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Gouvia and Greece 2.0

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Sun, 31 May 2026 10:59:36 +0000

D-Marin is raising the bar for standard services in the nautical sector with the relaunch of Gouvia Marina in Corfu, backed by an investment of €8.5 million.

D-Marin has carried out a major redevelopment of Gouvia Marina in Corfu, investing €8.5 million to transform it into a modern, exclusive destination for boating and leisure. This project reinforces the marina’s role as a strategic gateway to the area whilst delivering tangible benefits for the environment, the local community and the visitor experience.

Strategically situated between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean, Gouvia Marina is Corfu’s largest marina and a key driver of the island’s economy. The project embodies D-Marin’s long-term vision to enhance the yachting experience whilst establishing the marina as a vibrant, open space fully integrated with the local area and community.

The entire marina infrastructure has been upgraded, significantly enhancing accessibility, comfort and the day-to-day experience for guests and crews.
– 104 new berths for vessels up to 50 metres in length
– New car parking areas
– An additional 6,000 square metres of dry storage space
– Pedestrianised seafront
– Refurbished internal road network
– Refurbished toilets and showers

In addition to the marina area, the landscape and outdoor spaces have been incorporated into the project, with over 2,000 trees and plants planted to create a contemporary, open and welcoming environment. A new playground and an amphitheatre reinforce the marina’s social and cultural vocation; the amphitheatre will host concerts, cultural events and open-air cinema evenings, further establishing the marina as a destination that goes beyond the purely nautical dimension.

Ioannis Koutsodontis, Regional Director of D-Marin Greece, said: “The modernisation of Gouvia Marina goes far beyond a simple infrastructure project. It is a comprehensive transformation that brings together architectural excellence, technological innovation and sustainability, creating a premium, inclusive and dynamic destination deeply connected to Corfu’s local community”.

DIGITALISATION has also been a key focus. All berths are now equipped with terminals that enable remote management of electricity and water consumption via the D-Marin mobile app – a solution that enhances the user experience whilst optimising operational efficiency and energy management. To this end, Wi-Fi coverage has been upgraded across the site to ensure continuous, reliable connectivity.

The improvements introduced have also delivered tangible benefits in customer satisfaction, as evidenced by an 11-point increase in the Net Promoter Score (NPS), reflecting recognition of the superior quality of the facilities, services and overall experience.

In terms of sustainability, safety and ESG principles, the marina now features high-pressure water filtration systems, advanced fire detection and emergency alarm systems, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting.

As part of a wider redevelopment plan, Gouvia Marina has also completed its first on-site solar power installation, the first such project carried out by D-Marin in Greece. The 100 kWp system is expected to generate around 167 MWh of clean energy per year, covering approximately 20% of the facility’s operational energy requirements.

“The solar installation at Gouvia Marina confirms D-Marin’s ongoing progress towards decarbonisation and makes it the group’s first Greek marina to generate renewable energy on-site. The project adds to the 5 MW of photovoltaic capacity already installed at our marinas in Turkey, Croatia and Italy, supporting our SBTi commitment and our goal of reducing emissions by 42% by 2030”, said Korina Kostakaki, Head of Sustainability and Health & Safety at D-Marin Greece.

Gouvia was able to complete this ambitious project through the “Greece 2.0” National Recovery and Resilience Plan, funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU. According to D-Marin, the initiative marks a significant step forward for Greek nautical tourism, helping to accelerate sustainable investment, infrastructure modernisation and the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

(Gouvia and Greece 2.0 – Barchemagazine.com – May 2026)

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Solemar SE33 – Sail without compromise

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Fri, 29 May 2026 08:22:36 +0000

A perfect RIB for longer trips and spending a lot of time on board, thanks to the space inside, the deck layout and an excellent hull

by Niccolò Volpati

On the transom of the SE33 there are two Mercury V8s each developing 300 horsepower, the output recommended by the producer, while top power rating is a hundred hp more. The sea off the harbour wall at Genoa looked like a piece of cake, with relaxing, calm water that meant you could do what you liked without worrying too much about the consequences

The first thing I liked was how easily it found the right trim. That wasn’t something I was doing, but rather the Mercury active trim, although I also worked out that the system didn’t have to do very much either. I sped off, and the boat got on plane in just three seconds, and less than a second later was perfectly parallel to the water, with perfect trim and sightlines. The SE33 also turns tightly without any issue. The sea conditions meant I could do that even at forty knots, while the two Mercurys got me up to 42.2 knots. That’s a very respectable speed, and is perfect for a boat of this type that, having a cabin, is also aimed at short and medium-range cruises as a family or with friends, and not just for day trips.

Comfortable space for four people with excellent liveability in the forward berth.

The good thing about having outboards is that they can really get you going without too much noise. The sound meter didn’t register much, even at fast cruising speed. And there is also the advantage, in part due to the waterlines, of not using much fuel. You can do thirty knots and use less than 90 litres per hour, while at 25 that figure goes down to around 70 litres. Around 3 litres per mile is used up to 35 knots, which is more than acceptable for a boat of this size and gives the feeling it does at the wheel.

After having done a few miles I got the impression that it goes even better than the open version. To be clear, the sensation I got with the SX34 was definitely positive, but the cabin has moved the weight forward, and I thought that further improved the trim, making it even safer and more comfortable when underway. It doesn’t just make you want to get out on the water, but also to do some turns. So, basically, it is difficult, to say the least, to find not just a defect but even a single imperfection in the handling qualities of the SE33. So it is a shame that the maximum beam with the tubes deflated is 2.59 metres, which is nine centimetres too many for it to be legally towable. But the width does mean there is a lot of room above and below decks, and the yard has focused on delivering that, and upon deck, a lot of attention has been paid to getting around easily.

