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          • Associations & Organizations Recent Posts
            Yachting for Forests aims for more sustainability aboard superyachts
            Yachting for Forests: Sustainability Standards for Woods on Your Yacht

            March 27, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Junior SeaKeeper students learn about water sampling from superyachts
            Junior SeaKeeper Program Wants Young Ocean Ambassadors

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht company Northrop & Johnson is supporting Water.org
            Water.org Gains Support From Northrop & Johnson

            June 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
          • Brokerage Recent Posts
            Graceful is alleged to be among Russian-owned superyachts
            Imperial Yachts, Several Superyachts Added to U.S. Sanctions List

            June 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Bruce Brakenoff, Jr. and his team are now part of the Edmiston expansion in the USA
            Edmiston Expansion in America Sees Perini Navi USA Team Come Onboard

            September 5, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Motoryachts
          • Motoryachts Recent Posts
            hull 26 of the Custom Line 33 yacht series
            Custom Line Navetta 33 Yacht

            March 28, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Princess S80 yacht has a superyacht flybridge
            Princess S80 Yacht Now Stands as Sportbridge Range Flagship

            March 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Hargrave E Series yacht Romeo Foxtrot
            Hargrave E Series Yacht Makes Global Premiere

            March 25, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Sailing Yachts
          • Sailing Yachts Recent Posts
            the Aquarius II yacht hull turning at Royal Huisman
            Royal Huisman’s Aquarius II Yacht Hull Lends Look at Her Future Prowess

            March 28, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Perini Navi Genesis fleet includes a 77m superyacht
            The Perini Navi Genesis Fleet: Famed Sailing Brand Re-imagined

            March 22, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the SW100X yacht is an all seas cruiser
            SW100X Yacht Has Seaside Lounge, No Mere Swim Platform

            March 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
          • Superyacht 101 Series Recent Post
            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht 101 owner's representative
            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
      Products
          • Tenders, Toys, & Products Recent Posts
            Yacht Life Vodka is for discerning palates
            Yacht Life Vodka Lets You Sip the Good Life

            March 23, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            the Wooden Boats Limo Tender 27 is for the owners of a Sanlorenzo superyacht
            Wooden Boats Limo Tender 27 Leans Into Fast Fun

            March 14, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Coast New Zealand Nimbus Collection comprises inflatable furnishings for superyachts and homes
            Coast New Zealand Nimbus Collection, Customer-Requested Floating Furniture

            February 23, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • the superyacht saloon aboard the Van der Valk yacht Blue Jeans
            Yacht Blue Jeans Begins Globetrotting: Photo Gallery

            January 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Azimut Grande 26M megayacht
            Azimut Grande 26M Packs Punch in 86 Feet: Photo Gallery

            December 8, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Infinity Nine yacht
            Charter the Infinity Nine Yacht, Belonging to Former NBA Star: Photo Gallery

            November 24, 2022 By Marie Cullen

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            Savannah Yacht Center joins Safe Harbor Marinas
            Savannah Yacht Center Sells to Safe Harbor Marinas

            March 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Cantiere delle Marche and IYC join forces for superyacht sales
            Cantiere delle Marche and IYC Partner for U.S. Superyacht Sales

            March 22, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            a variety of Ferretti Group yachts
            Ferretti Group Acquires Additional Shipyard for Big Boats

            March 20, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
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  • Charter & Cruising
    • Charter & Cruising News
          • Charter & Cruising Recent Posts
            go whiskey-tasting in Scotland on Grey Wolf for an exceptionally memorable experience
            Go Whisky-Tasting in Scotland on Grey Wolf Superyacht Charter

            March 9, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            YachtAid Global has launched Operation Lalesi
            Operation Lalesi From YachtAid Global Delivering Earthquake Aid to Turkey

            February 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            book a Pandion Pearl yacht charter for an extraordinary itinerary
            Charter the Pandion Pearl Yacht for 14 Fabulous Destinations in 12 Days

