Each day, 1,000 to 2,000 employees and subcontractors walk through the gates of the Ferretti Group Super Yacht Yard. Situated in Ancona, Italy, the yard originally was CRN’s headquarters. Since 2014, though, it’s also where the large Pershing and Riva projects see construction, along with all Custom Line projects. In fact, of the nine build sheds at the Super Yacht Yard, four are solely for Custom Line—with another on the way. Our recent visit shed light on why its six semi-custom models attract owners who each bring something different to the table.
Custom Line megayachts currently range in size from 98 to 138 feet (30 to 42 meters), spread across two categories. One is the sporty-style Planing series, featuring the Custom Line 106 (below) and Custom Line 120. The other category bears the Navetta moniker, with somewhat more traditional looks. It includes the Navetta 30, 33, 37, and 42. As much as each megayacht has a set profile and engineering platform, customization extends beyond interior design.
In fact, Custom Line’s sales director, Karin Paggi, says that about 40 percent of buyers deviate from the suggested layouts. In addition, she says, some technical modifications are possible, with the Ferretti Group’s team.
Of course, the Group’s team comes up with its own technical advances—lifestyle enhancements, really—too. Aboard the Navetta 42, for example, windows slide down in the master. Buyers should appreciate this whether at anchor or putting the reported 3,000-nautical-mile range to the test. Aboard the Custom Line 120, meanwhile, the dual-mode transom adds versatility. With most yachts her size, a hatch here opens either up or down. Up is good for toy launching but not for adding relaxation/beach club space. Down, though, is great for extending a beach club but not for tender handling. The dual-mode transom accommodates both, depending on the moment’s needs.
Underscoring the brand’s strength, a fifth construction shed opens this autumn. It’s needed, too. During our visit in early June, 13 of the 16 available build slots were occupied. They included the last Navetta 28, which the Navetta 30 replaces, along with three Navetta 33s, two Navetta 37s, and three Navetta 42s. Further in build: one Custom Line 120, and three of the newest model, the Custom Line 106.
Hull number one of the 106 series premiered in Venice in mid-June. A 210-gross-ton yacht, she has styling by Francesco Paszkowski Design as well as interior design by the studio in conjunction with Margherita Casprini. Highlights include a terrace off the master and nice-size VIPs for her LOA. We’ll have a Megayacht News Onboard report in a few months, with more details. In the meantime, you can see her at the Cannes Yachting Festival in June, too.
What’s next for Custom Line? Likely not bigger boats. It’s purposely keeping a ceiling on lengths to avoid overlapping other brands in the Ferretti Group. Regardless, size isn’t an issue with customers, judging from the order book. Once the fifth build shed opens, it might just fill up pretty quickly. That, in the end, is a good problem to have.
Custom Line customline-yacht.com
Leave a Reply