The fibreglass anchor roller has an exposed winch
and two sturdy bollards for mooring.

You can get from stern to bow without anything in the way, and the layout has a U-shaped sofa in the cockpit, and a hi-low table that can be used to complete the sun pad. Amidships, the helm station has a sofa for skipper and mate, which is all set to starboard, freeing up a good amount of room to port to get through to the foredeck, where there is a second sun pad that also makes use of the cushions forward of the bridgehouse. The galley is open and fully equipped, but doesn’t take up much room. The solution that Solemar has gone for has a sink and a fridge in the kitchen unit aft of the helm seat, while the hob burners are actually under the seats, so you just have to move them forward to use them. The rollbar also saves space because the lower section points forward while the upper section leans aft. The supports thus look “fragmented” and take less space on the sides. So basically, there is a rollbar, and a strong one at that which doesn’t vibrate even at forty knots, but you hardly notice it’s there.

When you are getting around on deck, which has an excellent surface, there are numerous grab handles for safety and the whole bow area has a guard rail, while the others are located on the rollbar supports, meaning there is always something to hang on to. The companionway is next to the helm station, and there is a good amount of headroom below decks, while there is a genuine double bed which is very welcoming. I also liked the height, as well as the portholes and windows that let natural light in and let you look out. The bathroom is separate, although the stern sleeping area is under the cockpit and so smaller.

Engine data

The pair of Mercury V8 engines, each with 300 horsepower, delivers the perfect balance: performance without excess, yet more than enough to cover many miles in a short time.

SOLEMAR ITALIA SRL
Via Roggia Morlana, 1/3
I-24027 Nembro (BG)
www.solemaritalia.it

PROJECT
Shipyard technical department

HULL
LOA 10.57m • Length 9.85m • Maximum beam 3.34m • Beam with deflated tube 2.59m • Tube’s diameter 0.64m • compartments • Dry weight 3,200 kg • Fuel tank volume 600 l • Water tank volume 120 l • Maximum power 700 hp

MAIN PROPULSION
2x Mercury Verado 300 V8 • Outlet mechanical power 223 kW (300 hp) • 8 cylinders • Swept volume 4.6 l • Compression ratio 1.75:1 • Maximal rotational speed 5200-6000 rpm • Dry weight 239 kg

EC CERTIFICATION
CAT B

PRICE*
Starting from 239,900 € + VAT, bare boat

*The price refers to February 2026

(Solemar SE33 – Sail without compromise – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)

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Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft Group – Built for life

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Tue, 26 May 2026 08:28:50 +0000

Erwin Bamps, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Craft Group, talks about the new phase of development for the United Arab Emirates’ leading boat builder in key international markets

by Sacha Giannini – photo by Giovanni Malgarini

While Europe has accounted for almost a quarter of Majesty’s turnover in the last five years, Erwin Bamps’ goal is undoubtedly to introduce Gulf Craft’s other four brands to the European market, with a wide range of boats from 32 to 175 feet, represented by the Nomad, Oryx, SilverCat and Touring Passenger vessels brands. With fishing boats, sports boats, family cruisers and customised luxury superyachts, the entire fleet ranges from runabouts to luxury megayachts with over 780 Gross Tonnage.

Gulf Craft GROUP

The Group includes Gulf Craft, Gulf Craft Maldives and Gulf Craft Services, which manages state-of-the-art production and service facilities, including a 43,000-square-metre shipyard in Umm Al Quwain and an additional facility in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Since 2002, Gulf Craft Maldives has also operated a 9,000-square-metre production and service facility in the Maldives, with a new 75,000-square-metre one set to open soon. To date, the company has built over 10,000 boats, including pleasure craft and commercial vessels. Thanks to a new service centre, the SYSC (Superyacht Service Centre) in the United Arab Emirates, the company aims to become a regional hub offering refitting, repair and support services for the entire life cycle of the boat.

The Oryx line includes sports yachts and cruiser yachts. Starting with the Oryx 32 sports cruiser, the range extends to 37- and 47-foot models, equipped with outboard engines and available in closed LX or open FX versions.

According to Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Erwin is the right man to build the group’s future, starting from the foundations laid together many years ago, because he understands the values that have shaped the company, aligning innovation and tradition, composite materials and design, to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding international clientele.

Mohammed Hussein Alshaali

Nomad 95

Nomad is a brand of explorer yachts offering long range and fuel efficiency. The series includes the Nomad 65, 70’, 75’, 95’ and 101’, the flagship of the fleet, capable of covering over 3,000 nautical miles and reaching a top speed of 23 knots.

Nomad 101

“Gulf Craft is a group, not a brand. Majesty is just one of our amazing brands, and it’s a very important one, but we have others too, smaller and equally prestigious, and we’d love to find European dealers for them, too. When I arrived in the UAE in 2002, Gulf Craft was still more or less a start-up, even though it had been around since 1982. But it began to grow right away, especially between 2009 and 2019, when I was CEO, and we led the company through a significant decade, becoming one of the world’s leading manufacturers of luxury superyachts, with a team of over 50 engineers today. Now that I’m back after a few years away, I’ve found that the other brands, Nomad, Oryx and SilverCat, aren’t represented globally in the same way as Majesty Superyacht. So one of my main goals is to bring all the group’s brands to different markets”.

Majesty yachts are suited to the private Mediterranean market. Still, they also have their sights set on the charter sector, where three 120’ yachts are already in use in the Mediterranean, and six 100’ superyachts have been launched to date.

