Clean lines for exquisite yacht designs

Yachting | 2026

Nauta Yachts of Milan ranks among the major forces in contemporary yacht design – and the studio has built its reputation on one principle: putting people, not extravagance, at the centre of every concept.

The nearly 40-meter-long “My Song” was designed by Nauta for the entrepreneur Pier Luigi Loro Piana. Baltic built the yacht in Finland.

The 180-meter-long “Azzam” is still considered the largest yacht in the world. Nauta supplied the lines for an owner from the Middle East.

Founded in 1986 by Massimo Gino and Mario Pedol, Nauta designs yachts from 30-foot cruisers to 180-metre superyachts, balancing function, aesthetics and timeless elegance. Both founders grew up in maritime families, shaping their practical and human-focused design philosophy. Pedol’s entry into yacht design began with the construction of a Mini Tonner during his university years, an early lesson in crafting purposeful spaces. The launch of the Nauta 54 in 1986 set the studio on a path defined by clarity and usability. “To achieve this, you must fully immerse yourself in the owner’s vision – anticipating their dreams and expectations,” says Pedol.

“Dragonfly” is another giga-yacht reference from the Italians. The yacht measures 142 meters and features an interior designed by Nauta, which the owner keeps privately.

Nauta works across sailing and motor yachts, from fully custom builds to series production. The studio’s signature lies in its clean, enduring lines and holistic approach. For Gino and Pedol, luxury is not about opulent displays but about harmonious environments that deepen one’s connection to the sea. Their portfolio spans the Pardo GT75, the 108-foot Gelliceaux for Southern Wind and major custom projects like the 70-metre Thunderball with Vripack. Their imprint is also found on landmark vessels such as the 180-metre Azzam, Lürssen’s 142-metre Dragonfly (2024), and Royal Huisman’s 48-metre Nilaya (2023).

The 70-meter “Milano” project was built for Tankoa Yachts from Genoa. It features a large open stern area, a very popular feature at the moment.

Nauta’s portfolio also includes production yachts: here is the stylish interior of a Grand Soleil 52.

A team of 25 specialists works in an open, collaborative studio, following a method that blends owner vision with technical and budget constraints. The result: elegant forms, balanced proportions and seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. A prime example is the patented “Island” system, a set of fold-down terraces creating a walk-around sea-level platform – featured on the 72-metre Moonflower, now under construction.

In their 40th year of business: Mario Pedol (left) and Massimo Gino (right), the founders of Nauta

Looking ahead, Nauta is focusing on sustainable solutions and designs for remote exploration. The 75-metre XP75 explorer concept exemplifies this direction, combining Ice-Class capability, two helipads and two pools with efficiency-driven naval architecture.