Italia 15.98 Information, Review, Specs

The Italia 15.98 commenced production in 2014, continuing until 2021. Its creation is rooted in Italia Yachts' founding vision, established in 2010 by Franco Corazza, to construct yachts that merge industrial precision with traditional craftsmanship. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized creating "all-round" vessels, a philosophy articulated by CEO Franco Corazza, who stated their aim to "design stylish yachts to sail fast, safely and comfortably in all weather." The 15.98 was specifically designed to revive and update the tradition of large ocean-going fast cruisers, aiming for long-distance capability, combining performance, comfort, and enduring style.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Italia 15.98 is engineered for remarkable sailing performance, evident in its design ratios. With a reported sail area of 1893 square feet and a displacement of 34,833 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) is approximately 17.7. This indicates a yacht capable of good performance in lighter winds, suggesting it can be lively and responsive even when the breeze is modest. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 160, based on its 45.93-foot waterline, categorizes the Italia 15.98 as a relatively light-displacement performance cruiser for its size. This suggests a yacht that is not overly heavy for its length, contributing to its speed and agile handling characteristics. Reviews describe the Italia 15.98 as a "cool performer" with unparalleled sailing capabilities, designed to sail fast, safely, and comfortably across various weather conditions. Its balanced sail plans and efficient appendages contribute to its top performance and smooth handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Italia 15.98 is designed to allow for comfortable living on board during extensive voyages. The yacht offers significant flexibility in its internal configuration, with a total of 12 interior combinations, including options for a dedicated crew cabin. Various layouts are available, ranging from two to five cabins, with options such as a large aft owner's cabin and a bow crew cabin. The interior design, credited to Studio Spadolini and Italia Yachts, aims for a refined "Italian lifestyle at sea." Designers sought to emulate the layouts of renowned vessels like the Swan 53 and Baltic yachts, suggesting a focus on classic, well-proven arrangements with an emphasis on quality and spaciousness. Owners can expect well-appointed living spaces tailored for comfort and functionality during long-distance cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Italia 15.98 consistently highlight the yacht's ability to combine performance with a high degree of comfort, making it suitable for both spirited sailing and relaxed cruising. The emphasis on high-grade construction and a refined Italian aesthetic resonates well within the sailing community. The yacht is praised for its "unparalleled sailing performance" and its design which allows for comfortable living aboard, even during extended passages. The flexibility in interior layouts also appears to be a notable strength, catering to diverse owner preferences and cruising styles. While specific common problems were not frequently reported in the available information, the brand generally emphasizes a "turnkey" and "tailor-made yacht ownership" experience, suggesting a focus on comprehensive support for owners.