Cantieri di Pisa Boats For Sale

 History
1945: The history of Cantieri di Pisa began in Limite sull’Arno, where a great shipbuilding tradition was born on the banks of Tuscany’s main river. Later, this area was completely devastated during the German retreat during the Second World War, a time when many shipwrights employed in the building of civilian and military craft from wood were forced to move to Viareggio or Donoratico so that they could continue working. But Gino Bini and Antonio Sostegni chose a different path.

These two men decided to stay on and in 1945 they reopened an existing yard. It was a gamble that paid off a few years later in the early 1950s when the yard came to the fore with the production of a range of craft for the Guardia di Finanza (Italian financial police).

1957: The turning point came in 1956 when, with a view to designing and building even larger boats, they opened the new Cantieri Navale Italiano yard in Porta a Mare on the Navicelli Canal – built during the Medici era.

This prestigious Tuscan yard has to date launched approximately 600 vessels, mostly motor boats. The yard first became involved in yacht building in 1957, launching Tyrsa, a 20-metre ketch to the design of Bruno Veronese - the first of its type to be launched in Pisa.

They went on to deliver the famous Capitano Black and Ro-ro (1958-59), Val II (1959), and a 21 metre ketch, Val III in 1965, the last sailing boat to be built by the Pisa yards. Now named Kalea, she was recently refurbished by the Cantieri dell’Argentario shipyard.

1961: In the early 60s, the boom in motor-yachts continued, especially those with live-aboard accommodation. This led to the creation of new and different ranges, each of which was named after a celestial body, followed by a number indicating the length of the craft in metres. Later, a measurement expressed in British feet was adopted for the Akhir range. The company’s first motor yacht, Jupiter, a 10 metre, was unveiled at the Milan Boat Show in February 1961 and the 13 metre Polaris range followed soon afterwards. These two designs, with their characteristic deep-V hulls and triple mahogany planking, attracted remarkable success with scores of examples being built.

1964: The naval architect Pierluigi Spadolini started to work with Cantieri di Pisa in 1961 and gave the yard’s designs a new direction.

His first task was to modify the superstructure of the 10-metre Jupiter and the 13-metre Polaris as he felt that the original deck-houses looked bulky and out of proportion. To correct this he reduced their height and introduced a series of styling tricks to give the design a new lightness, while improving the dimensional ratio between the deck-house and the flying-bridge. Launched in 1964 these were named the Super Jupiter and the Super Polaris - larger models characterized by the addition of a flying bridge, a feature that was to become a standard for the models that followed.

1965: In the 1960s and ‘70s the yard’s output showed substantial diversification, as exemplified by the introduction of the Katios and Kitalpha ranges – 10-metre and 15-metre craft designed for sport fishing. At the same time the company developed the even larger Saturno, Super Saturno, Atlas and Pegaso ranges.

1966: Pierluigi Spadolini, a lover of the sea and a keen sailor, continued his collaboration with Cantieri di Pisa to create a new style of motor-boat - the Pegasus, a 21-metre cabin cruiser. This motor yacht, designed in concert with the yard’s production department, displayed a well proportioned hull and a superstructure topped by a flying-bridge. It also incorporated the careful design and positioning of vital visual elements, such as portholes, together with a rational and elegant interior layout. As the decade closed the Cantieri di Pisa’s yachts and their celestial names - Polaris, Saturno, Jupiter, Pegasus and Kitalpha – confirmed the global prestige of yard.

1969: In 1969 the yard expanded its production of motor yachts with the building of the 21 metre Pegasus. It was the seventies decade of the century that has just closed. The Cantieri di Pisa’s celestial bodies - Polaris, Saturno, Jupiter, Pegasus and Kitalpha – aroused great enthusiasm and confirmed the yard’s prestige world-wide.

