lounge, where we’ve added a large C-shaped sofa. By carefully balancing all these elements, we’ve created an incredibly appealing yacht—one that is likely unique in this segment.

Garroni Design was founded by your father, Vittorio, back in 1971—more than 50 years of history that have shaped some of the most iconic milestones in yacht design and beyond. How do you manage to stay so consistently creative? What’s the secret to always being hungry for innovation?

Camillo Garroni: The key is to constantly analyze our work and never settle—this philosophy has allowed Garroni Design to keep evolving over the years. I attend the boat shows with a hunger for new ideas and winning solutions. Sometimes, the market doesn’t immediately understand certain design choices, but they end up setting trends and becoming mainstream. Take explorer yachts, for example—when they first emerged, they weren’t widely accepted, but today, they have a strong identity of their own.

Being able to interpret trends and drive innovation is what pushes me to keep shifting perspectives and exploring new horizons.

Let’s talk about you for a moment. How do you recharge your creativity when you want to take a break from yachting? What are your passions?

Camillo Garroni: I have many passions, and one of them is motorsport. I race in a small championship called Legend Car, where we compete in small race cars based on an American design originally created to train NASCAR drivers outside of their main championship.

These are 50s-style mini race cars, but they pack some serious power. They weigh only 450 kg and are incredibly fast. Racing gives me a certain level of mental tension, but at the same time, it helps me release all the stress from work. I’m generally a very calm and collected person—I rarely get angry—but sometimes, I bottle things up. That’s why I need something adrenaline-fueled to help me unwind.

Another passion of mine is spending time with my family—my wife and my dogs. These are moments of pure joy and relaxation. And now, after twenty years, I’ve started playing golf again. It’s the complete opposite of motorsport—there’s no adrenaline, but it requires constant concentration for hours. So now I have racing, which is pure adrenaline, and golf, which is pure reflection.

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Claudio Magazzù: design begins with a blank sheet https://www.yachtingnews.com/claudio-magazzu-design/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/claudio-magazzu-design/#respond Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:27:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=140383 Claudio Magazzù likes sinuous, seductive, elegant lines. That’s a fact. He falls in love with the curves he draws, immersing himself in what is often called “the flow,” a psychological state where nothing else exists—time, place, noise—all fade away, leaving only him, his pencil, and a blank sheet of paper. When Claudio Magazzù, the designer, […]

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Claudio Magazzù likes sinuous, seductive, elegant lines. That’s a fact. He falls in love with the curves he draws, immersing himself in what is often called “the flow,” a psychological state where nothing else exists—time, place, noise—all fade away, leaving only him, his pencil, and a blank sheet of paper.

When Claudio Magazzù, the designer, enters this state, he grabs anything that writes—a pencil, a pen—and any sheet of paper to start sketching. It’s as if his connection to reality dissolves, and even his historic studio, located within the Magazzù shipyard, loses its physical presence.

He rises above the world as he draws, no longer hearing or seeing anything but the stunning lines that, guided by his hand, remain etched on the page as naturally as they are indelibly.

Claudio Magazzù drawning

But Claudio Magazzù is not just a designer; he is, first and foremost, an aeronautical engineer. This is why the lines that emerge from his flow state are precise, sharp, essential, clean, aerodynamic, and utterly unique.

We met him at the Genoa International Boat Show, and on a late September morning, standing on the bow of the brand-new MX-16, we managed to persuade him—despite his reticence—to grant us an unusual interview. It was less about the exquisite results of his creative work and more about uncovering the man behind those lines.

What has always fascinated us about the boats from the Magazzù shipyard is the timeless elegance of their lines—an elegance that evolves with changing tastes and technologies yet remains true to itself. It’s an alchemy of lines, materials, and emotions.

For Claudio Magazzù, design stems from the need to adapt the essential to the functional, to align technology with the requirements of a project within its particular historical context. “Aesthetics come consequently. A well-conceived, well-thought-out, and well-designed maxi-RIB will inevitably be beautiful”. he explains.

