Columbus Yachts – Exclusive luxury begins here.
Levels of Luxury No. 5: The Future of Superyachts
Positioned at the highest level of luxury, Columbus’ custom-built superyachts stand for absolute individuality and technical perfection. Each yacht is designed from the ground up according to the owner’s wishes — a unique one-of-a-kind creation that combines cutting-edge design, the highest level of engineering, and a personal signature.
The result is a floating masterpiece that embodies the very essence of ultra luxury.
Our conversation with Francesco from Columbus Yachts focused on what truly defines luxury on the water: custom-built yachts, unusual client requests, and a look at future developments.
GC: We met you here at the Yachting Festival in Cannes. Could you first explain where we are right now?
Francesco: Yes, we are standing on a 42-meter yacht by Columbus Yachts, one of our four brands. Alongside Columbus, the group also includes ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts. Depending on size and type, this allows us to cover a very broad spectrum. At the moment, we have 18 projects under development.
GC: What exactly makes this yacht special?
Francesco: It is a 42-meter steel yacht that we call a “Crossover” — a combination of an explorer yacht and a classic motor yacht. With a beam of more than nine meters, it offers a volume of 445 GT, making it feel more like a 50-meter yacht. Particularly noteworthy are the largest pool available in this yacht size and a fully equipped gym. The vessel is also designed for long-distance cruising: at ten knots, it reaches a range of over 5,000 nautical miles, which is almost enough for a round trip from Gibraltar to the Caribbean.
GC: And how many guests can live on board?
Francesco: There are five cabins for up to eleven guests, as well as space for a crew of up to nine people.
Many shipyards mainly differentiate themselves through their brand. What distinguishes Columbus Yachts in particular is our flexibility and the high degree of customization. Every yacht we build is a one-of-a-kind creation — not an industrial repetition with minor adjustments. This applies both to the interior design and to the technical details.
GC: What does the process look like when a client wants to order a yacht from you?
Francesco: The first contact usually happens through brokers, though sometimes clients approach us directly. Initially, we clarify what size, materials, and features the client is looking for. We then present different projects and work together to determine the best approach. Once a contract is signed, construction begins — completely custom-built, from the ground up. During the process, there are defined milestones, similar to those in real estate projects.
GC: Have there ever been any unusual requests during this process?
Francesco: Of course, many. Some are very specific, others almost impossible. However, we always try to implement as much as possible and find creative solutions when something is not technically or regulatorily feasible.
GC: For many clients, is a yacht like a second home?
Francesco: Absolutely. Many clients are extremely involved, paying attention to every detail, every color, and every function. Others delegate this to designers or project managers. But for most, the process of building a yacht from scratch is a very special experience.
GC: How important are emotions in the purchasing process?
Francesco: Very important. Of course, our clients are experienced businesspeople who pay attention to value for money. But in the end, a yacht is an emotional product that fulfills dreams. The relationship and trust between the client, the designer, and the shipyard therefore play a major role.
GC: How important are trade shows like the Cannes Yachting Festival for you?
Francesco: Very important. Here we not only meet potential buyers, but also the many stakeholders involved in such projects — brokers, captains, managers, and financial experts. It’s about visibility, but also about networking. This year we counted fewer visitors, but just as many qualified contactsas before.
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