Federico Rossi explains why Rossinavi is ‘one of a kind’
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Now COO of Rossinavi and Nolimits Yachts, the son of company co-founder Claudio Rossi explains how the family-owned shipyard has carved its own niche creating one-off masterpieces.
Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Rossinavi
Federico Rossi, COO, Rossinavi
Since Rossinavi was founded in Italy 45 years ago, how did it evolve to specialise in custom superyachts?
My father Claudio co-founded the company in 1980 as a mechanical workshop in Viareggio. Over time, it specialised in metal carpentry, supplying turnkey hulls and superstructures to other shipyards.
In 2008, following the financial crisis and a drop in third-party demand, we decided to enter the market with our own brand. We debuted with two yachts, of 54m and 70m, which were both sold on design and immediately put into construction.
Focusing on one-off builds came naturally. We were already used to working on customised specifications and adapting to the most diverse requests. This approach allowed us to enter an exclusive niche, offering unique and highly personalised yachts. To date, we’ve built yachts ranging from 40m to 75m. Our largest yacht is currently under construction.
One of Rossinavi’s two facilities in Viareggio
How big is the company today?
We have about 150 direct employees and 650 external collaborators. We are active in three cities and two continents, with two main shipyards in Viareggio, five production sites in Pisa and an after-sales department in Fort Lauderdale, United States.
How did you rise to COO of the shipyard?
I grew up in the family business. When I started working with my father, there were just seven of us. As often happens in family enterprises, each of us found our own specialisation. Today, my father, my sister and I run the shipyard together, each with complementary responsibilities.
What can you tell us about the 50m Bel¹, which Rossinavi is exhibiting at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show?
Bel¹ is a reinterpretation of the displacement yacht concept, entirely built in aluminum to ensure lightness and high performance. The yacht offers exceptional volumes, with very spacious guest cabins and a fully equipped 135sqm sundeck including a pool, outdoor kitchen and operational bar. The beach club has been redesigned with a mezzanine deck, creating the visual perception of a yacht over 60m.
The all-aluminium 50m Bel¹
Thanks to its efficient hull and reduced weight, Bel 1 reaches 18 knots with the same propulsion system that, on a steel displacement yacht, would barely allow for 15 knots, while also reducing fuel consumption by up to 50 per cent at cruising speed.
For Bel¹, can you outline the design process with Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design and Team For Design – Enrico Gobbi, and how long you’ve worked with each studio?
We’ve been working with Team For Design – Enrico Gobbi since 2009 and with Fulvio De Simoni since 2014. Bel¹ stems from a concept developed with De Simoni, called Infinity, designed for sporty high-volume yachts. Bel¹ is like an SUV version of that line, like what happened in the automotive world with brands like Porsche or Lamborghini.
Seawolf X is Rossinavi’s first catamaran
What was it like working with Fulvio De Simoni and Meyer Davis on the design of the 43m Seawolf X, the shipyard’s first catamaran?
It was an exciting experience. We started from a high-performance naval platform, adapting the lines of the Infinity 42 to the proportions of a catamaran. Once the hull was defined, we brought in Meyer Davis for the interior design, working closely with the owner. The collaboration worked immediately, blending creative vision with meticulous attention to detail.
Since Seawolf X was launched and presented in 2024, what has been the reaction to the yacht?
Seawolf X generated a strong wow effect thanks to its sporty lines, a rare feature in a catamaran. The interior spaces – from the owner’s cabin to the saloon – were compared to those of much larger yachts. Visitors appreciated the comfort and spaciousness, as well as innovative approach of the design.
The 66m diesel-electric Alchemy
Can you tell us about the hybrid technology on Seawolf X and how it compares to other hybrid systems you’ve used for other yachts, such as on the 66m Alchemy (Vitruvius/Gobbi) and the 50m No Stress Two, both 2023 launches?
Alchemy uses a diesel-electric system, while No Stress Two features a hybrid setup with a thermal propulsion focus.
Seawolf X uses a truly battery-dominant hybrid system, integrating solar, diesel and batteries within a single intelligent architecture managed by AI. This system optimises energy and consumption, can absorb or return power to the marina, and is designed for maximum flexibility and sustainability.
Why has Rossinavi focused so much on AI?
Artificial intelligence is a strategic tool for us in the energy transition. AI manages consumption in real time, activates only necessary systems, and optimises energy use based on the route, weather and tides. It also collects useful data to develop increasingly efficient yachts. Our goal is to significantly reduce consumption and prepare the industry for real, measurable sustainability.
CGI of Solsea, designed by Yves Behar
You’ve unveiled the Solsea catamaran concept, designed by Yves Behar. What are the similarities to Seawolf X and what are the main differences?
Solsea shares the technical platform, hybrid approach and AI integration with Seawolf X. The main differences lie in the style and interior design, which reflect Yves Behar’s personal and artistic vision.
In 2024, Nolimits Yachts was launched and was followed by the news of Camper & Nicholsons representing the brand in Asia-Pacific. Can you please give us an update on the market reaction to the designs?
Nolimits Yachts represents a new generation of explorer yachts from 30-45m: robust and ocean-going but with the comfort and finishes of a superyacht. The market responded with interest, particularly for the larger size. A first unit of the NL45, sold in America, is already under construction and will be delivered in 2026.
The collaboration with Pininfarina for the interiors, together with Fulvio De Simoni for the exteriors, has been crucial for the Asian market. We are developing a distinctive and international design language, further reinforced by Pininfarina’s direct presence in the region.
CGI of NL45, Nolimits Yachts’ first build
Having visited Hong Kong as part of the Nolimits Yachts and Camper & Nicholsons announcement, can you tell us about your learnings on this visit and other trips to Asia?
A key difference is that yachts are often used for social activities, rather than as tools for isolation at sea. These are two entirely different perspectives. A yacht designed for the Asian market is far more complex, equipped with more features, with volume and interior spaces maximised and used in every corner. These yachts are typically lived in more indoors than outdoors.
Finally, can you pinpoint what Rossinavi stands for and why someone should choose your shipyard to build their yacht?
Rossinavi’s DNA is uniqueness. Every yacht is a one-of-a-kind project, tailor-made for the owner. Those who choose us want to create something that reflects their lifestyle and their way of experiencing the sea.
Building with Rossinavi means entering an immersive experience where every detail – from materials to layout – is defined together with the client. It’s a bespoke process that puts the owner’s needs, and often those of their family, at the centre, turning an idea into a tangible and deeply personal reality.
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