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All images courtesy of Otam Yachts

Otam 90 HT: How to achieve 45 knots of speed on a 28m full-custom yacht

5 February 2025 • Written by Hannah Rankine for Otam Yachts
BROUGHT TO YOU BY OTAM YACHTS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY OTAM YACHTS

Few can imagine a 45-knot superyacht with an entirely bespoke layout and design, but that’s exactly what you get with Otam’s highly customised, high-performance boats - the most recent example being the 28-metre Otam 90 GTS launched last year, aptly named Sexy Me.

Now, the Italian shipyard has introduced its latest model, the Otam 90 HT. While both the GTS (Gran Turismo Sport) and HT (Hard Top) versions share the same high-performance DNA, the key distinction lies in their main deck design. According to Otam’s sales director Matteo Belardinelli, the HT version has a “more enclosed saloon on main deck, meaning there are multiple layout solutions so that the space can be used in different ways”.

For this reason, while the GTS version is favoured by clients for parties and entertaining thanks to its open main deck, the HT variant is perhaps better suited to a more private owner who values intimate family time within the yacht’s enclosed spaces, offering greater protection from the elements. “This design makes the yacht ideal for extended trips on board, offering many more versatile spaces and greater charter appeal,” Belardinelli explains. “But while they are two different profiles, they have the same build philosophy.”

The shipyard is all about delivering something totally unique to the market – high-performance yachts that combine speed and safety – so both versions are built with the shipyard’s unique construction methods. Constructed in Kevlar and/or Aramat fibre with structural bulkheads welded to the keel to reduce noise and vibrations, and hand-made interiors, every detail is carefully designed for lasting durability. The result is a yacht that not only stands the test of time but also retains a higher resale value.

This build philosophy has earned the shipyard a loyal clientele, with many repeat clients especially appreciating the boats’ sheer speed. With impressive top speeds of 46-47 knots, clients enjoy the luxury of having breakfast in Italy and lunch in Greece, for example, and therefore being able to make the most of every trip by reaching destinations faster. With this in mind, the Otam 90 HT could be the perfect opportunity for the yard’s existing owners to upgrade to a larger model.

Full-width doors to the saloon
Starboard side door to the main saloon

As Belardinelli puts it, “Flexibility means exclusivity,” which is why Otam offers clients complete freedom to customise their yacht’s layout. However, this is why Otam does not build yachts on speculation. To ensure a fully tailored layout with quality keel-welded bulkheads, the layout must be finalised before construction begins. This process requires clients to be involved from the get-go, with the shipyard effectively handing the pencil to them, allowing them to design their dream fast yacht.

For the Otam 90 HT, there is a long list of options for the main deck. Take the doors to the main saloon, for example. Clients could choose a full-width opening that creates an “almost GTS effect” when fully extended, or a smaller door on the starboard side with a window to port that opens by sliding it up and down (as pictured above). Either way, the doors slide open sideways at the push of a button and fold inwards, disappearing almost entirely when not in use.

Saloon option with formal dining area
Saloon option with sofa seating

The onboard living areas can also be customised to suit how the client wishes to use the yacht. For example, they could choose a formal dining area inside plus an al fresco dining space outside, or opt for a sole dining area outdoors with sofas, coffee tables and a TV indoors. “It’s all about understanding and catering to how the client lives on board,” Belardinelli adds.

The bow area also offers a generous volume, capable of accommodating more than 10 people, complete with sunpads and a dining area. What sets this space apart is the wide side walkways that stretch from bow to stern, allowing guests of all ages and abilities – whether children or elderly – to move comfortably around the yacht. This thoughtful design is carried through to other areas of the boat, such as the step-free interior cabins, the 2.1-metre ceiling height throughout and the folding terraces in the cockpit to offer even more room to roam. The beach club is equally well-considered, with an optional sofa and a hidden tender garage in the transom, capable of storing a 4.4-metre tender and other toys for days spent in the water.

Below deck, clients can choose between a two-, three-, four-, or even five-cabin configuration, with one Otam owner currently designing a unique two-master-cabin layout for the ultimate comfort of important guests or clients. As Belardinelli puts it, “They are allowed to ask for it.” Up to four crew members can sleep on board. The crew quarters are typically located between the owner’s cabin and the engine room, though the placement can be customised to suit the owner’s layout preferences.

When it comes to choosing a designer for the project, the Otam Co-Design Lab offers clients the flexibility to work with any designer of their choice. While most prefer the "Made in Italy" stamp and opt for an Italian designer, the shipyard is highly accommodating and will gladly collaborate with any international design studio that aligns with the client’s vision.

To experience the thrill of designing your own high-performance yacht or to learn more about the Otam 90 HT, get in touch with the team at Otam Yachts today.

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