All set for the big boating event of the season, the Genoa Boat Show, staged Sept. 30 to Oct. 5. Over the next few days we will be on the docks of the Ligurian capital to analyze the market for you and understand where boating is going. In the meantime, enjoy this overview, which begins with two absolute debuts, Ice 52 and Italy 12.98!
Both eagerly awaited, and both Italian, are the two major new products making their world debut at the Genoa Boat Show. The Ice 52 is no hull designed to run fast on the water like a racer and to be as comfortable cruising as a cruiser. Thus, dedicated to mature owners who want to have fun at the helm and win at regattas. The design is made by Felci Yacht Design: on the hydrodynamic plane, the water lines and appendages are devoted to performance and promise good upwind angles but also nice glides to the carriers ensured by the important maximum beam of 4.65 meters and flat and powerful stern sections.
Another feather in the yard’s cap are the high technologies used in construction (such as the use of lightened panels) and the quality of fine craftsmanship.
There is also really a lot of anticipation for the latest Italia Yachts (Italia 12.98), which reiterates the qualities of the successful 13.98. Its fast cruiser character is ensured by sandwich hull construction with carbon reinforcements, performance appendages with a T-keel, and a careful study of lines by Matteo Polli that allows a smooth transition over the wave. Its sporty soul hides inside a layout(or rather, a series of layouts) that ensure comfortable cruises for the whole family, according to a wide variety of needs. The Chioggia shipyard will also be on the dock with many models-a very impressive presence this year.
Then the French giants could not be absent from the roll call: Beneteau, in anticipation of the official unveiling of the new wing that will replace the classic wing, unveils the new interiors of its Oceanis, Dufour brings forward the renewal of the Grand Large range with the entry of the 460, while Jeanneau for its part comes with the brand new 54-footer, designed by Philippe Briand. Then we cannot remember another occasion on which a model from the Fora Marine shipyard was displayed on the Genoa dock: this year, however, here is the new RM 1360. Another debut is the Maxi 1200, with interiors designed by Tony Castro.
The Genoa boat show is also the occasion for the Italian debut of the Brenta 80DC, the first “creature” of the Michael Schmidt Yachtbau. Elan comes out in force: Impression 45, Impression 40, Elan E4, Elan S5 are the models we will see on the water, while from China here is the Fareast 28R. Azuree, for its part, points to the 33 C, 46 and the larger, and more elegant, Euphoria 54. Finally, while waiting for the X6, Danish shipyard X-Yachts is targeting the sporty XP33, XP38 and XP55.
AND THE OTHER ITALIANS? Having said the two world premieres, the other Italian manufacturers are also showing up in force, confirming the market’s growth momentum. Vismara brings to the dock his 62 RC SuperNikka, the bolide that won the Mini Maxi world championship, Solaris stands out with its 50 signed once again by Javier Soto Acebal, Grand Soleil (waiting to see the new 58 next spring, but visitors can admire its 1:1 scale wooden model) offers its 46 LC, while Mylius Landing with the 15e25 and 60. Instead, Advanced docks its signature Biscontini bolide, the A44.
UNDER TEN METERS?
It is not that this growth in measures has completely nullified the world of watercraft. Let’s just say, however, that apart from Hanse with its new 315, cruising vessels do not register any major news. Delphia brings its 34-footer (9.99 meters hull length). Dufour then presents a world premiere of its new Drakkar 24 right at the Sail Newspaper booth.
THE BATTLE OF THE MULTIHULLS
One sector that has experienced impressive growth in recent seasons is multihulls. If before the big fight seemed to be limited to two main competitors, namely Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot (the former with the 39, 450 and 52 Sport Top, the latter with the Helia 44 and Saba 50), now the challenge is getting richer every year. Then there is anticipation for the Bali 4.5, with its distinctive “forward cockpit,” and much curiosity for the Pulse 600, Corsair Marine‘s trimaran.