Beauty, for him, isn’t just about visual appeal—it’s about meeting the client’s needs in the most efficient way possible, using the least amount of materials and accessories.

engineering

It always comes back to clean lines and practicality, though getting the creative side of this “engineer” to speak isn’t easy. It almost seems as though Claudio Magazzù is unaware of the left hemisphere of his brain, the one that guides his hand across the page. However, we press on: What does beauty mean to you? What is design?

Dressing an imaginary body concealed in the paper, clothing it in the most beautiful attire – he answers, seemingly unaware of the importance of what he’s just said – And then undressing it, leaving only what is necessary – he adds with a smile – Voltaire, in the closing of one of his letters, wrote: I am writing you a long letter because I didn’t have time to write you a short one. That’s the essence—it takes time to reach what is essential”.

The drawing on the page disappears, leaving only essential strokes, like in the process behind Picasso’s Guernica, as captured in the photographs of Dora Maar, displayed at Madrid’s Reina Sofía Museum.

So we ask “engineer” Magazzù the difference between art and design. “Design meets practicality, utility, and the client’s needs. Art stays in museums”.

technical design Claudio Magazzù

Looking at the M16, the maxi-RIB we’re on board, the concept he just expressed becomes crystal clear: the evolution of design driven by the functional demands of a walkaround, with its fender-like tubular made of polyurethane foam. Magazzù explains that this material is not only easy to design but also practical and safe during maneuvering, avoiding the risks of damage associated with traditional tubulars.

This is yet another proof of how a single brilliant mind, deeply connected to every step of the production chain, can seamlessly blend beauty and engineering into a flawless result.

A process Claudio Magazzù himself barely seems conscious of, but one that is undeniably responsible for the very concept of the maxi-RIB—a concept that his shipyard continues to embody as its quintessence.

Claudio Magazzù MX-14

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Scanner Envy 1500 wins the 2024 Design Innovation Award https://www.yachtingnews.com/scanner-envy-1500-design-innovation-award-2024/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/scanner-envy-1500-design-innovation-award-2024/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:14:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=138201 We already wrote last February that the brand-new Scanner Envy 1500 was a beauty when, during the Dusseldorf Boat Show, we were fortunate enough to exclusively publish the first renderings of Scanner Marine’s new flagship. It’s a judgment that the Design Innovation Award by Confindustria Nautica clearly shares, as the Scanner Envy 1500 took the […]

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We already wrote last February that the brand-new Scanner Envy 1500 was a beauty when, during the Dusseldorf Boat Show, we were fortunate enough to exclusively publish the first renderings of Scanner Marine’s new flagship.

Scanner Envy 1500 aerial view

It’s a judgment that the Design Innovation Award by Confindustria Nautica clearly shares, as the Scanner Envy 1500 took the top prize in the highly competitive category reserved for inflatable boats.

“We are truly honored to receive this prestigious award – said Fabio Montemitro – This recognition is not just a personal achievement but also the result of teamwork and continuous research. A special thanks goes to my father for his inexhaustible creativity”.

Scanner Envy 1500 stern view

And it’s creativity we must talk about, considering that these maxi-ribs have the undeniable merit of standing out in a market where, unfortunately, inflatable boats often end up looking quite similar. The competition’s jury also rightly pointed out how the shipyard, surprisingly, managed to develop incredibly spacious interiors without compromising the sleek exterior design, which borders on perfection.

interior

“I am very happy and proud to have received this award – says Donato Montemitro, founder of Scanner Marine – I want to express my gratitude to our clients, partners, and collaborators who have believed in us and supported us throughout our journey. Their support has been essential in turning our ideas into reality. This award is an added incentive that motivates us to keep innovating and aiming for even more ambitious goals”.

Fabio and Donato Montemitro

Established four years ago, the Design Innovation Award was created by Confindustria Nautica to honor the exhibitors at the Genoa International Boat Show that have stood out the most for innovation and design. The award is divided into ten categories that best represent the production of the many, indeed very many, shipyards that filled this year’s Genoa show.

“The Design Innovation Award is a prestigious accolade that helps promote the image of our industry on an international level – said Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici – It’s not just a celebration of the best projects realized to date, but also a glimpse into the future. The winning projects showcase emerging trends and new frontiers in nautical design, becoming a point of reference for the entire industry and inspiring new designers and companies to aim ever higher” .