Erwin Bamps brings an international perspective gained from two decades of leadership in the nautical, luxury, and lifestyle sectors across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. With an already solid presence and ever-growing brand value, Gulf Craft and Bamps are poised to capture market share ranging from luxury explorers to fully customised superyachts to more commercial and transport vessels, through technology, engineering and craftsmanship that, beyond the boundaries of design and performance, have created models such as the Majesty 175, the world’s largest superyacht made of composite material. However, Erwin Bamps tells us, “… next year we also plan to present the Majesty 112 Terrace and introduce the more classic Nomad yacht brand with the arrival of the 101’”.

Erwin Bamps

The Majesty 145 is the latest concept developed in collaboration with Cristiano Gatto Design.

One of the challenges for Bamps, in addition to luxury, space and technology, is to offer an increasingly private, reserved and intimately secluded life on board. “Many superyacht customers increasingly want to configure a villa, buying space, light, comfort and, above all, greater privacy. We often talk to customers for only 15 minutes about the engine room and engine power, but for at least two hours about stabilisers. There is more interest in comfort, crew circulation and privacy on board than in speed”.

Majesty 175

In addition to privacy, the materials, style, design and construction skills all contribute to a low noise level. The brand wants to highlight a Mediterranean lifestyle focused on indoor-outdoor living, permeability, light connections, passageways, and full-height doors and windows. “Why do I like living in the desert and not in Dubai? Because I have a garden and I can go out into the sand at night through simple passages and doors, just like on board a Majesty, where the connection with the water makes you appreciate every moment and where the only neighbour is perhaps our own wheel in the roadstead or the island in front of us”.

SilverCat 35CC

SilverCat is the power catamaran brand within the portfolio of the Gulf Craft Group. Drawing on more than 40 years of boat-building expertise, the catamarans combine innovative twin-hull design with fuel-efficient performance and tailored layouts – from open-console sport-fishing machines to fully enclosed family cruisers.

Majesty superyachts conceal enormous technical complexity and aim to make their mark outside the Arab Emirates, not only in terms of size but also in terms of design, quality standards and engineering, thus transforming the Middle East, traditionally associated with a more “consumer” role, into a creator of luxury made in the Middle East, including in the nautical sector. From exotic Amazakoue veneers and natural Anigre bulkheads to Crema Marfil marble, Cappuccino onyx, walnut, and brushed brass, all raw materials are sourced from across the world, including Italy, France, Hong Kong, Australia, and Great Britain – and meticulously crafted and assembled in the shipyard’s own facilities in the UAE.

(Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft Group – Built for life – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)

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The digital premiere of ULTIMA 88

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:01:31 +0000

The Polish shipyard, led by Francis Lapp, unveiled its latest model at the Singapore Yacht Show via a digital launch.

They were so eager to unveil their latest luxury catamaran to the world that they chose to present it digitally at the exclusive MOTION 88 event. Taking advantage of the Singapore Yachting Festival, Sunreef has brought together curated audience of local VIPs, media, clients and close friends of the brand, offering guests a privileged first look at the highly anticipated model.

The first view

During the event, attendees were among the first to discover the ULTIMA 88 through exclusive preview content, including revealing the yacht’s interiors. This ULTIMA 88 embodies Sunreef Yachts’ forward-thinking vision, blending cutting-edge innovation with refined aesthetics and performance-driven design.

The design

The ULTIMA 88 introduces a bold new dimension of performance luxury. The yacht delivers an exceptional balance of speed, efficiency, and refined comfort at sea. Blending the agility of a monohull with the stability, generous living space and shallow draft of a multihull, the ULTIMA 88 reflects a forward-thinking approach to modern yacht architecture.

The connection

Designed to elevate life on board, the yacht transforms at anchor into a true waterside retreat. Expansive opening bulwarks and a spacious aft garage create a seamless walkaround Ocean Lounge, offering a unique connection to the sea and an ideal setting for both relaxation and adventure.

The new icon aboard

For this launch, Sunreef Yachts is also proud to welcome Spanish athlete Carlos Alcaraz, who has chosen the ULTIMA 88 as his first yacht. This collaboration marks his entry into the world of luxury yachting with the shipyard’s latest line.

We’re looking forward to seeing it at sea.

(The digital premiere of ULTIMA 88 – Barchemagazine.com – May 2026)

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Manda S05.3 – Beautiful, and possible

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Mon, 25 May 2026 07:05:12 +0000

This boat has a very singular design that makes it different to every other. But it is also functional and pleasant to be on when under way

by Niccolò Volpati

“Come back early tomorrow and I promise you we will go out”, I was assured by Valentin Mitev, the captain of the Manda S05.3 which is moored at Cannes. It was the third time that I had gone along the quay hoping to get on board and try out the boat. Luigi Manda, the head of the yard, had promised that I could, but it was a very busy time with the Yachting Festival on. It was understandable as the Mandayachts boats, all of them designed by Giovanni Ceccarelli, drew special attention and there was always a queue of visitors to get on board. It is a really unusual design, making it impossible to miss, and it is difficult to resist the temptation to visit it. And that is what boat shows are for.

The interiors have two entrances: one from the stern leading to the panoramic living area and one aft of the steering console with a ladder near the owner and guest cabins.

I wasn’t very optimistic the following morning. I thought Valentin Mitev was going to get rid of me with a “come back tomorrow” and free himself of the nuisance. But instead he kept his promise, and was waiting for me with the engines already running. “I wasn’t expecting that”, I told him “I assumed that it wasn’t going to happen”. “What on earth are you saying? I’m the boss round here”, he replied with a dazzling smile. Off we went, and outside the harbour wall the waves were half a metre and fairly steep, and were crossed by all of the wakes left by the yachts crossing the gulf.

