BOATtakes a look at Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi (FIM)’s 500 Regina – the Italian shipyard’s new flagship and largest model in its Regina series.
Founded in 2019, Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi (FIM) may be a young shipyard, but its sub-24-metre models have been growing in popularity with their smart, space-savvy design. At 16.1 metres, the 500 Regina is a high-performance sports cruiser packed with versatile, transformable features that make the most of every inch on board – the perfect owner-operated weekender.
"We are sure that we will leave our mark with the 500 Regina,” comments Corrado Piccinelli, who founded the company with Manuela Barcella and Vannis Marchi. “The new flagship is an expression of our commitment to excellence, innovation and our 20 years of experience in the industry, with an extreme focus on practicality and comfort.”
A sporty silhouette
FIM teamed up with Italian design studio Design aLOT for the 500 Regina’s striking exterior. The result is a streamlined profile defined by bold geometric hull glazing and a custom “Silver Birch” paintwork - a nod to James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger (1964).
“The attention to detail is evident in the innovative solutions and layout. In particular, the exterior lighting is inspired by car design,” Piccinelli adds. “It highlights the boat's lines even at night, making its eye-catching silhouette shine.”
Relax, entertain and explore
Step on board the 500 Regina and the first thing you’ll notice is its innovative hydraulic swim platform that grants easy access to the water. Extending out and down into the sea creates the perfect launchpad for a morning swim, while a hidden staircase appears when deployed, making reboarding just as easy.
Tucked into the stern, a cleverly designed tender garage with a deep-V design houses a 2.9-metre tender for quick trips ashore or exploring unknown bays and coves. Thanks to the tender lift and the winch and roller system, launching and retrieving the tender is smooth and hassle-free.
Moving forward across teak decking and through the aft gates – perfect for when young children are on board – you’ll arrive in the cockpit, the heart of the boat’s social scene. Here, a huge sunpad takes centre stage, with cup holders conveniently built in, inviting guests to soak up the sun, chat over drinks or take a dip in the sea. But what makes this space versatile is its fold-up/down cushions, creating a neat al fresco dining setup when required, and fold-down terraces with carbon fibre poles further extend the space. Just a few steps away, a wet bar and galley are fully equipped with a sink, grill, hob, fridge and ice maker, and a retractable TV means you can catch the game during the day or settle in for a cosy movie night.
Forward of the cockpit is the state-of-the-art helm station, complete with its huge unobstructed windscreen for crystal-clear visibility. “The 500 Regina is also equipped with full domotic, offering advanced level control, customised lighting scenarios, cameras and assisted mooring, ensuring a unique and uncompromising experience at sea,” Piccinelli explains.
The model features the Regina range’s signature semi-outdoor living experience. Unlike many boats in this size category, the sides remain open, creating an airy, free-flowing space, while fixed side windows offer protection from the elements while ensuring an unobstructed view from the helm. Up top, a hardtop – made of carbon fibre for weight optimisation - provides shade, and rotating louvers allow sunlight to filter through when desired. There are integrated solar panels here too for energy efficiency.
Follow the side decks forward and you’ll discover a spacious bow area designed for pure relaxation. A generous sunpad offers a more secluded spot to soak up the sun with panoramic sea views, and for added versatility, the sunpad can be split into a sofa with a table for enjoying a morning coffee or sunset cocktail. Beneath your feet, a glass skylight subtly illuminates the cabin below deck, featuring a clever, non-slip surface to ensure safety when wet.
Smart interiors
Below deck, the 500 Regina’s Italian design pedigree comes to life, courtesy of LDI Design Studio. The interiors are both sophisticated and playful, with images showcasing a calming palette of neutral tones, soft carpets and textured wood panelling details, combined with striking black-and-white diagonal flooring.
While the boat is designed to host up to 16 guests for day trips, overnight accommodation is reserved for four guests across two double cabins. The smart design here ensures the cabins are packed with amenities. Nifty pocket doors help maximise room, allowing for vanity areas and built-in wardrobes in both cabins. The full-beam aft master, referred to as a "seafront suite”, lives up to its name with expansive windows and a unique en suite twist - a shower that features a view straight through to the cabin. Forward in the bow, the VIP cabin comes with its own en suite bathroom, which doubles up as the dayhead.
You can also find a well-equipped galley down here with ample storage. A discreet wine fridge is neatly tucked away, though for those needing extra sleeping space, this could be swapped for a small third cabin.
Performance with purpose
The 500 Regina is built for performance. The engine room is accessed via a floor hatch in the aft cockpit, and thanks to its sound insulation, guests can enjoy a smoother, quieter ride up on deck. With twin Volvo Penta IPS 800 600hp engines, she can hit a top speed of 35 knots, while a cruising speed of 25 knots delivers a range of 200-250 nautical miles.
"We aim to envision the boat as an oasis of wellbeing for the most discerning owners," explains Manuela Barcella. "With the 500 Regina, we ensure luxury as a distinctive lifestyle, capable of satisfying and evoking surprising emotions amidst the stunning scenery and panoramas that only the sea can provide.”
Visit FIM’s website to find out more information about the 500 Regina.
Sponsored content created for Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi (FIM)