As Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi (FIM) continues to expand its portfolio of sub-metre-24 boats, Hannah Rankine takes a closer look at the brand’s popular 440 Regina model.
FIM, an Italian shipyard headquartered in Cividate al Piano in Bergamo, Italy, was launched in 2019 by the husband-and-wife duo, Corrado Piccinelli and Manuela Barcella, combining their extensive management experience in marine services. Shortly after, Vannis Marchi, co-founder and owner of fashion brand Liu Jo, leveraged his entrepreneurial skills and nautical enthusiasm and joined the couple as capital partner. Over the years, FIM has broadened its popular Regina series of open walkaround boats while establishing a robust dealer network spanning Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Currently in the spotlight is the 13.6-metre 440 Regina model, showcased at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023, perfect for a dayboat or chase boat for a larger superyacht.
Transformable spaces
The 440 Regina has been designed to offer a "dynamic" life on board, featuring various transformable open spaces that adapt to the different needs and preferences of the owner. Central to this design is the open hard top, which protects from the elements while incorporating a fully openable carbon system with rotating slats. Drawing inspiration from the automotive industry, this design is further elevated by steel details and side inserts in backlit glass, creating a feeling of "dynamism and lightness."
Moveable features are also embedded within the bulwarks, such as folding terraces in the cockpit area. Here, guests will find a versatile dining area with two face-to-face sofas and a central folding table that can easily be converted into a sunbathing spot with ample cushions. Additional features include a hydraulic stern lift platform and a retractable gangway. The bow area, typically used for mooring, can be transformed into a comfortable relaxation area.
Recycled materials
In an effort to produce more eco-friendly boats, FIM has integrated recycled carbon fibre from the aeronautical sector into the construction of their yachts. The choice of recycled carbon fibre not only reflects FIM's commitment to environmental responsibility but also brings practical benefits: the material is lightweight, enhancing the boat’s efficiency, and it maintains rigidity and stability even in high temperatures. Used in the superstructure and covering panels of the 440 Regina, these properties make the material particularly advantageous in these areas, which are often located in the upper parts of yachts and frequently finished in dark colours.
According to the shipyard, the use of recycled carbon fibre is a pioneering move in the yachting industry, made possible through the technology developed by Recarbon in partnership with CBS.
Adaptable interiors
The interiors are remarkable for their spaciousness, offering significantly larger areas compared to other boats of similar size and bathed in natural light with a height of two metres.
The layout of the 440 Regina includes a fully equipped galley, including a 230-litre fridge, and a versatile bow dinette that can be easily transformed. The yacht also features two bathrooms with separate connecting showers and a master cabin located aft. Additionally, the design allows for customisation to meet the owner’s preferences, including a two-cabin configuration. This option would provide a VIP cabin with a fixed double bed in the bow, complementing the master cabin aft, each with an en suite bathroom.
"A successful project is the result of a team built with care, in which each member is crucial for competence and passion," explains Piccinelli. "For the FIM 440 Regina, I chose to collaborate with professionals in this sector, to outline the characteristics of the new generation of FIM yachts. In particular, Alessandro Lottici of the aLOT Design studio designed the exteriors."
For more information on the 440 Regina model, which is also available in 470 and 340 models, contact the shipyard today. FIM will have the 500 Regina, the shipyard’s new flagship model, on show at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 for prospective owners who want to view the next size up in this series.
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