EXPLORING THE EXTRAORDINARY: 100 YEARS OF BENTLEY MOTORS

EXPLORING THE EXTRAORDINARY: 100 YEARS OF BENTLEY MOTORS

“Made in Italy” has long been synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, luxury and technology.

At The Italian Sea Group, one of the world’s leading yacht-building conglomerates, these qualities are combined with innovative design and cutting-edge engineering. “We provide our customers with a complete luxury experience,” says Chairman and CEO Giovanni Costantino. “Every yacht brings together quality, art and innovation – the spirit of Made in Italy.”

The Italian Sea Group’s headquarters in the Tuscan seaside town of Marina di Carrara immediately sets the tone for the organization and its Italian culture and style. Polished stone floors reflect an impressive contemporary art collection, a chic bar serves cocktails, and the in-house restaurant is run by a Michelin-starred chef.

The group offers a comprehensive service, whether commissioning a new yacht or refurbishing an existing one. Naval architects and interior designers collaborate on every detail to produce high-performance, high- specification yachts and ships at the cutting edge of technology and craftsmanship. Through a series of timely acquisitions, Costantino has brought together yacht construction, refitting and interior design under one umbrella. Between them, group companies Admiral and Tecnomar have decades of experience in building motor yachts of up to 150 metres. In addition, Nuovi Cantieri Apuania (NCA), acquired in 2012, gives the group access to a vast 100,000-square-metre shipyard and solid experience in building ships up to 200 metres. “

Admiral has been sought after for more than 50 years for its classic spirit and prestige,” says Costantino. “Tecnomar is all about cutting-edge design and NCA Refit offers highly technical, customized work. All are now based in one of the most prestigious shipyards in the Mediterranean.”

The Italian Sea Group has the largest private dry dock in the region and the only one that can accommodate yachts and ships of up to 200 metres in length. Facilities include a village for captains and crew that enables them to live comfortably on-site while overseeing a refit. In 2016, Celi Interiors, founded in 1920 in Terni, added bespoke joinery to the group’s comprehensive design-and-build portfolio. “Clients can choose a design already in our fleet or they can opt for a fully customized yacht,” says Costantino. “Some clients like to be involved in every detail of the construction, others are more concerned with the aesthetics of the living quarters. When deciding on the interiors, they can work with our in-house team or appoint their own designer.”

In recent years, the group has seen a rise in demand for mega-yachts which provide additional space, as well as greater comfort on longer trips. “We’ve also seen increased interest in technical and design innovation,” says Costantino. “Our Tecnomar Evo series is a good example of how we combine luxury and innovation.” The sleek, futuristic Tecnomar Evo 55 is capable of 40 knots, yet ingenious design means the motor yacht also offers ample deck space for relaxing and can accommodate up to four guests plus one crew. The plush interiors are a mixture of marble, wood, silk and velvet.

Although made entirely in Italy, the Italian Sea Group’s fleet of distinctive, dynamic yachts can be found moored in the most elegant marinas around the world. “Our yachts are another of Italy’s many gifts to the world,” says Costantino with a smile.