Cantieri di Pisa made a significant impact during its press conference at the Cannes Yachting Festival, showcasing the brand’s achievements and ambitious future under the stewardship of Enrico Gennasio, who took ownership in 2021. The event provided a platform for the company to announce a substantial €6 million investment aimed at enhancing its production facilities, supported by a promising order book nearing €30 million.
Akhir 44
One of the highlights from the boat show was the introduction of the Akhir line, crafted by renowned designer Antonio Luxardo. This new series marries the legacy of a classic yacht with cutting-edge advancements, with the Akhir 44 set to be the first model available to the market.
In the press conference, CEO Marco Massabò, who brings a wealth of experience from the sailing yacht sector, discussed the strides made since Gennasio's acquisition. Under his leadership, the shipyard has rolled out the Polaris and Saturno lines, as well as finalized its first explorer from the CdP Custom Division. The latest addition, the Akhir line, is specifically designed to cater to contemporary owners while honoring the brand’s rich history.
At the press conference
The management team’s vision centers around revitalizing this historic shipyard, which boasts an impressive legacy of over 700 boats built, to restore it to its position as a leader in innovation and a beacon of Italian craftsmanship globally. The recent €6 million investment has resulted in a modernized facility spanning 50,000 square meters, including a dedicated refit area of 24,000 square meters.
To achieve this ambition, the new leadership team has brought on Antonio Luxardo as chief designer. He plays a crucial role in merging the heritage of Cantieri di Pisa with its forward-looking goals, particularly concerning technological advancements and environmental sustainability. The introduction of three distinct ranges—Polaris, Saturno, and Akhir—reflects the intent to develop vessels suited to diverse market demands. Notably, the designs emphasize lightweight structures and incorporate an innovative EHPH Power Fin hull type.
At the press conference
Currently, the shipyard has six construction slots for vessels up to 56 meters in length. At present, two projects are underway: the 80 Veloce, a 24-meter carbon fiber yacht capable of reaching speeds up to 60 knots, set to launch in six months, and a 37.5-meter technological explorer which features a steel hull and composite superstructure, created by the CdP Custom Division, and scheduled for launch in summer 2026.
Buoyed by these advancements, Cantieri di Pisa is projected to wrap up 2024 with an impressive order book worth €27 million encompassing both new builds (valued at €17 million) and refits (at €10 million). The company has seen its sales figures rise significantly, from €3 million in its first year of new ownership in 2021, to €4 million in 2023.
Akhir 44
The Akhir line, a brand evolution of Cantieri di Pisa, retains its hallmark characteristics, combining heritage with modernity. The newly designed vessels maintain recognizable features such as the sleek deckhouse profile, distinctive strip windows, and the iconic "shark-like" motif on the bow, all while sporting a striking black and white color scheme.
The Akhir 44 will feature a vacuum-molded carbon fiber composite hull and superstructure, ensuring it continues the tradition of innovation with its EHPH Power Fin hull design, characteristic of the other models in the new range.
Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.
Credits: Cantieri di Pisa