            February 13, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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    • Destination Guides
          • Destination Guide Recent Posts
            a superyacht charter in Tahiti should include Opuhohu Bay
            Superyacht Charter in Tahiti: 7 Reasons to Book Now

            February 27, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            an Ohana yacht charter in Croatia can begin and end in Split
            Yacht Charter in Croatia Isn’t Beyond Your Means

            January 25, 2023 By Jill Bobrow

            St. John is a budget-friendly charter destination for superyachts
            3 Budget-Conscious Yacht Charter Destinations for This Winter

            November 29, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Marinas News
          • Marina News Recent Posts
            Jones Bay Marina is gaining superyacht slips
            Jones Bay Marina Gaining More Megayacht Berths

            March 11, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Chula Vista Marina is near the famed Third Avenue
            Chula Vista Marina Acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas

            December 25, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

  • People
    • Consultants
          • Consultants Recent Posts
            YachtAid Global has launched Operation Lalesi
            Operation Lalesi From YachtAid Global Delivering Earthquake Aid to Turkey

            February 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the yacht Tango belongs to Russian national Viktor Vekselberg
            2 Indicted for Assisting Sanctions Evasion of the Yacht Tango

            January 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Crew
          • Crew Recent News
            CrewBlast will fill superyacht crew needs
            CrewBlast Will Connect You to Crew Seeking Jobs in Seconds

            March 18, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Irina VU yacht is a Sunseeker 115 Predator like this sistership
            Irina VU Yacht Disappearance Leads to Captain’s Arrest

            February 3, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht crew gyms lead to better teamwork
            7 Reasons Why Superyacht Crew Gyms Are Essential

            January 19, 2023 By Ed Thomas

    • Designer Directory
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          • Designers
            Vripack is upcycling with North Sails to get superyachts to help clean beaches
            Vripack Is Upcycling Sails Into Beach Cleanup Bags—and You Can Get One

            December 3, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Donald L. Blount, Renowned Naval Architect, Dies

            July 15, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Marco Casali Freedom Collection includes 500 superyacht NFTs
            Marco Casali Freedom Collection NFTs Minting Now

            April 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Leadership Series
          • Leadership Series Recent Posts
            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

    • Owners
          • Owners Recent Posts
            the owner of Lady May is Guo Wengi a.k.a. Ho Wan Kwok
            Owner of Lady May Arrested for Fraud & Money Laundering

            March 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Loretta Rogers owned the superyacht Loretta Anne
            Loretta Rogers, Owner of Loretta Anne: 1939-2022

            January 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Giuseppe Taranto was the vice chairman of The Italian Sea Group superyacht conglomerate
            Giuseppe Taranto, The Italian Sea Group Vice Chairman, Dies

            February 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Jan-Eric Nyfelt, a co-founder of the Baltic Yachts superyacht yard, as a young sailor
            Jan-Erik Nyfelt, Baltic Yachts Co-Founder, Dies

            February 7, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

  • Events
    • Awards
          • Awards Recent Posts
            the Bowsprit Award will be given at The Honours superyacht awards ceremony
            The Honours Superyacht Awards Nominations Deadline Approaching

            February 4, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            The Honours recognizes superyachting achievers
            The Honours Awards to Recognize Superyachting Change Makers

            September 27, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            SeaKeepers honoring Nainoa Thompson along with superyacht owners
            SeaKeepers Honoring Nainoa Thompson & Polynesian Pioneers

            August 13, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
          • Boat Shows & Seminars Recent Posts
            you'll see plenty of superyachts at the Palm Beach show
            Palm Beach Boat Show Superyachts to Put on Your Must-See List

            March 8, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Flute Mirabello superyacht tender show takes place at Porto Mirabello
            Mirabello Flute Is World’s First Luxury Superyacht Tender Show

