Italia 11.98 Information, Review, Specs

As a product of Italia Yachts, a builder established in 2010 by co-founder Franco Corazza, the 11.98 benefits from a manufacturing approach that integrates modern industrial processes with traditional craftsmanship. This blend ensures high-quality construction and a distinctive identity. The company's relocation to a modern shipyard in Castelvecchio - Fano, a known yacht-building hub in Italy, further emphasizes their comprehensive control over production quality.

History and Design

The Italia 11.98 commenced production in 2018, aiming to create a sailboat highly adaptable for both cruising and racing. Designer Matteo Polli and the Italia Yachts design team envisioned the 11.98 as a "Mediterranean boat," capable of delivering performance while maintaining comfortable accommodation, bridging the gap between a pure racer and a production cruiser. This model follows in the footsteps of its successful smaller sibling, the Italia Yachts 9.98, reinforcing the builder's reputation for versatile, high-performance designs. While the provided data does not indicate significant variations like MkI/MkII versions, the design prioritizes a clean and essential aesthetic, reflecting Italia Yachts' broader philosophy of elegant, racy designs that can perform.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Italia 11.98 is engineered for performance, evident in its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 22.89, the yacht is well-powered, suggesting strong performance in light air conditions and the ability to accelerate quickly. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 154 indicates a relatively light displacement for its length, further contributing to its agility and speed. While the Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 32.25% might seem moderate, the yacht's lead bulb keel and spade rudder, combined with its overall design, ensure stability and responsiveness.

Reviewers consistently describe the Italia 11.98 as a balanced, easy-to-handle boat that is light on the helm and responsive. It is noted for being "silky smooth" to steer, capable of performing well in both light winds and stiff breezes. The yacht is praised for its quick acceleration after tacking and its overall predictability, making it enjoyable for a wide range of sailors. Its design aims for top performance and smooth handling, making it a compelling choice for those who value exhilarating sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications are not provided in the primary data, the Italia 11.98 is designed to offer adequate interior volumes and a practical layout for both racing and comfortable long cruises. The interior layout is the result of studies focused on creating a perfect sailboat for sailors, emphasizing ergonomics and overall design. Reports indicate that the interior spaces are well-thought-out, providing ample storage and a functional arrangement. The Italia 11.98 Bellissima version, for instance, typically features three guest cabins, illustrating its cruising capabilities. The design ensures that while performance is paramount, the comfort and practicality required for extended living aboard are not compromised. The interior aesthetic reflects the clean and essential design philosophy seen on deck, contributing to the "Italian lifestyle at sea" that Italia Yachts aims to deliver.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers frequently highlight the Italia 11.98's dual-purpose nature, commending its ability to perform exceptionally well in regattas while still offering a comfortable cruising experience. The consensus points to its "fun, high performance and easy handling" as core strengths. Owners appreciate that it feels responsive and balanced, making it a joy to sail whether racing competitively or cruising leisurely. The yacht's success in major regattas worldwide, with owners frequently securing victories, reinforces its competitive edge. While specific common problems are not widely detailed in public owner reviews, the emphasis on high-grade construction and integrated production processes by Italia Yachts suggests a focus on overall build quality and reliability, which typically translates to fewer recurring issues for owners.