There are two Volvo D8s with IPS transmission in the engine room. The feeling you get is immediately very positive, with the hull behaving well cutting untroubled through the waves, making the boat stable, well balanced and easy to handle. The V bow is perfect as the boat doesn’t slam on the waves, even when you might expect it to. It also handles extremely well when turning, and the positive feeling is accentuated by the optimal sightlines from the helm, with a very open console that doesn’t have supports or superstructure blocking the view. You can keep an eye on everything from there, something I realised because there is a lot of traffic off Cannes, especially during the Yachting Festival. But I was relaxed and we proceeded calmly. At top speed I clocked up 28.5 knots, but I would say that the most important detail is a planning minimum of under eleven knots. And the Manda S05.3 gets out of the water while using a total of just 63.5 litres per hour. It isn’t a hull that has any problem getting on plane, which means you have a broad choice of cruising speeds, something that normally comes from powerful engines that can get the boat moving very fast, but also use a lot of fuel. By contrast the Ceccarelli-designed waterlines mean you get that wide span of possible speeds without that.

As well as the living area there is the galley, while the master cabin – with separate bathroom – is in the bow.

It wasn’t just what was under water that struck me about the Manda S05.3. Both the deck and down below are really original, but it is important to make clear that this isn’t just a design that seeks to dazzle, and in fact it has been conceived with a particular use in mind. The reverse bow is something we could by now call a Ceccarelli bow, being a distinctive sign of the designer and something that sets it aside from other boats.

From outside the Manda S05.3 appears to have the characteristics of a fly bridge boat, and also those of an open and an explorer. The stern is a huge beach area, covering a full fifteen square metres, while you have to go up to get to the living room and the helm station. There are three steps, and it is almost as if you found yourself on a second bridge deck. The first good thing about that is the perfect sightlines from the helm station, in part because it is located higher up. The sun pads are located in this central area, and – protected by the hard top – also the sofas, dining table and kitchen unit. That immediately begs the question as to why exactly the area is raised. And the answer is that the enclosed dinette lies below it, as a full beam living space that looks onto the beach area. To get to it you just have to move the transparent pantograph door, which delivers a really unusual feeling. It is a closed and protected area, but nevertheless a very panoramic one. You are inside, but it feels as if you were outside, not least because you are at the same height as the water level. I thought about how functional it would be if there are children on board, and I saw how nice it is to sit on the sofa and watch the wake behind you when under way. And the same goes when you are at anchor.

Visibility from the helm station is also ideal because the main deck is raised above the aft beach area. The deck offers plenty of sunbathing and living areas. The layout is designed for enjoying outdoor life. And then there is the 15-square-metre beach area at the stern.

As well as the living area there is the galley, while the master cabin – with separate bathroom and shower cubicle – is in the bow, and that too is spacious and light. A second cabin is located half-way between the owner’s area and the panoramic stern dinette. Everything makes you want to stay on board for a long time, both the qualities of the hull and the experience you get either above or below deck. But at a certain point Valentin Mitev, the skipper, pointed to the quayside, which was already crowded with visitors queuing: “We’ve got to go back in”.

Engine room

The system is an IPS 800 with two Volvo D8 engines delivering 600 horsepower. This is more than enough power, especially since the hull’s water lines are very efficient.

MANDAYACHTS CANTIERI NAVALI
Piazza Vittoria, 6
80121 Napoli
www.mandayachts.it

PROJECT
Ceccarelli Yacht Design

HULL
LOA 15.00m • Maximum beam 4.82m • Fuel tank volume 1,800 l • Water tank volume 550 l • Standard propulsion 2x Volvo IPS D6 650 • Optional propulsion 2x Volvo IPS D8 800

MAIN PROPULSION
2x Volvo D8-IPS 800 • Outlet mechanical power 441 kW (600 hp) • 6 in-line cylinders • Swept volume 7.7 l • Maximal rotational speed 3,000 rpm

EC CERTIFICATION
CAT B

PRICE
1,200,000 € Excl. VAT and optionals

*The price refers to February 2026

(Manda S05.3 – Beautiful, and possible – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)

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Besenzoni in Venice – make yourselves comfortable

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Fri, 22 May 2026 07:41:05 +0000

Besenzoni, a leading manufacturer of yachting components, returns to the Venice Boat Show, an event that is increasingly international and strategically important for the blue economy.

From 27 to 31 May at the Arsenale, the Sarnico-based company will present a wide-ranging selection of products, offering the most comprehensive overview of its global range: from gangways, both electric and hydraulic, to seating for helm stations.

A preview of what’s coming

The P 400J Matrix Junior pilot seat will be on display – a compact evolution of the Matrix range, already awarded numerous accolades for its ergonomics and refined design. This seat brings the comfort typically found on high-end boats to smaller vessels, with dimensions naturally suited to boats of a more modest size.

There will also be two gangways for boats of various sizes, fitted with outboard motors: the PE 660 Jolly, in its electric version – compact and lightweight, ideal where stern space is limited – and the PI 461 Miss, a telescopic external hydraulic gangway that also serves as a small davit for tenders and water toys.

(Besenzoni in Venice – make yourselves comfortable – Barchemagazine.com – May 2026)

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Innovation and transition – The first high-speed dual-fuel engine by Nanni

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:25:16 +0000

Strength in numbers. That is why Nanni and ScandiNAOS AB have collaborated to develop a methanol-powered dual-fuel version of Nanni’s engines, based on John Deere technology.

This collaboration has proven successful, with tests indicating that the engine supports the sector’s energy transition and has enabled Nanni to develop its first high-speed generator set with methanol dual-fuel technology.

A collaboration born of a need for sustainable innovation

In response to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) call for a significant reduction in air emissions, Nanni embarked on developing advanced dual-fuel technology. Through the Life Mystic project, Nanni has developed an innovative dual-fuel technology enabling engines to run on both diesel and methanol. A solution designed to operate with a fuel blend consisting of approximately 30% diesel and 70% methanol on an energy basis, in order to reduce diesel consumption and harmful emissions. This “dual-fuel” approach represents a major step forward in the maritime sector’s energy transition, offering a more sustainable alternative without compromising engine performance and reliability.

