Fifty years of history for a brand that has exported nautical excellence from Viareggio, focusing on craftsmanship, innovative capacity and elegance. Now owned by the Next Yacht Group, Maiora seeks to deliver a unique, customised onboard experience in all its projects
by Olimpia De Casa
Half a century of experience, a time of determination and courage involving challenges, intuitive decisions, strategic partnerships and – finally – very valuable know-how of technical skills, craftsmanship and construction techniques. They are the things that Maiora has built its reputation on globally. The brand, one of the best-known and most prestigious in the shipbuilding sector in Viareggio, has carved out a special place for itself thanks to the quality and versatility of its boats, right from the very first launches at its facility in Massarosa, in the province of Lucca.
At the Viareggio shipyards, master craftsmanship blends with timeless heritage, transforming each yacht into a sanctuary suspended between sea and sky.
It was in the mid-1980s that the Fipa Group took over the brand, which had launched in the previous decade, with the intention of becoming a leading player on the international yachting scene. They were helped by a favourable economic situation and the far-sightedness shown in investing very early in glass fibre technology, which was then beginning, for producing hulls and superstructures. The yard bet heavily on composites and sought to exploit their qualities of resistance and workability, and in just a few years became one of the most significant boatyards in Tuscany.
Next Yacht Group is an essential part of a broader strategic investment project in the luxury hospitality sector by GB Invest Holding AG, a world leader in Information Technology, and in the potential applications of artificial intelligence, which is also very active in the real estate sector.
As the new millennium arrived, the yard expanded so quickly that in 2001 the group was joined by AB Yachts, a specialist in designing and producing open, high-performance hydrojet craft. The rise of Maiora continued unabated, and they made another acquisition in 2005, buying 100 per cent of the shares of CBI Navi, a historic yard involved in fitting out large metal boats. At the same time, the group made significant strategic investments as the leader of the Polo Nautico consortium, which held a long concession from the state for the port of Viareggio.
At the same time, on the back of its success in the market and to the ensuing increase in demand, a new production site in the Massa industrial area was launched which proved to be ideal in terms of logistics since it was close to a junction of the A12 Genoa-Livorno motorway and was linked by Via Dorsale (which is traditionally used by oversize loads) to the nearby Marina di Carrara. A forerunner in building fibreglass boats, Maiora ensured its success by giving each model a very distinctive style, high-quality standards, and an ability to understand and deliver with careful customisation, which has produced some extremely charismatic and exclusive boats.
Maiora, founded in the 1970s and part of the Next Yacht Group since 2021, embodies a way of experiencing the sea with style, freedom and vision. Each yacht is designed to go beyond simple navigation, becoming an exclusive space where functionality, design and comfort blend in perfect harmony.
By carefully selecting the materials used and deploying highly skilled craftsmen, they have made every unit launched over the years a masterpiece of excellence, aimed at making the pleasure of taking to the water and spending time on board a unique and precious experience. Given the impossibility of listing all of the models that the firm has produced, or indeed the output of internationally renowned Italian yacht manufacturers in general, we will mention just a few of the boats that have been the most ground-breaking in terms of looks, performance, versatility and comfort when underway.
One that has to be included is the Maiora 35 Jet, the firm’s first with hydrojet propulsion (this was back in 2009). Fitted with three MTU 16V 2000 M93s each developing 2,400 horsepower, combined with a further three 550 MJP hydrojets, meaning the 35-metre boat, with a carbon fibre and Kevlar hull, had a top speed of 46 knots. The following year saw the debut of the Maiora 27S, which featured highly advanced fittings and navigation aids and was designed for long cruises, with a more well-being-focused, exclusive feel in mind. The high level of finish and customisation stand out, as do the exterior lines, the amount of spaces for socialising – both inside and out – and the low fuel consumption. 2020 saw the delivery of three new large models that are full of character: the Maiora 35 Exuma, the Convertible version of the Maiora 30 and the open Maiora 30 Walkaround.
Like the entire M line, the M30 has been designed to convey a sense of fluid dynamism, thanks to a skilful balance between sleek shapes and generous volumes.
At the heart of every Maiora project lies the very essence of sailing, blended with the elegance of Italian culture, giving rise to a new Renaissance in the world of boating.
On the eve of the leading European boat shows in September 2021, the brand – known as an interpreter of liveability, sociability, freedom and elegance – became the property (together with AB Yachts) of the Next Yacht Group, which was founded after the acquisition of the historic Fipa boatyard. Under the new ownership, the ability to create timeless boats is evident in the emphasis on delivering a luxury lifestyle. The declared aim, which clearly comes through in the new projects, the very contemporary strategic communication campaign, and the updated spaces of the group headquarters, is to continue to excel and, above all, to thrill.
Maiora 42 Exuma
Next Yacht Group owns the historic Maiora and AB Yachts brands. The Maiora range, with flybridges from 30 to 50 metres,
is characterised by bright interiors, spacious areas and generous volumes, harmonious connectivity between rooms and solutions that make every experience at sea unique.