Scanner Envy 1500 bow

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Lucio Micheletti and Ice 66 RS: genesis of a masterpiece https://www.yachtingnews.com/lucio-micheletti/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/lucio-micheletti/#respond Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:53:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=137385 Ice 66 RS has marked a turning point in the world of sailing yacht design. The latest creation from Ice Yachts, designed by Lucio Micheletti of Micheletti + Partners for the interior and exterior styling, and by Farr Yacht Design for the hull and naval architecture, represents a significant leap forward, evident at first glance. […]

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Ice 66 RS has marked a turning point in the world of sailing yacht design. The latest creation from Ice Yachts, designed by Lucio Micheletti of Micheletti + Partners for the interior and exterior styling, and by Farr Yacht Design for the hull and naval architecture, represents a significant leap forward, evident at first glance. It is a lightweight, high-performance and competitive boat, with extraordinarily comfortable below-deck spaces at the same time. Ice 66 RS is aimed at sailing enthusiasts and sea lovers looking for a racing or fast cruising yacht, who do not want to compromise on performance while opting for an all-around use of their own boat.

lucio-micheletti-ice

We have already described the features of this extraordinary boat in the article dedicated to our sea trial of the Ice 66 RS; however, to understand how this achievement was possible, we spoke with Lucio Micheletti just a few days ago at the latest Cannes Yachting Festival, where we met him on board the ICE 66 RS.

One must think big for any project, even for the smallest ones – says the architect as he illustrates his design – But above all, one should always try to incorporate elements that are grand, even in the smallest spaces. Take, for example, the staircase that leads below deck: it’s not a feature typical of a 66-foot yacht; it’s slightly larger. This conveys a ‘growth factor,’ giving the impression of being on a more spacious vessel. If we think of a Doberman puppy, it already has very large paws, which indicate the size it will reach as an adult. This is precisely the spirit we aim for: a boat that transcends its dimensions”.

ICE-66-rs-bow-view

In addition to space, the Ice 66 RS also conveys a sense of speed. Lucio Micheletti explains this further: “We wanted to create a deckhouse that conveys a sense of power and speed—not animalistic, but still alive. The curve and musculature of the Ice 66 RS’s deckhouse is something we usually don’t see on sailing boats of this size. It’s as if it has been shaped by the wind”.

Inside, the space is designed like a large loft, with a courtyard from which all the cabins overlook. At the center stands the kitchen island, which, according to Lucio Micheletti, “gives a sense of verticality in a horizontal space, so that the eye stops to look at it. The horizontal conveys the fluidity of the sea, while the vertical represents the solidity of a rock. It’s very important to conceive of the boat as a spatial concept, and we have tried to do this as much as possible”. The design effort paid attention to every detail, such as the mirrors at the edges of the windows, which reflect light while creating the feeling of an even larger space. “When looking at the sea, the eye shifts and takes you outside, pulling you away”, comments the architect.

lucio-micheletti-ICE-66-rs-salon

The design of the below-deck space of the Ice 66 RS is very clean, with impressive headroom and perfect lighting, making it feel as if one is inside the dinette of a 75-footer. The color combinations have also been carefully studied to enhance brightness and the sense of space. “Walls only work if light bounces off them: this is important in homes, as well as on boats – emphasizes Lucio Micheletti – Additionally, I wanted to eliminate chairs, as they limit space. For seating around the table, I preferred a foldaway bench”. Completing the design is the imposing mast behind the island, positioned to be highlighted rather than hidden. “The deckhouse is like a butterfly; if you pierce it with the mast, you kill it – states the architect –Instead, with this placement, it’s as if the butterfly has landed on a flower”.

Even when moored, the Ice 66 RS conveys a sense of great speed and space. “We worked on perception to communicate this concept – confirms Lucio Micheletti – Luxury is the perceptible. Just looking at the deckhouse from the outside makes it clear that it is the musculature of a boat with a great soul”.