ScandiNAOS’s expertise in support of Nanni solutions

ScandiNAOS AB was commissioned by Nanni to develop a dual-fuel version of the 6-litre John Deere-based engine for use as a generator set. At the heart of this development is a dual-fuel injection kit that enables these Nanni engines to switch between methanol and diesel. When the methanol tank is empty, the engine automatically reverts to diesel without interrupting operation.

The conversion kit developed by ScandiNAOS AB includes a methanol control system and hardware modifications that enable methanol injection into the fuel system.

Using methanol marks a major step towards cleaner boating, reducing CO₂ emissions, fine particulate matter, and certain air pollutants traditionally associated with conventional marine fuels.

Successful test for the Nanni dual-fuel engine

The engine, converted to a methanol dual-fuel configuration, underwent testing. The test was conducted in accordance with IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) standards regarding progressive loading of engines and generator sets, in the presence of a representative from RINA (Registro Italiano Navale).

The tests delivered positive results

The transition between single-fuel and dual-fuel modes is smooth and seamless during operation. The proportion of energy derived from methanol ranges from 50% to 75%, which significantly reduces emissions while maintaining full power output in both diesel and dual-fuel modes. After conversion to methanol, the engine shows a dramatic reduction in key pollutants, with CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (hydrocarbon) emissions reduced by 95-99% and NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions reduced by 65% across most load points. Particulate matter is also consistently lower, confirming significantly cleaner combustion.

These conclusive results confirm the strong potential of methanol dual-fuel technology. As the first Nanni high-speed dual-fuel engine, this innovation paves the way for a new generation of marine engines.

Beyond this technical advancement, the collaboration between Nanni and ScandiNAOS AB reflects a shared vision in which innovation goes hand in hand with transition.

(Innovation and transition – The first high-speed dual-fuel engine by Nanni – Barchemagazine.com – May 2026)

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IdeaeItalia – The power of ideas

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Wed, 20 May 2026 06:24:43 +0000

For Alessio Battistini and Davide Bernardini, design is the tool through which we achieve balance and beauty by eliminating the superfluous

by Chiara Risolo – photo by Andrea Muscatello

Bernardini-Battistini design studio. Black smoke. No. Too long, verbose. Blatantly assonant. Better IdeaeItalia, to be pronounced in Latin. The exegesis is unequivocal: IdeaeItalia, in its ups and downs of consonants and vowels, expresses everything the world needs to know, namely, a strong sense of belonging to a country that has forged a blood pact with beauty and a passion for talent. With the branding affair out of the way, what follows is the story of two men and a craft. A craft that is among the most fascinating because, like few others, it gives shape and, if done well, even function to very ambitious projects.

Bernardini and Battistini, it was said. Davide & Alessio, where the “ampersand”, copied and pasted directly from the firm’s official website, actually has a meaning that goes far beyond business. Since 2013, they have been at the helm of IdeaeItalia and, without interruption, lifelong friends, a bond that dates back to 1977, the year of their birth.

Davide & Alessio, united from their first cry, but different. Breaking with clichés, one could say ‘as different as two drops of water’. The first resembles those that fall neatly, perpendicular to the earth in autumn; the second resembles those that cut through the air, sharp and impetuous, like a summer storm. Drops, however, from the same sky, the one above the Gulf of Poet, in La Spezia.

IdeaeItalia’s strength lies in accompanying the project from concept to completion, following all stages of production in close contact with the shipyard, combining skills and sensibilities
from different worlds.

Was yours already clear? Did you know what you wanted to do when you grew up and, above all, that one day you would also become partners?
Alessio: No. Absolutely not. Boating was… ‘this unknown’. The passion came later, after I turned 20. Davide was enrolled in the Faculty of Architecture in Florence. He chose to do a synthesis workshop on yacht design. One day, I sneaked into his classroom to see what he was working on. I liked it. A lot. So much so that I decided to enrol in Nautical Engineering.
Davide: I chose architecture because I loved the subject in general; my interest in boating grew gradually. It was also fuelled by La Spezia’s increasingly central role in shipbuilding. We’re talking about the early 2000s. Alessio and I tried to take advantage of the favourable moment to play our cards right, exploiting the potential of our territory.

2016 marks IdeaeItalia’s baptism of fire. The presentation
of the Wider 150 at the Monaco Boat Show, for which they designed the interior, offers Alessio Battistini and Davide Bernardini,
the studio’s founders, the opportunity to make their debut
as protagonists in the world of mega-yachts.

However, IdeaeItalia was founded in 2013. What happened before then?
Davide: After graduating, I cut my teeth at Fulvio De Simoni, a brief but intense experience (smiles, ed.), a great training ground. Then I opened a small office. In the meantime, Alessio had made some crucial contacts thanks to the Faculty of Engineering, so we joined forces. We began our first collaborations with several shipyards, including Rodriguez, Baglietto and Sanlorenzo…
Alessio: The real turning point, however, came when the studio was founded in 2013. The time was ripe to invest in a dedicated space and a network of collaborators. An official space, designed to formalise and consolidate our professional identity and grow the IdeaeItalia brand, of which we have always been proud and of which we are now, even more so, very proud. 2013 was also the year when our boldness and confidence in our work led us to take a chance and capture Tilli Antonelli’s attention, a crucial encounter in our journey.

«The experience with Nerea was enriching, and also a completely new experience for us, because until then we had never worked
with small boats, which, as we know, require a thousand compromises due to their limited space». Alessio Battistini

Born in 1977, they come from different academic backgrounds: Car Design for Alessio and Architecture for Davide, but they share a passion for boating and design.