Under the new ownership, the ability to create timeless boats is evident in the emphasis on delivering a luxury lifestyle. The declared aim, which clearly comes through in the new projects, the very contemporary strategic communication campaign, and the updated spaces of the group headquarters, is to continue to excel and, above all, to thrill. It is a “boutique” interpretation of the high-end Italian yachting sector, which, without forgetting the value of history and memory, invites you to look to the future, and even to anticipate it, with healthy (self) determination.
The Maiora 42 Exuma metres creates a new paradigm based on the ‘Renaissance’ of living at sea. The Maiora project combines Giorgio Maria Cassetta’s architectural vision for the exterior lines and Elie Saab’s refined universe for the interiors.
It is a “boutique” interpretation of the high-end Italian yachting sector, which, without forgetting the value of history and memory, invites you to look to the future, and even to anticipate it, with healthy (self) determination. Next Yacht Group’s name suggests that it is solid, well-defined and structured, and indeed it is an essential part of a wider investment project in the luxury hospitality sector by GB Invest Holding AG. As an international leader in IT, it aims to combine technological research and product (and service) customisation to deliver a vision of excellence in an area – with Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi – that is a symbol of yacht production and high-class tourism. It is a project that ranges from hotels and award-winning restaurants to beach clubs and nightlife, from luxury real estate to customised hospitality.
The Maiora M38 is 37 metres long with a beam of 8.20 metres. The model has three decks and five cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests, with the master suite located on the main deck and four guest suites on the lower deck. The exterior design is the result of a collaboration between the shipyard and Quartostile, while the Acube Design architecture studio designed the interiors.
The Maiora M38 is the result of a collaboration between Maiora
and the Quartostile studio. The interior design was handled by the Acube Design architecture studio, which has been active
in the nautical industry for over 20 years.
With the mission of highlighting the identity and individual nature of the brands it has acquired, the new ownership structure immediately adopted a new brand identity aimed at bringing, in the case of Maiora, the concept of liveability and onboard comfort to the highest practical level. The range comprises flybridge boats from 30 to 50 metres that embody the quintessence of luxury on the water, with models featuring luminous, spacious interiors and generous volumes, harmonious connections, and cutting-edge solutions to optimise safety and wellbeing. Linked to these features are high performance levels, thanks to the vital range of propulsion options available.
The perfect balance between form and function, technology and art, performance and soul aspires to be a call to experience a personal rebirth, drawing inspiration from the values of the Italian Renaissance – as suggested by the balance, proportions and beauty of recent projects. It is the case of the Maiora M38, the founder of the M line that marks a new era for the yard, managing to preserve the identity that has characterised half a century of success, while also offering an interpretation of elegance that goes beyond tradition to embrace a new vision. The result is a 37-metre yacht that stands out with bold, refined lines that convey a very contemporary dynamism. Laid out across three decks, it is the product of the partnership with the Quartostile design studio, which is known for its prestigious experience in the yachting and automotive sectors, with work done with high-level names such as Giugiaro and Maserati:
“Our aim wasn’t just to design the lines of the yacht, but to spell out a new chapter, establishing a style that can be applied on boats of different sizes, as a point of reference for the future brand”, the designers explain. There are five suites, with the master rooms on the main deck and the guest area below, with interiors by Acube Design, an architectural practice which has been working in the sector for over twenty years. They add “The M38 breaks down every barrier, maximising the relationship with nature. The teak flooring thus extends throughout the interiors, reinforcing the idea of a limitless space, while the tooled leather elements transform every room into a sophisticated and contemporary space”. The first unit, currently under construction at the Viareggio yard, will be on the water in the summer of 2026 alongside the new M30, with the design project presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025.
Giacomo Benelli
In recent years, I have witnessed Next Yacht Group grow and strengthen in an extraordinary way, decisively expanding its international reach and renewing the Maiora and AB Yachts brands with vision and pragmatism. Today, the Group can count on significant production capacity, unique craftsmanship – a true expression of the Boutique Shipyard we want to continue to be – and construction and fitting-out sites that stand out in our industry. All this is complemented by a passionate and highly skilled team and financial strength that allows us to constantly innovate and strive for excellence. We don’t want to work just on numbers: our goal is to build increasingly beautiful boats, offer unparalleled customer service, precisely because of the type of product and value we deal with and build – thanks in part to unique tools, such as the ability to reach remote locations by private jet within hours of receiving a call – and take care of every detail with the utmost attention. The primary value we continue to invest in is the human aspect, which is directly reflected in the quality of the product and, above all, in the centrality of the customer. The results confirm the validity of this approach. I am particularly proud of the record figures achieved in 2025: Next Yacht Group recorded an exceptional performance, with 10 units sold and an order book reaching €100 million. The business plan for the next three years will push us to do even better in 2026, with numerous innovations in terms of new models, strategic partnerships and additional production business units. At this point, Ad Maiora… and also to AB. Giacomo Benelli – Chief Sales Officer at Maiora for 20 years
Quartostile and Acube Design are also partners with Maiora for the external lines and interiors, respectively, on the new 36 Exuma, which debuted at the last Monaco Yacht Show. The yacht, which is 36.90 metres long with a 7.90-metre beam, spans four decks and can accommodate 10 people in five cabins (master suite on the main deck and guests on the one below), and there is space for up to 5 crew members in three rooms. The design, with a notably fluid and organic profile, has its roots in a twin objective: both to align the aesthetics to the yard’s new approach with linearity, dynamic tension and a visual presence that delivers an imposing character; and also to increase visibility and onboard comfort with innovative solutions, such as the full-beam bow and the stern seen as a genuine point of contact with the water. Large windows and visual continuity between inside and out increase the feeling of connection with the surroundings, while new details, such as the incorporated chaise longues in the stern and the suspended net in the bow, introduce new forms of relaxation with natural light.