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Christian Grande and the genesis of the Rebel 50G: “The freedom of an inflatable, the comforts of a boat” https://www.yachtingnews.com/christian-grande/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/christian-grande/#respond Thu, 11 Jan 2024 07:21:15 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=104483 With Christian Grande aboard the Rebel 50G A true innovator is one who does not stick to established patterns, but rather traces an unbeaten path to give the world something new, something that no one knew about yet. This is true in technology, design and many other fields, including boating, where we are used to […]

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With Christian Grande aboard the Rebel 50G

A true innovator is one who does not stick to established patterns, but rather traces an unbeaten path to give the world something new, something that no one knew about yet. This is true in technology, design and many other fields, including boating, where we are used to using classic labels such as “sailboat,” “catamaran,” ” inflatable,” “yacht,” and so on. Sometimes, however, it happens that the pencil of an enlightened designer draws the outlines of a model that, refusing to conform to any categorization (or stereotype), actually creates a new industry segment. This is certainly the case with Sacs Tecnorib’s new Rebel 50G, which, in addition to being simply wonderful, succeeds in synthesizing the best features of a yacht with those of large inflatable boats, definitely overcoming their limits.

We talked about that with Christian Grande, the man who conceived and designed it.

cristian-grande-rebel-50g“The Rebel 50G unequivocally aims to be appreciated and recognized by the market – says Christian Grande – It is a boat that is exactly halfway between a motorboat and an inflatable boat; more precisely, the Rebel 50G is a fully-fledged boat that, however, does not disdain being called a RIB. In fact, this term evokes stylistic and emotional principles that evoke adventure, freedom, exploration, safety and, above all, comfort, not only on board but also of mooring, without suffering the limitations of a traditional boat. Basically, with the Rebel 50G we have created a boat with the great flexibility that only an inflatable boat can give, with all the strengths of a classic motor boat, starting with the livability of the spaces on board.”

To achieve this, the designer explains, “we broke down the structural constraints of the inflatable boat given by the tubular, whose section we significantly reduced by moving it completely outward. As a result, we obtained a high, expanded and powerful rubbing strake, which made it possible to significantly raise the bulwarks. This is why, when looking at the Rebel 50G, there is a feeling of great proportionality, unlike classic inflatables where the profile is very low. Instead, in our case, raising the edge gives us an offset in height that represents an extremely important aesthetic strength, as well as positively affecting the interior, both on the main and lower decks.”

A boat that is therefore very spacious and voluminous, since, Christian Grande continues – “the goal of this new creature from Sacs Tecnorib is to wink at the owner accustomed to superyachts or large boats, who wants a smaller second boat but is used to the spaces, sizes, volumes, thicknesses, seating and finishes of larger units. Well, this owner will find in the Rebel 50G just what he or she wants: in fact, he or she will not have the perception of having chosen a small and uncomfortable craft, but rather will enjoy the typical heights of his or her usual spaces; only with a shorter length and fewer rooms. We want to appeal to this type of customer, who perhaps want a second craft to be steered single-handed, without the help of a crew, but at the same time are not inclined to mooring and cruising and therefore are looking for a boat that is easy to steer fearlessly”.

Rebel-50G_external

To arrive at this extraordinary creature, Sacs Tecnorib and Christian Grande took a gradual path. In fact, the designer recounts, “Rebel 50G is the evolution of the species, being a RIB that moves the bar of nuance even further toward the boat. In that span of differences between inflatables and boats, there’s usually a gap in the middle: a gap full of undecided people who like inflatables but want the comfort and size of a boat, and that’s where they find the 50G today. This is a revolutionary, dare I say disruptive product that did not exist before. We were very conscious of this market need, and in order to meet it we took a gradual path, starting with the Rebel 47, continuing with the Rebel 55, and now coming to completion with the 50G. We have succeeded precisely because we started with a Rib and not a boa: that is our secret. Sacs Tecnorib is a brand of inflatable boats, we know how to make them and we like to make them; as we gradually faded more and more, we came to create an inflatable boat that looks like a boat. After all, the name ‘Rebel’ is not accidental.”

