Italia 10.98 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Italia 10.98 in 2010 marked the beginning of Italia Yachts' journey, debuting at the Genoa Boat Show. The design philosophy behind the 10.98 aimed to create a yacht that is "very fast, safe and reactive," blending a "classic heart enclosed in a modern design". The emphasis was on achieving speed even in the lightest airs, attributed to the boat's lightness and powerful waterlines. This vision aligns seamlessly with Italia Yachts' broader ethos of crafting vessels that combine performance with a refined "Italian lifestyle at sea," focusing on clean lines, balanced sail plans, and efficient appendages to ensure top performance and smooth handling. While details on specific MkI or MkII variations are not prominent, the 10.98 is consistently referred to as a "performance luxury yacht," a testament to its design as a versatile cruiser-racer. Production of this influential model has continued, with versions like the "Italia 10.98 / 37" remaining relevant within the builder's offerings.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Italia 10.98, with a length overall of just over 37 feet (37.04 ft) and a waterline length of 31.66 feet, is characterized by its responsive and agile nature [4, 10,. Its design ratios underscore its performance-oriented capabilities. A high Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 26.57 suggests excellent performance, particularly in light wind conditions, allowing the boat to move efficiently even when others might struggle. This is supported by designer comments noting its ability to sail fast in light airs due to its powerful waterlines and lightweight construction.

With a Displacement to Length ratio of around 139.5, the 10.98 falls into the lighter end of the spectrum for a boat of its size, contributing to its lively performance and dynamic behavior in a seaway. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.33 indicates a moderate level of stability, suggesting a boat that is well-balanced and capable of standing up to its sail plan without being overly stiff. Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Italia 10.98 for its superb and safe handling, with excellent course-holding characteristics. It is described as "agile and easy handling," providing a fun and highly performing experience at the helm, making it suitable for both competitive racing and comfortable cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Italia 10.98 are best appreciated in person, the design by Emanuele Pillon aimed for "light & spacious interiors" that maximize comfort and livability. The interior layout, developed by the Italia Yachts Design Team, offers class-leading interior space for a yacht of its size. The cockpit features a closing aft with an opening system, and for enhanced enjoyment at anchor, an optional folding bathing platform can be specified. Generally, Italia Yachts are known for their high-quality finishes and attention to detail, embodying the Italian lifestyle at sea. The interior typically offers a well-appointed salon, galley, and sleeping accommodations designed for cruising comfort.