            January 13, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            DB( is among brokerage yachts at FLIBS
            4 Fantastic Brokerage Yachts at FLIBS 2022

            October 21, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

    • Fundraisers
          • Fundraisers Recent Posts
            superyacht companies support the London to Monaco cycle ride
            Join the Fifth London to Monaco Cycle Ride to Support BLUE

            September 3, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            YacvhtAid Global launched Operation Viti for superyacht owners and crew to aid Fiji
            Operation Viti by YachtAid Global, for Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Yasa Recovery

            January 1, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
          • Rendezvous & Events
            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 Set to Kickstart the Summer

            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022
            Fish On! NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022

            July 31, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht Cup
          • The Superyacht Cup Recent Posts
            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is the 27th year of the race
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 Setting Sail: Sunday Superyacht Video

            January 29, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            The Superyacht Cup Palma regulars and newcomers are excited
            Superyacht Cup Palma Regulars and Newcomers Set to Race

            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
            Superyacht Cup Palma to Celebrate 25th Anniversary, With Changes

            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
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  • Podcasts & Videos
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            Patrick Knowles of Patrick Knowles Design
            Patrick Knowles: What Superyacht Owners Want

            March 21, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            Operation Swimway needs superyacht owners and guests to help
            Operation Swimway: Scientists Need Your Help  

            March 6, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index provides a benchmark for superyachts
            The Yacht Environmental Transparency Index: A Benchmark for Sustainability in Superyachting

            February 24, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Yacht Videos
          • Recent Yacht Videos
            the Moonen Cocoon superyacht
            Moonen Cocoon Crushes Force 5 Conditions: Sunday Superyacht Video

            March 26, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the superyacht known as Heesen Project Setteesettanta underwent scale model tests
            Heesen Project Setteesettanta Tank Testing: Sunday Superyacht Video

            March 12, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Royal Huisman Project 406 sportfishing yacht cockpit
            Royal Huisman Project 406 Sportfishing Yacht Decked Out: Sunday Superyacht Video

            March 5, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Builder Videos
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            WiderCat 92 hulls
            WiderCat 92 Hulls Move Through Fano Streets: Sunday Superyacht Video

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            fuel cell superyacht at Lürssen
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            the Port of Port Angeles has a superyacht Marine Trades Center
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            December 26, 2021 By Marie Cullen

  • About
Home / People / Leadership Series / Megayacht News Leadership Series: Mauro Micheli, Officina Italiana Design
Officina Italian Design Mauro Micheli Sergio Beretta

Megayacht News Leadership Series: Mauro Micheli, Officina Italiana Design

July 1, 2015 By: Diane M. Byrne

A design competition hosted by Riva in 1984 changed Mauro Micheli’s life forever. Micheli (above left) had a strong design background, having attended art school in his teen years and then the prestigious arts-oriented Brera Academy in Milan, Italy. But yacht design wasn’t a career consideration until he won the Riva contest, joining its technical office as an assistant. Ten years later, Micheli began consultancy work exclusively for Riva, co-founding Officina Italiana Design with Sergio Beretta (pictured at right). Officina Italiana Design has been responsible for the design of every modern Riva—and now some new Sanlorenzo models, too. A fan of classic and contemporary art, even car design, Micheli still marvels at where the he and the studio are today. “Sometimes I even think that what I do every day is really odd,” he tells us. In this Megayacht News Leadership Series interview, Micheli relates what has pushed him the hardest, what he enjoys best, and what he thinks of the hopeful yet unproven designers trying to break into the industry.

 

MegayachtNews.com: What do you enjoy the most about the yacht design process: Is it coming up with ideas of your own to present to the public, or is it working directly with a client to make their vision a reality?