As a result, the Rebel 50G is a truly fascinating boat: not the usual rough and aggressive RIB, gray or black in color, but a craft that invites the sophistication and romance of the boat and opens up that world with subtlety, offering something unique. Indeed, Mr. Grande concludes, “entering a marina aboard a 50G is something that satisfies those who like to stand out, because with such a beautiful and distinctive Rib, it is impossible to go unnoticed.”

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Felci Yacht: at Cannes with two new projects https://www.yachtingnews.com/felci-yacht-design-cannes/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/felci-yacht-design-cannes/#respond Sat, 24 Sep 2022 02:52:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=42492 Felci Yacht was present at the Cannes Yachting Festival with two new Custom projects designed for ICE yachts- a yard specializing in building exclusive custom-built yachts in very small series – and its latest project for Dufour Yachts, the new ‘entry level’ of the famous French shipyard specialising in large series production. Apparently therefore two […]

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Felci Yacht was present at the Cannes Yachting Festival with two new Custom projects designed for ICE yachts- a yard specializing in building exclusive custom-built yachts in very small series – and its latest project for Dufour Yachts, the new ‘entry level’ of the famous French shipyard specialising in large series production.

Apparently therefore two different production worlds with two different types of customers.

How do you combine these two worlds within a single design studio?

Bringing together these two worlds, these two ways of interpreting both design and the project as a whole, is certainly not something that can be improvised.

felci-cannes

We have been fortunate enough to have had to relate to these two realities from our very beginnings; we have always had to split our time between making unique products, communicating directly with the end customer, and designing boats, both racing and cruising, destined to be reproduced in multiple units.

How is it possible to combine the technical requirements necessary to produce a custom-made project down to executive detail with those of easy production and product transversality necessary for a project intended for series production?

felci-underwayIt’s true, the two types of design are very different, both in concept and technical terms.

On the one hand, there is the need to create a unique, custom-made object, tailored for the customer, while respecting the peculiarities and traditions of the shipyard; on the other hand, there is the need to create an economically sustainable product, easy to mass-produce, but not lacking in those aesthetic and functional values that today’s market can no longer give up.

In order to succeed in combining these requirements, which at times may even appear to be opposing, a very broad competence is needed, which makes it possible to dialogue constructively with the various players involved, and also the ability to weigh up, evaluate and know how to carry out the various choices with balance.

What is your connection with the creations of Felci Yacht, once your designs are turned into reality?

We feel that our designs generate what will become the life, the character of the boat or boats that will be born in the future.

In a way, beyond all the requests we receive, we like to think that we are the ones who give a certain DNA to a project and thus to a real object.

Clearly, during the development of the project there will be the necessary mediations, the necessary balances linked to the world of production with which we will be dealing, but certainly the ability to dialogue with the clients first, and then with the workers is one of the most difficult and most fascinating aspects of this job.

How much gratification does your presence at Cannes give you?

The new cannes-yachting-festivalprojects that are presented by Felci Yacht here at Cannes certainly give meaning to our work, not just that of the yard that physically builds them.

It seems clear to me that successful products, as we hope those of Ice Yachts and Dufour will be, are such thanks to the experience and commitment of so many entities.

Design, by definition, is carried out first and therefore has the specific task of drawing the guidelines that the rest of the process must then follow.

This does not mean imposing one’s own choices and personal vision of the product, but working with a clear responsibility for one’s role and what, if well managed, it can bring to the product.

FELCIYACHTDESIGN.COM

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Massimo Guardigli, a life for boating and the new course of catamarans https://www.yachtingnews.com/massimo-guardigli/ https://www.yachtingnews.com/massimo-guardigli/#respond Thu, 28 Jul 2022 02:10:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingnews.com/?p=41734 Massimo Guardigli is one of those men who have dedicated his life to boating, achieving great success and satisfaction. As a young designer, Massimo Guardigli won several national and international competitions in the eighties and nineties, which allowed him and his wife Flavia to buy a historic and appreciated brand like Comar Yachts, giving it […]

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Massimo Guardigli is one of those men who have dedicated his life to boating, achieving great success and satisfaction. As a young designer, Massimo Guardigli won several national and international competitions in the eighties and nineties, which allowed him and his wife Flavia to buy a historic and appreciated brand like Comar Yachts, giving it a new course. First with the small Comets and then by diving into the world of catamarans, Guardigli has renewed the Forlì shipyard’s nautical production, taking it to an extraordinary evolution that has won the public’s approval. This is why an interview with Massimo Guardigli could not be missing from our series “The protagonists of yachting”.