Maiora 36 Exuma – photo by Leonardo Andreoni.
The Maiora 36 Exuma features a three-waterjet propulsion system, allowing it to cruise at up to 33 knots with maximum comfort and no vibration. Extraordinary agility is combined with a reduced draught of just 1.45 metres, allowing you to explore the beautiful coastlines and crystal-clear waters of Cat Island, the Abacos, Paradise Island and, of course, the Exumas.
We will have to wait for the summer of 2027 to see the completion of the first 42 Exuma, with exteriors by Giorgio Maria Cassetta and interiors by the Lebanese stylist Elie Saab with creative direction from Carlo Colombo. The project – shown in July at the reconditioned Deck Lounge at Via Coppino, an address that has come to symbolise the Viareggio yacht industry, aimed to redefine fixed starting points and offer a new design paradigm. The most obvious new element lies in the complete rewriting of the spaces and, in particular, in the unexpected and brave decision to put all of the cabins (so the owner and four VIP staterooms) on the main deck, leaving the crew quarters (four rooms for nine people) on the lower deck.
Maiora has set out to revolutionise the onboard experience and focus the project on the experience of being in close contact with the water. “Creating a balance between levity, interior volumes and generous heights, keeping a clean and refined feel, has been a challenge and together a dream that becomes a reality”, explained Giorgio Maria Cassetta. For the interior design, the yard has explored the refined universe of the celebrated couturier Elie Saab, who after success in interior design, furnishing, hospitality and high-end real estate has embraced a new frontier of contemporary luxury, bringing to the 42 Exuma a vision of craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement, which has been expressed in immersive and elegant spaces combining design, precision and comfort.
Maiora’s philosophy is a proper way of life that invites us
to rediscover the essence of being, to slow down and reconnect
with our hearts, emotions and the art of living.
Part of the strategic project to redefine the onboard experience includes the launch of the Next AI Integrated System, a New Yacht Group proprietary project available across all its ranges starting in 2026, and the first integrated, local-first AI for luxury boats. Making its debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and developed in partnership with AI Technologies and the YES Group, it can be easily managed through the new proprietary apps – My AB and MY Maiora. The latest development in AI nautical applications launched by the Next Yacht Group is a “digital concierge” that knows each yacht perfectly and supports the owner and crew in running it. It ensures safety, privacy and reliability, thanks to operational continuity that doesn’t need an internet connection or the cloud.
Maiora 36 Exuma – photo by Gionata Xerra.
Maiora yachts offer spacious, versatile and bright interiors, where every detail reflects the owner’s personality. With a strong aesthetic and architectural identity, Maiora is the brand of panoramic flybridges defined by unprecedented volumes and perfect continuity between exterior and interior spaces.
“For the buyer, luxury means simplicity and control. We offer an assistant that always works, even in the middle of the ocean, in a secure, continuous and dependable way: artificial intelligence that belongs to the yacht and its family, not to the cloud”, stressed Giorgio Mattei, Vice President of the Next Yacht Group. “Our approach is local-first: data, models and decisions stay onboard. This AI delivers verifiable answers, safe commands and profound integration with the boat’s systems. In the evolving roadmap, we foresee continuing to integrate new functionality and services, such as always-on vocal activation, with a dedicated wake word and predictive maintenance”. This is a cutting-edge solution that is a tangible example of the Group’s innovation and digital transformation. In 2024, the Group generated 75 million euros in revenue with a portfolio of orders exceeding 100 million euros. It now employs over 120 professionals, after increasing staff numbers by 140 per cent over the past four years. With facilities between Massa and Viareggio, and a total of over 67,000 square metres of production areas, Next Yacht Group looks to the future with a vision that combines technology, innovation, aesthetics and functionality. There are three production facilities at Viareggio, including seven fitting-out stations and 1,759 square metres of offices in the heart of the port, the prestigious headquarters at Via Coppino 114, an iconic meeting place for buyers with 800 m² of private lounges, and a private quay for testing, deliveries, and post-sales service. With over 360 yachts produced and a further 21 under construction, the group stands out for its attentive, personalised, and direct relationship with buyers and its desire to create exquisitely tailored experiences, so that every detail reflects the style and vision of people who live the sea with passion.
Maiora is the place where past and present meet, where technology becomes art and performance finds its soul. It is an invitation
to personal rebirth, inspired by the values of the Italian Renaissance.
(Maiora 50th Anniversary – The Next Generation at Maiora – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)