«From a man like Tilli Antonelli, we have learnt to look beyond things. And never at the hands of a clock. To question everything.
To seek out new solutions to dispel banality. He calls them ‘Cool’. Antonelli is someone who approaches things with his head,
his heart and his hands». Davide Bernardini

It’s clear: a giant.
Alessio: We had heard that Wider was looking for an interior designer for a 50-meter-long motoryacht and that Antonelli would be at the upcoming Seatec exhibition. The problem was that there were only four days between the hint about the 50-metre aluminium boat and the exhibition’s opening. We looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s give it a go!’ We designed day and night, without ever sleeping, and set off for Carrara with the sketches still warm under our arms. We approached Antonelli and tentatively asked if he had the time and inclination to take a look at our work.

And him?
He certainly gave that look. I don’t know if he was being irresponsible or far-sighted! It must be said that we already had some experience with large aluminium yachts, which was undoubtedly a point in our favour and a source of reassurance for him.

IdeaeItalia was founded in 2013 to capitalise on the experience gained over years of working closely with production in renowned shipyards and collaborating with leading international design firms.

What one learn from a man like Tilli Antonelli?
Davide: To look beyond things. And never at the hands of a clock. To question everything. To seek out new solutions to dispel banality. He calls them ‘Cool’. Antonelli is someone who approaches things with his head, his heart and his hands.
Alessio: We learnt so much from working with Wider, and those two projects were the start of how we do things now. It’s funny to think about how immature and reckless we were when we started, and how much we’ve evolved since then.

Work ennobles man.
Alessio: If it is done with passion. Considering all our efforts and sacrifices, I would say it was worth it.

So, the turning point was the hint to Seatec. And then?
Davide: We established a partnership with Sanlorenzo. It was a significant professional experience. Then came the meeting with Ferretti Group. At that time, there was a need to give the Ferretti Yachts brand a new style, while maintaining a consistent, recognisable visual and stylistic identity across all product lines. Ferretti gave us the assignment and, from that moment on, their trust.
Alessio: Ferretti Group has given us an excellent opportunity by allowing us to design the interiors of the first Ferretti 1000, a 30-metre-long yacht. It went very well, and the collaboration intensified.

CHIARA MIGNANI
With a solid artistic foundation and technical skills gained in Naval Design in La Spezia, Chiara began her career in Interior Yacht Design collaborating with various Italian studios before joining IdeaeItalia in 2023. She immediately embraced the studio’s philosophy, finding a natural affinity for Davide and Alessio’s design approach and becoming an integral part of a harmonious, stimulating team.
«Hand drawing is my creative language: I develop initial concepts with sketches and compositional studies, then translate them into 3D models, combining spontaneity and precision to ensure consistency and quality throughout the design process».

RICCARDO CAMURRI
Riccardo graduated in Interior Design at the Politecnico in Milan and obtained a master’s degree in Naval and Nautical Design in La Spezia. In 2021, immediately after graduating, he joined the IdeaeItalia studio. Riccardo works on 3D modelling, materials and rendering. «Working with Davide and Alessio is a great way to learn new skills, methods and ideas. Every project has been a chance to learn new tools and tricks, and to train my eye for the finest details. One of the best things about their approach is that you can test and grow through experience: they let you try, then correct the shot straight away and clearly».

Filippo Salvetti designed the exteriors of that boat. In general, what kind of relationship is established between interior and exterior designers?
Alessio: Each case, of course, is unique. We always welcome collaborations with enthusiasm.
Davide: The most important thing is to avoid the sort of people who like to take centre stage, and Salvetti is undoubtedly not one; it is necessary to aim for maximum cooperation and transparent and fair discussions.
Alessio: Working with Filippo is great. He’s a serious professional, very cooperative, always open to discussion. The truth is that if we all focus on the end goal, without getting lost in silly personal issues and jealousies, things will go in the right direction.

Ferretti Yachts 1000.

Even when it comes to disruptive, revolutionary projects, like Infynito?
Davide: In this case, Filippo had an intuition and was able to demonstrate its effectiveness with full knowledge of the facts. After careful consideration, the shipyard absorbed the concept and approved it. In general, an idea, even one that seems “absurd,” if it comes from a competent mind and is strongly motivated, should always be pursued and defended.

And what idea did you “defend” and assert regarding the interiors of Infynito?
Alessio: We wholeheartedly embraced Filippo’s intuition and applied it to the interiors; the vast open space with views both fore and aft. At first, it seemed like a gamble, but then it turned out to be a winning solution. The secret, as Davide pointed out, is to accompany the shipyard and the customer on a journey with grace and intelligence. The effort involved is entirely relative.

With smaller shipyards, there’s usually less to do, right? I guess it’s just because there are fewer players in the field, like there are no style committees, product committees, fixed budgets, stock market quotations… To name one at random, Nerea.
Alessio: The experience with Nerea was enriching, and also a completely new experience for us, because until then we had never worked with small boats, which, as we know, require a thousand compromises due to their limited space.

The studio’s activities also extend to areas far from the sea, from luxury residential properties to the Hospitality Sector. The goal remains experimentation and the search for new forms and materials, combining cutting-edge technologies with the traditional craftsmanship typical of Italian manufacturing.

What is on the table right now? What projects are you working on? For whom?
Davide: We are focused on large boats. Right now, in particular, on the design of an 80-metre yacht. For a private client, a foreign client. For now, we cannot add anything else.
Alessio: We are also looking into refits, which is a fascinating world. We believe there is great potential for good things in the future. We are watching and studying the market. We’ll see.

