Italia Yachts drew plenty of attention at the 2025 Genoa Boat Show with the world premiere of the IY 16.98, the builder’s new sailing flagship. The launch comes during a period of growth for the Italian yard, which has introduced five new models in the past six years and is now expanding into the powerboat market with its Veloce line.
During early trials, veteran sailor Enrico Malingri praised the IY 16.98 for its performance in a variety of conditions. “With very light upwind breeze we reached 7 to 8 knots, just one knot less than the true wind,” Malingri said. “With 20 knots and choppy seas on the bow, the yacht proved its speed, smooth passage through the waves and a perfectly balanced helm, even in light air. All of this confirms the quality of the hull design.”
Built with serious bluewater sailing in mind, the IY 16.98 carries both 220V and 110V electrical systems, full climate control, and liveaboard amenities such as a washing machine. Systems are designed not only for comfort, but also for reliability and ease of maintenance far from shore.
A tender garage, unusual in this size range, underscores the focus on uncluttered decks and smart use of space. With its blend of comfort, structural strength, and thoughtful engineering, the IY 16.98 stands out as a strong option for sailors planning a circumnavigation or extended offshore passages.
Moored nearby were Italia Yachts’ other sailing standouts, including the IY 14.98 and IY 12.98, both previous Cruising World Boat of the Year finalists, which together underscored the brand’s established reputation for stylish performance cruisers.
On the motor side, Italia Yachts presented the IY 43 Veloce, the company’s first powerboat, powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 650 drives. The builder also teased its next project, the IY 37 Veloce. Designed as a versatile daycruiser, the model blends generous outdoor space with sleek interiors and distinctive styling cues borrowed from the sailing range, including a hardtop architecture inspired by wing masts.
While the new Veloce line represents a fresh chapter for Italia Yachts, the IY 16.98 remains the central story heading into the winter boat show season in North America. With its combination of speed, balance, and refined design, it sets a new benchmark for the builder’s performance-cruising fleet and reflects Italia Yachts’ ongoing commitment to innovation.