Mauro Micheli: I like in particular the starting phase, and I love to see the finished boat. Ideas come at the right moment, without a scheme. It is the instinct that drives ideas and the everyday training in your job. Ideas comes from who you are, from what you have learned day by day, year after year, working on projects and on a particular brand (knowing it deeply and trying to keep alive all the traditions that are inside that brand). The job of a designer is also to try to translate into the project all the possibilities offered by technology and research. The client, as far as little boats like Riva are concerned, is the shipyard, and we do pay a lot of attention to what they are looking for. But speaking about the new Riva 50-meter, of course, I have to listen carefully to the desire of the shipyard, and then match its guidelines with all the new ideas that will come from the owners, who will co-participate with us to create the interior. Of course  we will try to help them translate in reality their wishes.

 

MegayachtNews.com: What has been the biggest challenge of your career?

Mauro Micheli: Aquarama has been my biggest challenge. I had the task to reinterpret the lines of this successful boat after 40 years. She is the most famous boat in the world, I would say an iconic boat in the international boating industry. Working again on that yacht, it was very risky, but the result is in front of us: Aquariva and Rivarama.

 

MegayachtNews.com: What design trends in yachting do you think have staying power, and what trends do you think are more like passing fads?

Mauro Micheli: In the boating industry, there have been many examples; for instance, the goiter boat (from the Ligurian tradition) has been a recently passing fashion among those who wanted a small boat. Some open boats have reflected more a hedonistic lifestyle, too… for example, there was a time in which the flying bridge was small and everybody wanted to crowd the space with lots of things.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Is there a design feature you have not yet incorporated, or a size of yacht you have not tackled, that you would like to work on?

Mauro Micheli: No. In reality, I would really like to design my own boat… very extreme in her lines, minimal, without any redundancy. I find boats a bit over-designed. I like simplicity. As far as the size is concerned, with Riva we are designing yachts up to 80 meters. But I do prefer to design small boats. I like to see the boats I have designed (like the Aquariva) with distinguished elements even if they are serial products. I really like them. If you land in a marina with your Aquariva, everybody looks at you, and you are pleased about it. Little boats have their glamour. But I look forward also to seeing my first 50-meter megayacht be launched.

 

MegayachtNews.com: The convertible top of the Riva 88 Florida, like that of an automobile, is far different than other yachts. Did the idea originate in your studio?

Mauro Micheli: It comes from Officina Italiana Design in close cooperation with Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The Convertible Top system makes the yacht convertible, as the word says, i.e. capable of shifting from an open to a coupé configuration and vice versa by automatically operating the hardtop that can cover the pilot station in the cockpit.

 

MegayachtNews.com: You are now working with Sanlorenzo. What is the collaboration like so far? Does the shipyard have specific ideas it wants to incorporate, or is it relying more on your ideas?

Mauro Micheli: It has been a great collaboration so far, and I think that Massimo Perotti is a very good, open-minded businessman. It has been really a pleasure to work with him. Officina Italiana Design was commissioned by Sanlorenzo to redesign its range of fiberglass planing yachts. This produced two new models:  the SL76 and the SL86 (currently in build). Both craft are very similar in concept but differ in dimensions, resulting in different space solutions. Sanlorenzo gave us a briefing, but at the same time, they give us freedom to elaborate on our personal proposal. We have developed a long list of design innovations for the two models, most of which focused on optimizing spaces and volumes. The results set new benchmarks for the yard’s planing range. We are looking forward to seeing the first boat realized.

 

MegayachtNews.com: A number of young, hopeful designers have released concept designs and gotten publicity in a number of mainstream media and yachting media. Yet, many of these designs cannot be built in accordance with regulations, and even current technology. Do you think this is a problem, or do you think everyone should freely publicize their ideas?

Mauro Micheli: Absolutely! Why not? Although technology helps everybody a lot, and not always behind a very good 3D program is there a good designer (especially if you are free in the project and you are not bound to regulations), there are indeed many good young designers, and they merit all our attention. I think it is a good thing to help them and support their capabilities, giving them a chance. I personally look always at young designers’ concepts, and if I needed new designers, I would certainly give him/her a chance in my studio.

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