Italian shipyards visit - what's new in the series-build market?

With the highest number of new-build yacht orders by country (BI Global Order Book 2024), Italy offers a shipyard for every type of client. Our New Build team has sold two Benetti Class 44 yachts in the last three months but the range of options available is huge. The New Build and Brokerage teams recently visited yards on Italy's west coast to learn about the shipyards and understand their latest offerings.  

Sales Broker and Shipyard Relationship Coordinator, Eleonora Pitasso, explains: ‘These shipyard visits are essential to guarantee the intel and opportunities we provide to our clients are accurate and current. It is during these trips that relationships are built and cemented. We learn about the shipyard’s plan and vision for the future, new designs and concepts in development plus the very latest opportunities available for our clients to purchase.’  

Rossinavi has a boutique feel with a focus on custom yachts from under 40m to over 70m (130-230ft), with all metal work completed in-house, providing consistency across the project development from beginning to end.  

‘It is an ideal shipyard for a hands-on client who wants to be involved in a more custom, unique project and wants something that stands out,’ says Broker Justin Pierce. Its recently delivered 65.7m (215.5ft) ALCHEMY, a very busy Burgess charter yacht, has won numerous awards including Motor Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards 2024, and is great example of the sleek, modern designs with aggressive exterior lines.’  

Offering yachts from a remarkable 24 different series, Sanlorenzo is a distinct semi-custom yacht builder and the second largest yacht builder in the world with over 132 yachts on their 2024 order book (BI Global Order Book 2024).  

Miami-based broker Charles Jones believes: 'It is the wide-ranging series of options that makes it difficult for any buyer not to consider the shipyard when pressed with even the most unique owner’s requirements. With vessel types ranging from adventurous explorer yachts like the 500 EXP to the elegant 73 Steel and the successful day boat series of the SX and SP ranges, there is a yacht to fit almost every yacht programme imaginable.’  

Hidden among the abundance of production yacht builders in Italy, Tankoa stands out as one of the more versatile shipyards. Established in 2007, the yard has strategically positioned itself in a growing market segment, focusing on limited series, semi-custom and full custom yachts ranging from 45-80m (150-260ft).  

The T55 Sportiva caught the attention of New York-based broker Rob Vermilye. ‘At 55m (180ft) and 455GT, this aluminium-hulled yacht has amenities usually found on much larger vessels, but neatly packaged below 500 GT. It’s well-suited to both the American and European markets. Its shallow draft and water-level observation lounge are perfect for The Bahamas, and its expansive outdoor spaces, like the open-air beach club, full-length pool and spa, would fit in naturally in the South of France.’ 

Overmarine is a yard best known for its Mangusta series, a range that has been highly successful over the last two decades and has delivered no fewer than 19 Mangusta 165s to date. 

With the recent launch of the completely new 165, London-based Broker Nicholas von Sydow thinks: ‘This offers the full package, from the large six cabin layout and huge exterior deck spaces to a 30-knot cruising speed, it’s great for owners and friends who love to explore multiple locations during their time on board.’

Athens-based Broker Nikolas Pantagias picks out his personal favourite. ‘It would have to be the 52 T-Line Hybrid, with exterior design by Francesco Paszkowski and interior by Studio Vafiadis. She’s a full displacement 52m (170ft) steel-hulled yacht set for delivery this summer.

‘This yacht combines modern looks, significant spaces, excellent quality materials inside and out, modern power solutions and amazing Italian design. Simply put, it’s the ideal Mediterranean yacht.’ Baglietto has already sold 10 models in this popular series with the next available delivery slot not until 2027.  

Set within the port of Marina di Carrara, The Italian Sea Group (TISG) has launched 1,288 yachts to date. The group has recently included CELI, an interior supplier, into their portfolio, bringing interiors in-house and adding to their strength of Italian-made quality. London-based Broker Vilena Pavlova suggests: 'Their variety across the brands is unmatched,  with four existing yachting brands focusing on a different type of vessel, there is truly something for all at TISG.' 

The 55m Admiral S-Force, with possible delivery in the next 18 months, is a perfect sub 500GT yacht for an owner looking to step on board imminently. 

Set within the yacht-building hub of Viareggio lies Azimut, which focuses on the construction of yachts between 12-40m. Their incredibly successful GRANDE series has sold over 160 units since 2017 and is evolving with the inclusion of their new GRANDE 44 series. 

'The Grande series continues to be in high demand,' says Eleonora Pitasso. 'A Grande 36 is available for delivery in Autumn 2025, which makes it a prime opportunity to purchase this popular model within the next 18 months. Not to be missed.'

With more than 69 yachts currently under construction, Benetti continues to be dominant in the region with a vast array of models and sizes available from their Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and B.Century series.

Livorno-based Barry Gray from the Burgess New Build team thinks: 'The Motopanfilo is a great introductory model for a client new to yachting. It has been reimagined to appeal to new generations while keeping elegant elements from its past.' There is currently a MOTOPANFILO 37 available with a delivery in Spring 2026.