If you want to see the heights the nautical industry has reached, but above all where the world of large yachts—ranging from 20 to over 100 metres—is heading, you'll definitely find it at the headquarters of The Italian Sea Group in Marina di Carrara, the hub and heart of the four prestigious brands Admiral, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti. Yes, because it is here that we can experience and enjoy the results of the intelligent selection of historic brands and prestigious partnerships in creating a harmonious vision of megayachts—like the 72-metre Admiral Armani, sporty models such as the Tecnomar for Lamborghini, Perini Navi sailing yachts, and the heritage touch of Picchiotti, all the way to NCA Refit. Yes, once more, because this is the place where gems of pure ingenuity are created by renowned naval architects and The Italian Sea Group's Style Centre – jewels that shine at international boat shows from Cannes to Monaco, from Fort Lauderdale to Dubai. And they continue to receive prestigious accolades, such as at the 2025 International Yacht & Aviation Awards on 6 June at the Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo, where the 66-metre MY Admiral JAS triumphed in the “Motor yachts over 60 metres” category, and the 78-metre MY Admiral Platinum was celebrated among the “Motor yachts over 70 metres”.“This is a double success – commented Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of The Italian Sea Group – that testifies to the value of our vision, based on excellence, innovation and constantly striving for perfection in every detail”.
Let's take a closer look, then, at these jewels of overwhelming success, steering toward the new vision of yachting “dreamed”up by the visionary Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of the now-famous Apuano Group. The MY Admiral JAS 66 m, showcased in its world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, is the result of collaboration between the Group's Style Centre and British designer Mark Berryman. It represents a refined fusion of interior and exterior spaces, distinguished by the use of sophisticated yet welcoming materials that combine formal elegance with contemporary comfort. Part of a semi-custom line, it has been remarkably successful with four units sold. The Admiral flagship, MY Platinum 78m, is the ultimate expression of the full-custom approach, a unique project that embodies the Group's tailor-made philosophy. With exteriors by Lobanov Design and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, Platinum amazes with its harmonious layout and a build quality that has exceeded all expectations in terms of performance and silence at sea. The contrast between the ADM 66 line and a fully customised project such as MY Platinum perfectly illustrates the versatility of the shipyard. It offers a dual character that caters both to those seeking a highly customisable yacht and to owners who wish to combine a high degree of personalisation with extensively proven reliability and operational efficiency. This is how both contribute to expressing the identity and philosophy of The Italian Sea Group, founded on an idea of understated luxury, an ever-evolving aesthetic vision, and the highest level of purely Italian craftsmanship.
From here, we arrive—like a Rossini crescendo—at the launch of a masterpiece of naval design and engineering: the first of two mega yachts designed by Giorgio Armani, whose unmistakable style is immediately recognisable both in the exterior lines and the refined interiors. The product of a collaboration with the Group's Style Centre, the project is a perfect synthesis of stylistic refinement and nautical excellence. The result? A harmonious balance between minimalist aesthetics and advanced technologies, designed to redefine the canons of luxury yachting. The elegant external lines reveal a decisive architectural stamp: geometric volumes alternate with curved surfaces, giving life to a dynamic but rigorous structure. The light bounces off the satin-finished aluminium and steel details in a sophisticated play of reflections, while large windows open up the interiors to the surrounding landscape. The decks are like suspended terraces, spaces designed to offer freedom and flexibility: from the outdoor lounge to the helicopter landing area, every detail is both functional and elegant. The interiors, designed by Armani-Casa, amplify the vision of the famous designer, as proudly noted by Giovanni Costantino: “This yacht is the meeting point between Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence, in a creative journey that has transformed a dream into a reality gracefully gliding across the sea”.
And what can we say about the Perini Navi Katana sailing yacht, a symbol of excellence and innovation? This 60-metre ketch has marked a new milestone in the revitalisation of the Perini Navi brand, now fully integrated into the Group, which has given it a boost in just under three years. The Katana S/Y is also emblematic of the commitment to excellence, where tradition and innovation harmoniously coexist in a yacht offering maximum efficiency, versatility, and safety: the retractable keel ensures excellent performance even in shallow waters, while the dynamic positioning system allows the sailing yacht to maintain its position safely without anchoring. The interiors, conceived by the French designer RémiTessier and created by the German Metrica, convey a sober and refined elegance. Every space is designed according to a philosophy of luxury that values understatement over ostentation, with the Katana S/Y adding to ongoing deliveries and projects that reinforce Perini Navi’s leadership in the large sailing yacht sector.
The handover of the Kaizen S/Y, a stunning 49-metre sailing yacht built in 2000 by the New Zealand shipyard Alloy Yachts, the product of designer Glade Johnson's ingenuity and the collaboration with renowned naval architects Paolo Scanu and Butch Dalrymple Smith, was also a notable event. With its aluminium hull and superstructure, the yacht combines elegance with robustness. During its refit period at the NCA Refit Business Unit, the Kaizen S/Y underwent a major overhaul, including de-rigging and re-rigging, alongside preparatory work for upgrading the rigging system—from steel to carbon fibre—to enhance performance and reduce weight. This highlights TISG's ability to successfully operate on prestigious yachts, combining extensive experience in full custom design with professional expertise in refitting and repairing super yachts, mega yachts, and sailing yachts. This integrated approach allows clients to be supported throughout every stage of a yacht's life, preserving its history while ensuring continuous technological innovation and sustainability.