What does Alessio have that Davide doesn’t, and vice versa?
Davide: Alessio is more creative and instinctive. He has a more passionate approach. Metaphorically speaking, he’s the first to jump in when the challenge is becoming tough, and there are ‘walls to break down’.
Alessio: Davide is a very rational, thoughtful person with excellent overview skills and good taste. Together, we ‘work’.

(IdeaeItalia – The power of ideas – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)

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Santiago by sea – The power of walking on water

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Tue, 19 May 2026 08:17:33 +0000

Less featured in tourist guides, but utterly captivating. It is the Vía Marítima, the route that lets you experience the emotions of one of the world’s most renowned pilgrimages from a different perspective

by Ornella D’Alessio – photo by Andrea Pistolesi

In Galicia, the sea precedes the roads. It is along the water that the oldest and least-known Way of St James passes: the Via Marítima, a route travelled by pilgrims, traders, and sailors who followed the Galician Atlantic coastline long before yellow arrows marked the inland paths.

A journey marked by lighthouses, rías (Atlantic inlets similar to but gentler than fjords), and safe passage harbours. The maritime route that once linked faith, trade, and coastal navigation can now be followed by boat, with designated stops and mooring points at ports, yacht clubs, marinas, and landing stages designed for modern recreational boating. From the mouth of the Ría de Vigo, one of the best-protected inlets on the coast, you can trace the maritime route of St James the Apostle, sailing through the Rías Baixas and disembarking at Padrón to continue on foot to Santiago. You can depart from the historical port of Baiona (mrcyb.es), at the southern entrance of the Ría de Vigo, close to Cabo Silleiro, where the caravel Pinta landed on 1 March 1493 with news of the discovery of the New World.

The coastline of Galicia is especially charming.

// The Via Marítima is a journey that reminds those who sail it that, before there were paths, there were waves. //

This is where pilgrims of the Camino via ocean cast off from a safe harbour with a secure seabed, the first point of contact with a deeply maritime Galicia. Before setting sail, it is worth admiring the sunset while visiting the fortress of Monterreal and its famous Prince’s Tower. In the ría, you sail along rugged and windy coastlines. The stop at the Cíes Archipelago is stunning, situated in the heart of the Galician Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park, which the Romans called the Islands of the Gods. This stretch is entirely Atlantic: long waves, strong winds, and a low tolerance for planning errors. Anchoring is permitted only in designated areas and under stable weather conditions (iatlanticas.es/formulario/formulario_espanol.pdf). According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the long white beach of Rodas on the island of Monteagudo, also part of the Cíes Archipelago, is considered one of the best beaches in the world.

El camino a vela, elcaminoavela.com – 5-27 June 2026

If you continue north along the coast, you enter the Ría de Pontevedra, where navigation is more sheltered. The internal waters allow for easy sailing even in strong winds. Pontevedra boasts one of the most elegant historic town centres and is the second most important in Galicia, after Compostela. Here, pilgrims would disembark and continue on foot towards Santiago. The ría is well-protected, with mild winds and a generally even seabed, making it ideal for transfer navigation. Slightly further south-east, along the same ría, you reach Sanxenxo, one of the main centres of Galician pleasure boating. Its marina is well equipped and easily accessible, making it an ideal technical stopover for refuelling, weather checks, and planning the next leg. It is highly recommended to stop at the marvellous Real Club Nautico Sanxenxo (rcnsanxenxo.com) before entering the extensive Ría de Arousa at Cambados, further north, the productive heart of maritime Galicia. Here, venturing to sea becomes more of a challenge: the bateas for mussel farming occupy large areas and require careful reading of the nautical chart and signals. The currents are sensitive and local traffic is busy, especially during daylight hours. It is an ideal place to try the marisqueo route (guimatur.org), a shellfish-gathering tour that is tide-dependent and not always available. From this point, the traditional route heads towards Santiago de Compostela, not directly from the sea, but sailing up the river Ulla to Padrón, as recounted in the traditional story of the arrival of the remains of Apostle James. This is where the Atlantic transitions into the river and land.

Galicia is an ancient land rich in culture, folk traditions,
fine craftsmanship, culinary delights, unspoilt nature,
and diverse architecture.

Santiago de Compostela can be reached by mooring at one of the ports along the Galician coast. Each pilgrim is free to choose how to travel to the renowned cathedral in Praza do Obradoiro, which – according to Christian tradition – has safely housed the mortal remains of James, Apostle of Jesus, for more than a thousand years. The perimeter of the square, covering 7,700 m², is adorned with the city’s five main civil and religious buildings, each in a different style, reflecting centuries of history. Standing in front of that magnificent Baroque façade – a masterpiece from the XVII/XVIII century and the final stage of the Camino – takes your breath away. Despite the large, buzzing crowds, you quickly find yourself in front of two 74-metre-tall towers and the monumental central triptych crowned by the statue of St. James. “You feel a pleasant inner silence”, as a pilgrim who has just completed the French Way tells us. A potential return to the water for those wishing to continue towards the Costa da Morte is at Portosín, a modern and well-equipped harbour (rcnportosin.com). Another technical stop in the Ría de Muros is Noia, which is highly valued by pleasure boaters for its safe mooring and protection from prevailing winds, but especially as a place where you can enjoy the summer sunset around 10.30 p.m. while dining at the club. The marina provides good shelter and is often used as a roadstead to evaluate weather conditions before venturing into the open sea. Muros is among the best-preserved historical harbours on the Galician coast, featuring houses overlooking the water, granite docks, and a strong connection between the city and the ocean.

// The maritime route that once connected faith, trade,
and coastal navigation can now be traced by boat, with designated stops and mooring points at ports, yacht clubs, marinas, and landing stages built for contemporary recreational boating. //

Here, the maritime Camino reveals its most authentic character, composed of landings and coastal navigation. The access point is clear and well-signposted, with the granite docks bearing witness to a long maritime history. It is a highly recommended stopover. Slightly further north lies Carnota, with its fishing harbour, a small landmark along the coast which becomes even more open and challenging on this stretch. At this point, the Atlantic takes on a different character, becoming more direct, with longer waves, constant wind, and fewer options for immediate refuge.

