The management of Italy-based Palumbo Shipyard had good reason to celebrate earlier this week. Not only did the yard launch the first megayacht, but Prima, as she’s christened, is the largest megayacht ever constructed in Naples.
Owned by the head of Columbus Yachts, a division of Palumbo focused on yachts to 110 meters (361 feet), Prima measures 53.4 meters. That’s just shy of the 177 feet her model name suggests. With naval architecture by Hydrotec, the steel-hulled, 700-ton yacht emphasizes internal volume. The 10.2-meter (33-foot) beam surely helps, as do large relaxation spaces.
Design Studio Spadolini fashioned an interior decor that blends traditional elements with more contemporary ones. Durmast, a European oak, is used for paneling, but cut in large horizontal rectangular sections. It’s nicely offset by darker walnut used for soles and, in a pleasant surprise, some ceiling panels. Carrara marble with gold veins, stainless steel, and leather are used throughout the yacht as well, from the main-deck owner’s suite (with balcony) to the six guest accommodations. There are also accommodations for 12 crewmembers and the captain.
Of course, Prima has plentiful alfresco spaces, too. One place the owner and guests will likely spend a lot of time: the sundeck. A hot tub forward, ringed by a sunpad “island,” and a bar cater to creature comforts.
Sea trials are expected to confirm a 18.5-knot top end. Power comes courtesy of twin MTU 16V 4000 M60s
Prima will be delivered in July. In the meantime, Palumbo continues work on the sleek Columbus 199 superyacht scheduled for launch next year. And it’s continuing to solicit refit and maintenance work, having acquired the well-known Malta Shipyard in Malta last year.
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