1970: Against this background of rising success, Cantieri di Pisa awarded Pierluigi Spadolini a new commission that took him back to his design roots and created a range that was to become a yachting legend - the Akhir. This new star, destined to mark the course of Italian boating history, was again named after a celestial body - Achenar, a blue star in the Eridanus constellation that, despite its extreme distance, is one of the most brilliant to be found in the night sky.

1972: In 1972 the name of Cantiere Navale Italiano in Porta a Mare was changed to its present name of Cantieri di Pisa, and the first Akhir, a 16-metre cabin cruiser with severe, essential lines, was born into this new family. The Akhir, entirely designed by Spadolini, was distinguished by an even more powerful stylistic image in which the strong black line made up of the windows and air intakes removes any possible reference to house windows, while marking the clear separation of the deck-house and the flying bridge and giving the superstructure a crisp, lengthened outline. The interior also illustrated the excellence and avant garde thinking of Spadolini’s design – the helm station and the chart table were included in an area devoted to communication, which was also equipped with a table, divan and galley. In addition, all the spacious were roomy and functional, and the cabins were laid out in a novel manner. It was an instant hit.

1976: The success of the Akhir 16 prompted the development of the larger Akhir 18 and the Akhir 20 in 1976, similar in their looks but with a more roomy interior layout and their radar arches positioned further aft. As time passed, the Akhir range - acknowledged from the outset to be a milestone of yacht design - was gradually updated in both its style and structure, in which wood was replaced with fibreglass. The brilliant original concept and the design of the exterior lines, however, remained unchanged within the DNA of a boat which, even in its most modern incarnation, remains loyal to its roots.

1977: Cantieri di Pisa’s star continued to shine brightly in the yachting galaxy throughout the 70s. Following the success of the Akhir 19 and 20, the Akhir 30 – a 30-metre yacht that made its debut in 1977 – was the craft that confirmed Pierluigi Spadolini’s mastery of design dynamics and created yet another reference point for the world of yacht design. As with the earlier Akhirs, the pilot house took on a special role: located with symbolic pre-eminence at the centre of the accommodation which, in turn, was sloped gently forward towards the bow. Spadolini not only unified the superstructure with its clear line of tinted glass windows, but he also absorbed the hull’s portholes with a continuous dark line that almost made them invisible. With this ploy he achieved a dense but streamlined form, accentuated by the pair of dark lines whose counterpoint was the radar arch positioned well aft on the superstructure.

1979: Another innovative design was launched in 1979 – an 18-metre Akhir with true designer appeal. This made an immediate impact among experts, who described it as a highly developed design with slender, sweeping lines – a departure from traditionally simple craft. Harmonious, compact and lean, the Akhir 18 exuded an implicit dynamism and it soon became the new standard for high-end yachting. Its balance and its lines suggested movement and the perception of speed along with sportiness and originality, but without any trace of exhibitionism. Its interior finishes were of particularly high quality – even when examined with a modern critical eye, their painstaking manufacture and attention to detail remain quite remarkable. Propulsion of this gem was entrusted to two 675 horsepower GM 12V71 engines which provided a 28 knot top speed - astonishing for its day.

1980: New technologies, such as fibreglass, were embraced by Cantieri di Pisa at this time and these were aligned with the outstanding woodworking skills that had made the yard famous.

In this way fibreglass and wood happily co-existed on the Akhirs, guaranteeing a balanced production that kept abreast of the newly developing technology.

1986: Some yacht builders have always opted for comfort and practicality over all other qualities, while others prefer high performance to space on board. The date was 1986 and in order to meet these different needs, the Akhir 22S was born. This yacht, the sporty sister of the Akhir 22, was soon to prove herself to be the perfect compromise. Both versions retained the unmistakable Cantieri di Pisa style and balance that Pierluigi Spadolini had created in 1977 with the Akhir 30, and both yachts shared the same hull, with a slippery fibreglass underbody and a superstructure constructed from marine plywood.

