Italian yard Cantieri di Pisa has announced its redesigned Akhir line at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival.
The shipyard "headhunted" Italian designer Antonio Luxardo for the redesign, with the task of balancing the brand's historical heritage with an eye for future technology and sustainability concerns. The first model to be introduced to the market will be a 44-metre, built in carbon fibre composite with a "wave-piercing" EHPH Power Fin hull.
A number of features from the preexisting Akhir line – at the height of its popularity in the 1990s – have been retained, including the narrow deckhouse lines, the strip windows featured on the hull sides, the "shark-like" decoration on the bow, the horizontal-grid air intakes and the black and white livery.
"It is emotional to be back at Cannes after 14 years to present Cantieri di Pisa once more," shipyard CEO Marco Massabò told BOAT International. "Our recent financials, including a €30 million order book, are a metaphor for the shipyard's direction. Now, with Antonio Luxardo, we are looking forward to the future."
The model will be equipped with waterjets for a maximum speed of 35 knots.
Two yachts are currently under construction at the shipyard's facilities in Pisa, Italy: the 80 Veloce and a 37.5-metre custom build. Cantieri di Pisa recently shared its new Saturno range with BOAT International, designed in collaboration with Antonio Luxardo and m2atelier.
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