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.
The IY 16.98 carries all the hallmarks of Italia Yachts design—fast, elegant, and built for real-world passagemaking. Every element has been carefully considered to make the boat easy to handle and safe, even with a small crew aboard.
All sail controls are led aft to the helm area, where four electric winches, along with a clean system of stoppers and line deflectors, allow for smooth, organized operation during maneuvers.
The design also reflects the offshore expertise of Enrico Malingri, who helped fine-tune the yacht for long passages, balancing performance with safety and comfort.
Belowdecks, the interior showcases Italia Yachts’ refined craftsmanship and attention to detail. A forward owner’s cabin, two guest cabins, and a bright, spacious saloon create a warm, functional living space. Premium materials and a thoughtful layout contribute to a sense of understated luxury and harmony throughout.
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.
After a season in the Mediterranean, the first IY 16.98 will make the voyage to Boston and Newport—bringing Italian performance and style to New England waters.
On the motor side, Italia Yachts has unveiled its 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.