Massimo Guardigli, how did your passion for the sea and interest in boating begin?

“My relationship with boating began by chance, attending a sailing school as a child at the Eur lake in Rome, which today has become a sort of puddle in the capital, but in my day it was a top-notch federal school with very well-prepared instructors. At the age of nine I took my first licence and started to do my first dinghy and 470 regattas, and at thirteen I moved on to bigger, more professional sailing boats. While I was attending university at Luiss, I started my first work experiences in the surfing business and at the age of twenty-one I found myself with seven shops; at the same time, I started making my first prototype boats with which I won various Italian championships starting in 1982. Thanks to these successes, I was able to buy the Comar brand and start building boats to create a new era for this brand, thanks above all to our designers of reference, Vallicelli and Sergio Lupoli, who made the biggest and smallest boats respectively, but always maintaining a certain sporting spirit that allowed us to achieve other goals”.

Is there one that you remember with particular satisfaction?

“In 2008, at the Italian championship in Punta Ala, on the two podiums in the regatta and cruising class, five out of six boats were mine: it was a magical and exciting moment. But we never let it go to our heads; on the contrary, we always tried to maintain a direct and familiar relationship with the public”.

Why did you decide to enter the world of catamarans?

“With the economic crisis of 2008, massimo-guardigli-catamaranswhich put the boating world in difficulty, it seemed that the sector could not recover. Many small boatyards closed down for good, while other larger, more structured ones were able to play defence and managed to hold on, but it was a very difficult ten years for everyone. My reaction, then, was to throw myself into something new: after some analysis I noticed that the only sector of the boating industry that had not suffered any reduction in turnover due to the crisis was the catamaran sector, so with the support of my wife, who continued to run the Comar yard, I started working on the study of catamaran prototypes and their marketing. It was a successful choice, since the catamaran has now become our core business, although we continue to produce Comets, albeit to a lesser extent. Basically, we created a sort of catamaran cruiser, that is, a comfortable and safe boat that did not make the monohull regret too much, but rather surpassed it: aboard our first model, the 37-footer, you could eat fish in the middle of a gale without anything falling off the table, and we are still talking about fairly small dimensions. That experiment, in short, went well and we later threw ourselves into regattas as well, with the same success”.

What are the differences in designing catamarans compared to monohulls?

M_10-CY_Comet-Cat-62_stern“The catamaran is a much more demanding activity than the monohull, which is a more evolved product used by the masses. The catamaran, on the other hand, still has a lot of room to evolve and there is still a long way to go. Our choice has been to make light, well-made boats without overdoing it, i.e. without going for hyperbolic costs, otherwise everyone can do it! But the key to success is to find the right mix between reasonable costs and crazy performance; and to do that, since I had a lot of uncertainties at the beginning, I had the intuition to rely on Marc Lombard, the guru of catamarans. Thanks to working with him, I started to gain more confidence on the design and engineering part, until I was able to do everything on site, including the interiors”.

Looking to the future, what should we expect from the boating world and especially from catamarans, given that in general boat sizes tend to increase?

“The trend of increasing size is irreversible, especially in Italy, where luxury and comfort are popular. The market is going in this direction – including us, who are producing a 62ft catamaran – but I think this is a mistake. The small boat, in fact, is a very enjoyable object with which to have fun and wonderful holidays. However, the problem in our country is that we have no real industrial production, especially for sailboats: instead, we have excellent shipyards that produce a few boats, and larger and larger ones such as super yachts. If, however, we look at France, we can see that yards are reopening their series of smaller boats, and this is a warning that in my opinion should not be underestimated: I imagine that our cousins have information and market research that suggests that the market for small boats will explode in the next few years, and I hope that this is the case. The small boat, in fact, acts as a bridge to the big boat, and it is not only luxury, but also sport and fun”.

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