Italia 9.98 Information, Review, Specs

Emerging from Italia Yachts' production lines in 2015, the Italia 9.98 was born into a shipyard renowned for its fusion of modern industrial efficiency with traditional craftsmanship. From its inception in 2010, Italia Yachts, co-founded by Franco Corazza and Matteo Polli, aimed to deliver high-quality yachts that balanced spirited racing capabilities with comfortable family cruising. The 9.98 project specifically sought to find an optimum balance, ensuring a powerful yet easy-to-helm boat. This design ethos results in a vessel that excels in handicap racing while still offering a functional and tourable interior suitable for leisure.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Italia 9.98 is engineered for an engaging sailing experience, characterized by its impressive balance and responsiveness. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 22.2, the 9.98 demonstrates excellent power for its size, indicating strong performance in lighter air conditions and the ability to accelerate quickly. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 40.4% contributes to a stiff and stable platform, allowing the boat to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling, a crucial factor for both comfort and performance. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 282.6 places the Italia 9.98 in the medium-displacement category, suggesting a design that is neither an ultra-light racer nor a heavy, traditional cruiser, but rather a well-rounded performer.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the 9.98's handling characteristics, noting that it sails well in all conditions and maintains a commendable balance, making it easy to steer without issues from its waterlines. This exceptional balance between hull, equipment, and sail plan contributes to its "extraordinary sailing characteristics," ensuring it is never over or underperforming, whether in a race or on a leisurely cruise.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed with performance in mind, the Italia 9.98 also offers a functional and comfortable interior, reflecting Italia Yachts' dedication to blending luxury with eco-conscious design. Although specific cabin counts vary with owner customization, typical layouts for a boat of this size usually feature a forward V-berth, a salon with settees that may convert to berths, a compact but functional galley, and an aft head. The interior layout is developed by the Italia Yachts Design Team, focusing on maximizing the "large interior volume" within its hull. The fit and finish generally uphold the brand's reputation for high-quality Italian craftsmanship, often incorporating tasteful wood joinery and robust materials that balance durability with aesthetic appeal, suitable for both racing teams and cruising families.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Italia 9.98 frequently commend its solid construction and its ability to deliver a fun and engaging sailing experience across a range of conditions. The emphasis on balance in its design translates into a boat that is reported to be easy to helm and handle, contributing to a positive experience whether racing or cruising. The boat's performance capabilities have been well-demonstrated in regattas, where Italia Yachts models, including the 9.98, have achieved notable victories, reflecting their inherent speed and handling prowess. The overarching sentiment suggests that the Italia 9.98 successfully delivers on its promise of being a versatile, all-round yacht, pleasing both those seeking spirited competition and those desiring a capable and comfortable cruiser.