Cantieri di Pisa releases interiors of redesigned 44m Akhir model

Italian yard Cantieri di Pisa has released the interior renderings of its redesigned Akhir 44 model at this year's Dubai International Boat Show. 

The shipyard "headhunted" Italian designer Antonio Luxardo for the redesign of the entire Akhir line (which reached the height of its popularity in the 1990s), with the task of balancing the brand's historical heritage with an eye for future technology and sustainability concerns. 

Announced at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, the first model to be introduced to the market was the Akhir 44, built in carbon fibre composite with a "wave-piercing" EHPH Power Fin hull. The interiors have been created in collaboration with Pulina Exclusive Interiors, an Italian studio also known for its work on the 38.2-metre K+ by Maori Yacht and 62-metre CRN superyacht Rio.

"A deliberate contrast between warm materials like bleached oak and cold metal and steel finishes gives the yacht a sporty, technological look," explained designer Alessandro Pulina. He told BOAT International that the interior design market has felt "stagnant" and believes that the studio's mixed experience – across residential, yachting and transport – will "bring new life" to the onboard experience.

To this end, the main deck is "fully focused" on guests, including a versatile dining area with sliding panels. This design results in two dining configurations: the first is sequestered and formal, while the latter is open-plan and interactive, attached to the main saloon and galley for show cooking experiences.

A floating staircase is another quirk of the design, made of metal and glass and functioning as the sculptural centrepiece of the main saloon. Accommodation is across four guest cabins and an owner's suite, all located on the lower deck.

Regarding exterior design, a number of features from the preexisting Akhir line 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.

The model will be equipped with waterjets for a cruising speed of 30 knots and 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.