1990: Behind its simplicity the sober, distinctive line of the Akhir 40 - yet another masterpiece created by Cantieri di Pisa and Pierluigi Spadolini - hid a painstaking study of shape and proportions developed over their long period of collaboration that had begun over 25 years earlier. A high bow and three stripes of black windows characterized the white profile of the hull and superstructure, to ensure that this yacht remained extraordinarily contemporary in its design. This design also marked a major breakthrough for Cantieri di Pisa in respect of its construction. The first Akhir 40 hull was built entirely of wood and this was then used to create a mould, in which the following yachts were built from composite material, a technique that dramatically cut production times from 30 months to 18 months. Cantieri di Pisa’s Akhir 40 also pioneered design solutions that are still used to this day – stern terraces, for example, that feature on almost every large yacht.

1995: Benefitting from their traditional woodworking skills, in the mid-90s Cantieri di Pisa presented a craft that was exemplary both from the point of view of its exterior lines and its interior - the Akhir 110’. At that time the lines of the Akhir series were among the most modern to be seen in the luxury yacht market - even though these still represented a direct evolution of the original lines developed for the yard by Pierluigi Spadolini. The interior of the 110’ was no less modern, and perfectly matched the dramatic exterior lines of the boat. In certain aspects they were precursors of the times, thanks to a straightforward, unfussy layout that was combined with a stylish use of natural materials. If cabinet-making means the art of creating fine furniture exclusively from wood, then we can consider the Akhir 110’ Spyk to be a veritable masterpiece of the cabinet makers’ art. Claudio Briganti and Toby Peter Schummer, the interior designers, succeeded in creating a fine atmosphere which is simultaneously exotic and sober.

2003: From 1972 when the first Akhir was launched, Cantieri di Pisa have stayed loyal to their original concept, a style that remains both contemporary and unmistakable today. The Akhir 100' Unica is the perfect example of such elegance and exclusivity, and she was also the confirmation of the yard’s leadership in high quality, custom motor yacht building.

2005: The design of the Akhir 85’ had been so avant garde that it endured for more than seven years of production, during which time it gave its many owners a great deal of pleasure. But then in 2005 one foresighted owner asked for a new touch to the exterior - the moving of the tender stowage position from the aft part of the flying bridge to a large foredeck locker. This new layout, to which the Akhir 85' could adapt easily without losing any of its character, created cleaner lines while releasing more space to the lounge and sun area on the flying bridge. Launched as Isabel, this yacht introduced a new design trend that would become increasingly prevalent in yachts of this size, thus reinforcing the spirit of continuing innovation seen in Cantieri di Pisa’s designs.

2006: Japanese mythology tells the story of Kintaro, the ‘golden boy’ who had incredible strength. He grew up alone in the forests of Mount Kintoki, and was capable of impressive undertakings. He could talk with animals and he soon won fame as a master of martial arts. But the Kintaro to which we refer is a yacht – 39 metres in overall length and 7.5 metres in beam, that was designed by Cantieri di Pisa. This clear and unshakable grey hull is powered by two MTU 12V 4000 engines, each developing 2,774hp, to provide a 25 knot cruising speed. The interior design was entrusted to the Greek architect George Vafiadis who developed a minimalist style with delicate and elegant colours. The interior design is characterised with teak panels of alternating horizontal and vertical graining, always blending with extensive areas of lacquer that give the whole interior a brightness and freshness of finish. Lighting, derived from spotlights placed in the ceiling cornices, is warm and soft, while the flooring plays on the light dark effect of the satin-teak, contrasted with limestone. She is a true gem.

