Maiora Supernova 50 Yacht Makes More of Less Than 500 GT

Maiora is making a significant move into larger-yacht territory with the Supernova 50, a 164-foot (50-meter) steel-and-aluminum superyacht. Just as noteworthy is what the shipyard and designers are trying to accomplish within her surprising dimensions and equally surprising arrangement. They’re creating the space and privacy associated with significantly larger yachts while keeping volume below 500 gross tons.

That threshold still matters to many buyers. Remaining beneath it simplifies certain regulatory, operational, and manning requirements. At the same time, though, owners increasingly expect 50-meter megayachts to deliver much of the comfort, separation, and outdoor living space aboard substantially bigger projects.

The Maiora Supernova 50 yacht addresses that challenge across five decks and with a beam of nearly 30 feet (9 meters). Tommaso Spadolini and Elie Saab jointly created the exterior styling and general arrangement to lend the heightened sense of spaciousness, with Elie Saab also responsible for the interiors. Related, this represents the second superyacht project that the well-known fashion house is contributing to—and Maiora is responsible for the first as well. In fact, Elie Saab entered the superyacht sector at the builder’s invitation with the Maiora Exuma 42 yacht. The first hull is currently in build for an American client.

Perhaps the clearest example of the space emphasis aboard the Maiora Supernova 50 yacht is the owner’s deck (below). Rather than placing the master suite forward on the main deck, the designers give the owners their own level. The suite has 180-degree views, additionally opening onto a private forward terrace. Together, the indoor and alfresco spaces span about 969 square feet (90 square meters).

Maiora Supernova 50 yacht Elie Saab interior

Guests receive more private space than is typical, too. The Maiora Supernova 50 yacht features two of her five guest staterooms on the main deck. One of these veritable suites measures approximately 323 square feet. Yet, the smaller one is still a suite by any measure, since each has a balcony of about 75 square feet (7 square meters). “Rather than simply designing spaces, we sought to design a way of living the sea,” Spadolini says.

That approach continues elsewhere. The beach area, for instance, incorporates a pool along with fold-down side sections. Simultaneously, the tender stows aft without detrimentally impacting the relaxation areas. Each deck up to the sundeck has space for owners and their families to enjoy uninterrupted views outdoors, and indoors. Select pieces from the Elie Saab Maison collection and custom furnishings inside create an elegantly inviting ambience without blocking or detracting from the views.

The Supernova 50 represents an important departure for Maiora. Best known for composite yachts that prioritize performance, the Italian builder is entering the metal displacement market. Accordingly, the yacht is intended for more than coastal cruising. Anticipate transatlantic range and a top speed of about 16 knots. Further look for the wheelhouse and captain’s cabin to sit unusually high, on the sundeck. This preserves sightlines while fulfilling the ever-increasing desire for more owner and guest space.

Construction is already underway at Maiora’s Pisa shipyard, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2028. She’ll be one of its largest superyachts so far, but not the very top of the range. Maiora has another new steel-and-aluminum model, the M|53, featuring design by Luca Dini.

Design Studio Spadolini spadolini.it

Elie Saab eliesaab.com

Maiora maiora.it