Late last year, The Italian Sea Group acquired sister shipyards Perini Navi and Picchiotti. While it’s having Perini Navi refocus exclusively on sailing superyachts, it’s taking a different approach with the Picchiotti brand. Notably, the Picchiotti Gentleman fleet of custom and semi-custom motoryachts pays tribute to its centuries-old history. Simultaneously, the new megayachts appeal with retro styling yet modern amenities.
Picchiotti was one of the oldest shipyards in the world, dating back to 1575 as a commercial builder and switching to yachts in the 20th century. Perini Navi acquired it in the 1990s, a few years after it had shut down. Perini Navi went on to launch a handful of megayachts at Picchiotti under the Vitruvius Yachts name. However, in 2017—ahead of its own financial struggles and eventual collapse—Perini Navi rebranded everything under its own name.
The new Picchiotti Gentleman fleet features styling and interiors from Luca Dini Design & Architecture. Sizes range from 78 to 180 feet (24 to 55 meters). As the model name suggests, the yachts have throwback looks, specifically to 1960s-era American cruisers. Luca Dini of the eponymous studio had already created retro-styled superyachts for Pisa several years ago, but they never came to fruition. The designs, though, caught the attention of Giovanni Costantino, The Italian Sea Group’s founder and CEO.
In fact, Costantino says, the line “immediately conquered me because it recalls the historical models such as the Giglio Series or the Mistral Series by Picchiotti, enhancing their design values and the culture of the sea.” High-gloss mahogany accents and polished metal plating accentuate the all-aluminum Picchiotti Gentleman profile.
For his part, Dini believes the range of LOAs appeals to a variety of buyers, with differences yet similarities. “It is a project in strong countertrend dedicated to those owners who want to stand out, but are also well acquainted with tradition and the concept of gentleman yachts,” he notes.
Already, one of the Picchiotti Gentleman models is under construction, having celebrated her keel laying on July 15. Though the Italian Sea Group doesn’t specify which one, it does say delivery will be in 2024. She’ll have a beach club, too, on the upper deck—seemingly sounding like a much more casual skylounge—and with a sliding-glass door leading outside. Additionally, the Group says, 15 more builds are under consideration, all with hybrid or electric engines.
Since owners can tailor the interiors to their liking, each yacht could conceivably differ greatly. But, a common bond is a special tender. Each yacht comes with a boat that replicates the mothership’s styling and finishes.
Luca Dini Design & Architecture lucadini.com
Picchiotti picchiottiyachts.com
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