The newly launched 145’ Cap de Quers was added to the incredible range of Cantieri di Pisa’s yachts in 2006. With three decks and a length of 43.37 metres and a beam of 8.30 metres, this new 145’ retained the previous sober and sophisticated lines of the breed. Born as the evolution of the previous 140’ model, the 145’ has a similar philosophy, particularly for the interior. Created by the yard’s own design department, the interior is characterised by teak panelling that has been sanded and then stained to give the effect of a waxed finish. All ceilings were finished in natural leather except in the bathrooms, where they were lacquered. It was equipped with two powerful 3,700hp MTU 16V4000 engines and, to almost completely eliminate rolling at anchor, it was also fitted with zero speed stabilizers. One hundred and forty five feet of pure luxury, Cap de Quers is a true super yacht, offering a maximum speed of almost 28 knots and long range at her cruising speed. Her handling and sea-holding ensure that the passengers of this superb yacht can enjoy boating in total comfort and safety.

2007: The Akhir world is particularly rich, not only in terms of the large number of boats produced, but also with those variations on a theme which Cantieri di Pisa are able to offer their customers from time to time. One such example of this is the Param Jamuna III, a really special Akhir 105’ with a style that is sometimes defined as new classic, oriental or even exotic. It is certainly a yacht that will be remembered for the atmosphere it could transmit and the relaxed feeling with which it welcomes its guests. The successful integration of Gianfranco Di Pierri’s architectural and decorative style with the lifestyle of the yacht’s owner allowed Cantieri di Pisa to produce a yacht whose boundaries are less defined - transparent and fluttering like linen curtains moved by a sea breeze. While this harmonization of style is found in the interior, the yacht’s exterior lines and layout are typical of all Akhirs – a skilful balance of streamlined, modern volumes and forms that always make these famous boats an unmistakable symbol of modernity.

2008: The launch of the new Akhir 135’, removes all doubts that the Akhir line will always be this symbol of modernity, and in due course this will be seen in all the other models in the yard’s new range. It will be difficult to not recognise these new Akhirs at sea, as the five motor yachts - the 90’, 108’, 118’, 135’ and 153’ - have a distinctive house style that will allow an onlooker to recognise a Cantieri di Pisa boat at the swiftest glance. But, at the same time, he will be aware that these are totally new yachts because of their very distinct and characteristic personality. Lazy Me, the first Akhir 135' to be launched, is concrete proof of this. Like the other models, the 135' was designed by the Rome-based architect, Carlo Galeazzi, who has skilfully reinterpreted the stylistic features of the range created by Pierluigi Spadolini in the 70s. Fundamental features of the great Tuscan architect’s boats, such as the black strip uniting all the portholes, have been picked up again to emphasise a continuity with tradition, while two longitudinal cuts above and below the band are modern interpretations of this approach.

Values

Reliable Quality
The new Akhirs are designed for ship-owners who do not seek to be just ‘transported’, but would wish to ‘experience’ their yacht. Owners who expect performance that is not so much expressed in terms of pure speed, but also in terms of reliability, comfort and seaworthiness - attributes seen only in boats built with meticulous care that incorporate the knowledge, experience and constant development afforded by series production.

Design
Cantieri di Pisa have dominated the stylistic evolution of motor yachts, perfecting a very personal style that is instantly recognizable. A style made up of strong and immediate signs that give the vessel an unmistakable personality.

Beginning with the first Akhir’s of the early 70’s – the fruits of the collaboration with the architect Pierluigi Spadolini – this style is encapsulated in elements such as the radar arch at the aft of the flybridge, the forward part of the deckhouse that slopes down to the bow, the screened air intakes, the wedge lines and the continuous black strip concealing the windows, all features that have had a striking influence on yacht design in Italy and throughout the world.

The design of the new Akhir range, made up of five new models, is the creation of architect Carlo Galleazzi who has carried on the tradition of the original naval architect, Pierluigi Spadolini.

The new models are definitely Akhirs that encapsulate a ‘family feeling’ that not only makes them instantly recognizable but, alongside traditional values, also portrays several new and stylish design symbols and innovative solutions. These include the emphasis placed on light, and the different uses of interior and exterior space that focus on the way it is used.

Cantieri di Pisa have built up a recognisable ‘look’ that is so strong that anyone can, at a glance, recognize a Cantieri di Pisa motor yacht.

