Most of the exploration-oriented projects under construction and in proposal from builders and designers around the world are in the super-size segment. So that makes this 92-foot (28-meter) contract seem surprising. However, don’t let her size fool you. The Antonini Navi XPD88 yacht is entirely custom, for a client seeking to chase far-off horizons.
The Italian shipyard, which currently is construction the UP40 steel series of yachts, is working with Studio Sculli for the project. The design firm is responsible for several workboats as well as yachts. The XPD88 is a first-time collaboration between the shipyard and studio. Notably, the owner introduced the companies to each other, having already chosen Studio Sculli first. The owner also welcomed the shipyard’s own input. In fact, Aldo Manna, Antonini Navi’s sales manager, explains, “My long experience in the construction and sale of explorer and expedition yachts in Northern Europe has guided me to make an active contribution.” Of course, the shipyard’s engineering department has had a say as well.
Additionally notable, the Antonini Navi XPD88 yacht has a steel hull. That’s far more typical of a much bigger projects. It’s fitting, then, that the yacht has features you’d expect to find on bigger boats. For instance, she has a big workshop within the tender garage aft. A hefty crane will take care of launching and retrieving the tender, along with land “toys” like motorized scooters. For convenience while away from shore, the yacht has a cold room adjacent to the galley. The owner, meanwhile, gets an entire deck, specifically the upper deck, for privacy. Still, though, the crew can access its interior and alfresco areas, with dedicated passageways.
With a nearly 28-foot (8.5-meter) beam, the Antonini Navi XPD88 will also include diesel-electric propulsion. The crew therefore can run her solely on the diesels or in other modes for lower emissions.
“The XPD88 will open up a new market for Antonini Navi, that of metal pleasure boats, which have seen exponential growth in recent years, especially abroad,” Manna says.
He goes further, too: “I am confident this project will be the first of a long series,” he predicts.
Antonini Navi antonininavi.com
Studio Sculli studiosculli.com
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