Italian Shipyard Marks Entry Into Steel Sub-500GT Segment With Capable Crossover Design
Italian shipyard Antonini Navi has announced the delivery of Matilde 7, marking a significant milestone as the yard’s first full-custom superyacht and the inaugural vessel in what will become the Seamore 34 semi-custom line. At 33.5 metres, this steel and aluminium platform represents the yard’s official entry into the custom, sub-500GT superyacht segment, delivered to an experienced Italian sailor with previous chartering experience. The yacht was launched in March from Antonini Navi’s facilities in La Spezia following two years of construction that began in 2024. The design collaboration brought together respected Italian talent across multiple disciplines. Hydro Tec handled the exterior design, naval architecture and engineering, while Hot Lab, a serial collaborator with the yard, created the interior spaces. The vessel itself was born from a steel-and-aluminium platform developed in-house by Antonini Navi, allowing the yard to balance customisation with construction efficiency—a philosophy that underpins the entire Seamore 34 concept.
Developed as a capable crossover build, the Seamore 34 draws inspiration from professional maritime vessels including tugboats, fishing boats and military craft, reinterpreting their functional elements into contemporary visual language. The design features a distinctive vertical bow, a bridge with large reverse-raked windows, sculpted hull volumes and pronounced bridge wings that extend from the hull, creating what the yard describes as an instantly recognisable crossover identity. This sturdy and contemporary aesthetic prioritises both form and function, appealing to owners seeking capable, characterful vessels without sacrificing modern comfort.
Matilde 7 showcases impressive spatial planning, with the main deck offering 150 square metres of open-air space that can be closed off by large sliding glass panels when needed. An additional 160 square metres of exterior area on the upper deck includes approximately 50 square metres shaded by a hardtop, creating flexible zones for active entertaining and relaxation. The interior aesthetic blends classic and contemporary elements through ribbed textures, antiqued glass surfaces and pastel-coloured lacquered panelling, establishing a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Performance metrics recorded during pre-delivery sea trials demonstrate the vessel’s capable range and efficiency. Matilde 7 achieved a range exceeding 4,300 nautical miles at 10 knots and reached a top speed of 14 knots. Comfort levels were equally impressive, with noise measurements in the owner’s suite reaching just 39.2 dB(A) when at anchor with all systems operational—a testament to the yard’s attention to acoustic design and engineering refinement.
Ando Manna, co-founder and sales manager of Antonini Navi, reflected on the achievement: “When an owner chooses a full-custom project, they entrust the shipyard with far more than the construction of a yacht: they entrust an idea, a vision. With Seamore 34, we have clearly demonstrated that we possess the professionalism, mindset and technical structure required to interpret, develop and build a project of this calibre. The success of the sea trials and the owner’s satisfaction represent the most important confirmation of the work accomplished.” Simone Antonini, founder and CEO, added perspective on the broader significance: “For Antonini Navi, Seamore 34 represents the completion of a journey. It is a moment that encompasses the work, expertise and determination of everyone who contributed to turning into reality a new entrepreneurial vision conceived by Aldo Manna and myself. For our family, this is an important milestone, but above all it marks the beginning of a path that looks ambitiously towards the future. Watching Seamore 34 leave the shipyard, accompanied by the sound of the horn, the crew’s applause and the emotion of our entire team gathered to bid her farewell, was one of those moments I will always carry with me.”
The delivery of Matilde 7 signals momentum at the La Spezia facility. According to BOATPro, the shipyard’s second custom steel yacht, Hanaa, is nearing launch, while a 40-metre steel yacht has entered construction on spec with delivery scheduled for 2028. This pipeline demonstrates Antonini Navi’s confidence in the Seamore 34 platform and its ability to serve as both a full-custom foundation and a semi-custom offering for discerning owners seeking capable, characterful vessels with proven performance and thoughtful design. For brokers and advisors working with clients in the 60-plus metre segment or those seeking newer builds from established yards, Matilde 7 exemplifies the calibre of craftsmanship and technical expertise that defines contemporary Italian shipbuilding.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