The landing at Finisterrae holds a significance that extends far beyond boating: it is the gateway to the Costa da Morte. The finis terrae of the Romans is a symbolic place, with a cosy harbour and a lighthouse dominating the highly exposed coast and marking one of the most western points of the Camino. From here, the route continues towards Cabo Vilán, one of the most iconic and feared lighthouses in Galicia, built after several shipwrecks on that coast, and one of the most challenging passages of the entire itinerary. Its waters are among the most difficult and dangerous along the Spanish coast: strong currents, cross-sea conditions, and frequent, sudden fog. The final stretch of one of Europe’s oldest routes is A Coruña, a large, open, and historic Atlantic port with comprehensive infrastructure and fully equipped yacht clubs, serving as the natural conclusion of a journey that is both a navigation and a narrative. A journey that can be measured in routes, lighthouses, and landings. And which reminds all sailors that before paths we had waves (turismo.gal). This is an experience you can also enjoy by participating in El Camino a Vela (elcaminoavela.com, 5/27 June 26) or in the VI Ruta Náutica Rías Baixas-Camino de Santiago Ria de Muros Noia (mrcyb.es/eventos/evento/vi-ruta-nautica-rias-baixas-2026), where the boat is an integral part of the pilgrimage.

(Santiago by sea – The power of walking on water – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, May 2026)

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Marco Benadì – I was looking for a poem

BARBARA BORGONOVO — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:49:41 +0000

Between Portofino and the French Riviera, an intimate portrait of those who have chosen a boat as an extension of their idea of time and beauty. “I wasn’t looking for a boat, I was looking for poetry”: storytelling of a Mussini boat owner

by Marco Negri – photo by Oliver Astrologo

Marco Benadì doesn’t need to say much to explain why he chose a Mussini. His voice comes from the sea, literally: he’s moored on the French Riviera, and he talks to us while keeping one hand on the helm of his Corvetta 24. It’s one of the smallest boats in the harbour, but he says with a half-smile that it’s the most admired. When everything seems to be about speed, ostentation and gigantism, some people are looking for something different. They’re after something that’s not measured in feet, horsepower or accessories, but in silence, in the warm wood underfoot, in deliberate and chosen slowness.

Mussini’s identity cannot be reduced to a slogan. It is a delicate combination of craftsmanship, discretion, contemporary design and intimacy with the sea. For this very reason, it is not easy to describe. It cannot be “sold” like an item in a catalogue. It must be narrated. It must be intuited.

«I never thought I would find someone who loved Mussini more
than I did, but then I found Marco. Working with him has allowed me to see our history from a different perspective: the passion
of those who experience it every day from the sea,
and not just in the shipyard». Gaetano Mussini

His boat is more than just an object – it’s a symbol of his idea of beauty and freedom. The phrase “I was looking for poetry” really captures the essence of the story. Some boats are just bought, but others, the more rare ones, are chosen with your heart and soul. Once you’re on board, there’s no going back. Some people have a boat, while others live on it. For Marco, the difference is small but huge. His boat isn’t something to show off; it’s a presence, almost like family. “It’s like a watch on my wrist: it doesn’t measure my steps, but it gives a deep meaning to time”, he says. In this case, there is something more: a sense of protection, almost jealousy, for every mahogany curve, every teak detail. “In a world of boats that all look the same, I was looking for something with soul”, explains Marco Benadì.

So, the challenge now is to take this story beyond Tigullio and share it in Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, the Aeolian Islands and Greece. We’re not just talking about exporting a product, but about conveying a vision of sailing. A vision that speaks to those who know how to listen, to those who choose slowly, to those who don’t need to be convinced but only reached.

It is wood that breathes, warms in the sun, and changes colour slightly over time, like living skin. It is the muffled sound of waves on the hull, without frills or superfluous noise. It is the pleasure of silence, of slow sailing, which invites you to look at the sea, not to race across it. “It’s a boat like no other, and that’s what makes it special”, says Marco, with a pride that smacks of discretion. Wood, mahogany and teak, is his favourite material. He describes it as “alive” because it needs to be cared for, because it changes. After all, it tells stories of the sea and of the hands that have patiently smoothed it.

On the French Riviera, where yachts and mega-yachts crowd every quay, it happens that a harbour master’s secretary smiles and says to Marco: “The owner of the most beautiful boat in the harbour has arrived”. And that boat is his Mussini.

Marco Benadì’s experience is not just that of a shipowner. It’s a love letter to a different way of experiencing the sea, made up of time, care, living matter and personal freedom. It’s a testament
to how a boat, if it’s the right one, can become part of you.

Every boat has a story. But some, more than others, seem to tell it themselves. Marco’s Corvette has a story that deserves to be written in a novel. Before it became his, it belonged to an eighty-year-old, reserved Milanese noblewoman who used it to go swimming, accompanied by her sailor, dressed in white. “She washed peaches in the sink on board and sipped her rosé wine while looking at the sea”, recalls Marco. It took months of “courtship” to convince her to sell it. That boat was not for sale, as far as she was concerned. And it would not have been for sale to anyone. But Marco, with his patience, knew how to wait. Since then, the boat has changed owners, but it has not lost its voice. “My luxury? No notifications, my son on board, ten knots and silence”. There’s no need to rush to get here, because in this case, the journey is the destination! It’s all about the style and the awareness: you see the boat as an interior space, not just a tool. It’s a place to feel free, even if just for a few hours.

(Marco Benadì – I was looking for a poem – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)

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