So, what now? After the successes of 2023 and 2024, the Group is returning to the Monaco Yacht Show, from 25 to 28 September, at Port Hercule, the heart of the Principality. Here, the Group will take centre stage in an elegant stand on Quai Rainier Ier, an exclusive space designed to offer a prestigious welcome to international clients, brokers, journalists, and the financial community. It represents a strategic presence alongside global players and a prime opportunity to convey the Group's identity and the values guiding its vision: innovation, craftsmanship, distinctive design, and sustainability. In this 2025 edition, an exclusive selection of yachts launched between late 2024 and the current year will be showcased—masterpieces of naval engineering and style. They embody the design philosophy and engineering excellence of a Group that always looks to the future and, drawing on a heritage that blends industrial culture, Italian creativity, and refined aesthetic sensibility, continues to confirm itself as a global benchmark in luxury yachting.
GIANMARIA COSTANTINO:
Anticipating trends to remain a leader Having been with the company for a year, after an intensive course of study as you yourself described it, what impression (and assessment) have you formed?
It has been an extraordinary year. After a very intensive training period, joining the company felt like closing a circle for me. TISG has always been present in my life; I've witnessed its birth, growth, and evolution. Having the opportunity to make a direct contribution today, in such a strategic role, is a fascinating challenge. I've found a close-knit team, a solid structure and a clear vision. And above all, I have been able to bring my dynamic and international approach to a context that is hungry for innovation and openness.
Do you see yourself more as a “dauphin” within the company, or as your father's generational successor as founder and leader of the group?
I see myself as both. I like the term “dauphin” because it implies trust in a new generation that brings fresh energy and skills. But at the same time, I am aware of what it means to be the founder's son: there is a great responsibility, which I don't feel as pressure, but rather as motivation. My father was—and is—a guide. But today I mainly work independently, with my team, and together we grow. We have a common goal: to help the company evolve without ever distorting its values.
As Chief Commercial Officer, how do you see the company's positioning today and in the future, from west to east?
We are a global group and we want to further strengthen our international presence. We are looking decisively towards the east: South-East Asia, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore are key markets. The potential in this area is enormous and we have already moved forward with important partnerships. At the same time, the United States and the Middle East remain fundamental, and we are continuing to invest in these territories with targeted projects. The positioning is clear: excellence, innovation, customisation and a complete service, including after-sales. I am also strongly committed to the drive towards internationalisation, which today accounts for around 80% of the commercial activities I coordinate.
What is the action plan of Italy's leading producer of super yachts over 50 metres to succeed in such a highly competitive market? What are the strategic markets?
The key is continuous innovation, on all fronts: technological, stylistic, service. We must be the first to grasp the wishes of new owners, many of whom are young and very demanding. We focus on product development, extreme customisation and energy efficiency, as demonstrated by the new lithium-ion battery systems fitted on our Admiral 78. The strategic markets today are Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the United States. And we are not stopping there: we are already evaluating new expansion operations, including through M&A.
Have the tastes and needs of shipowners changed?
Absolutely. The new generation of shipowners is younger and more focused on sustainability, innovation and the on-board experience. Attention is paid to materials, technology, and flexible and customisable spaces. Aesthetics remain central, but they must be paired with strong technical content and a truly tailor-made service.
Do the four brands Admiral, Tecnomar, Perini Navi and Picchiotti really cover the market in a complete way?
Yes, today we can say that our brands cover practically the entire luxury yachting segment, from 20 metres to 100 metres and beyond. We offer motor yachts and sailing yachts, sporty models such as the Tecnomar for Lamborghini, up to the timeless sailing yachts by Perini Navi. Picchiotti brings with it a very strong heritage touch. We are structured to serve customers with very different needs, in a tailored way. This is not only in terms of production, but also refitting, through our NCA Refit division, which accounts for up to 15% of turnover and ensures a complete presence in the after-sales phase as well.
Closing 2024 with 404.4 million in revenues and delivering a 78-metre mega yacht in 2025: is this the way to pick up on trends?
Yes, that's right. This mega yacht represents the future: it combines design, technology and energy efficiency. The lithium batteries fitted on the Admiral 78 are a concrete example of how we interpret sustainability: not just as a statement of principle, but as a real application. Anticipating trends is our mission, as proposing innovative solutions before others is the only way to remain a leader.
Gianmaria, what's on your agenda? What commitments lie ahead between now and the end of the year?
We are working on new business partnerships, particularly in the Far East. Then there are the international boat shows: Cannes, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, and Dubai. In addition to commitments with the sales network and the consolidation of new markets, there is constant work with clients, the true ambassadors of our brands. Finally, there's training: I closely follow the Academy and the pathways to attract young talent in design and planning. I am convinced that building the future requires solid roots, but also a long-term vision and a lot of energy.