Style
With the Akhir range, Cantieri di Pisa has defined a style of furnishing and interior decoration based on simplicity and the extraordinary quality of the materials and manufacturing. The main theme uniting all motor yachts manufactured by Cantieri di Pisa is of sophisticated elegance, a style that is never devalued by flashy or garish elements. What makes Cantieri di Pisa so unique is the touch of sophisticated class derived from the experience of its designers and shipwrights.

Technology
Cantieri di Pisa has developed every technical aspect of the building, finishing and engineering of its motor yachts, creating a respected reference point for the yacht building industry. Lay-up of the fibreglass is achieved using the latest techniques and the most reliable materials in a controlled environment. The perfect installation of equipment - the most tested and state-of-the-art available – and the research on underwater surfaces and propeller configuration have allowed Cantieri di Pisa to obtain the highest performance combined with the utmost handling and sea-keeping qualities to give their owners total boating safety and pleasure. 50 years of experience applied to more than 600 hulls have allowed extraordinary results to be achieved.

Comfort
Cantieri di Pisa motor yachts boast a high level of technology that translates into the utmost comfort to be found on a pleasure-craft. Lack of vibration, together with state-of-the-art soundproofing and insulation enhance the quality of life on board, giving the owner and his guests the ability to enjoy the sea and nature to its full. Original solutions harmoniously unite engineering complexity with aesthetics. A painstakingly precise study of the areas and volumes of all parts of the boat produces a harmony that imperceptibly contributes to ensuring that every stay on board a Cantieri di Pisa motor yacht is a pleasant one.

Tradition
In 1945, Cantieri di Pisa began building civilian and military craft in Limite sull'Arno, a small town on the river Arno 30 kilometres downstream from Florence. Since the 17th century, Limite has been the cradle of boat building thanks to the opening of the Navicelli Canal by Cosimo I de' Medici in 1575. Because of the skill of its shipwrights the town was named the ‘University of Wood’. In 1956 the yard moved to Pisa dockyard, also on the Navicelli Canal, where it is located today. In those years the yard also built large sailing boats such as the Tyrsa, a 20 metre ketch, and the Kerilos, a winner of the Giraglia Cup. The yard gained its real fame, however, with the range of classically elegant wooden motor yachts named after celestial bodies that were developed in the 1960s and 1970s – Pegasus, Saturno, Jupiter, Polaris and Kitalpha. These famous yachts, together with the Akhir range that later became the symbol of the yard’s production, spread the name of Cantieri di Pisa around the world being synonymous with absolute style and quality.

Trades
Cantieri di Pisa’s ancient wood working tradition began in the small town of Limite on the banks of the River Arno that in 1500 was famous for its shipwrights and caulkers who specialized in the building of fishing boats. In 1956, part of the yard moved to Pisa, on the Navicelli canal, where the first famous Cantieri di Pisa models such as the Saturno, Polaris, Kitalpha and Pegasus were born, together with the more contemporary Akhirs.

“The building of wooden boats gave a very different satisfaction”, admitted Bruno Romboli, “It’s work you need to have a passion for, but the satisfaction of seeing a craft born and grow is unparalleled.”

“The move to fibreglass was almost mandatory, in the first place due to a shortage of raw materials as wood is now a rare material to be conserved.

“And also for productivity reasons – when building in wood every boat had its own story whereas fibreglass allows a more industrialized process, but the skills and attention to detail, which only wood working teach, are still the same.

”The technological innovation seen in the yard with the use of plywood,” he added, “is repeated today with the new composite boats, and I rely on it a great deal. I think everyone is happy to work for one of the historical yards of Italian boating.” Pride and fulfilment are the shared feelings of those who have worked for many years at Cantieri di Pisa.

Cantieri di Pisa has always been a symbol of quality, the yard takes pride in quality, its processes are always painstaking even in those areas that are not seen…this is the oldest and most valuable asset for anyone who needs to tackle the power of the sea.