From the vibrant heart of Italy's renowned yachting industry emerged Sly Yachts, a builder that, while having a relatively short production run under its distinct name, carved out a notable reputation for crafting high-performance luxury sailing yachts. Founded in 2005 by Sandro Franchini, Sly Yachts quickly positioned itself at the intersection of competitive sailing and comfortable cruising, aiming to deliver exhilarating performance without compromising on refined elegance.
The Origin Story
Sly Yachts was established in 2005 by Sandro Franchini, whose vision was to create a new breed of sailing yacht that masterfully blended racing pedigree with the amenities and comfort expected of a luxury cruiser. The company's headquarters were noted as being within the facilities of Cantiere del Pardo S.p.A. in Forlì, Italy, hinting at a close relationship or shared infrastructure from the outset. The inaugural model, the Sly 42, launched in the same year, immediately captured international attention. This first boat represented Sly's commitment to advanced hull design and lightweight construction, setting the tone for the brand's performance-oriented philosophy.
History and Evolution
The history of Sly Yachts is intricately linked with key figures and broader developments within the Italian marine industry. While founded by Sandro Franchini, the brand's later trajectory saw it deeply intertwined with Cantiere del Pardo, the venerable Italian shipyard known for its Grand Soleil line. Davide Trevisani, identified as an owner of Sly Yachts, notably acquired Cantiere del Pardo, bringing the production facilities in Forlì under the same ownership. This strategic move consolidated production capabilities and expertise. Despite its promising start, the dedicated production under the Sly Yachts brand appears to have had a focused period of activity, with many of its models ceasing production over time.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Sly Yachts quickly earned a reputation for producing "luxury sailing yachts and performance cruisers." The brand was celebrated for its sophisticated blend of racing performance and cruising comfort, appealing to discerning owners who sought both speed and style. A hallmark of Sly's design philosophy was the use of state-of-the-art solutions and materials, with a strong emphasis on research and development aimed not only at performance but also at safety. Their yachts were known for their modern, elegant, and timeless aesthetics, combining high-end finishes with very fast sailing capabilities.
Key to achieving this distinctive identity was collaboration with renowned naval architects. Studio Lostuzzi was a frequent design partner, responsible for the lines of several iconic models, including the Sly 42 and Sly 47. For interior design, Sly Yachts also collaborated with acclaimed studios such as Nauta Design, which crafted the interior of the Sly 43. This commitment to distinguished design partnerships underscored Sly's ambition to create yachts that were both aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally performant.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its active production period, Sly Yachts introduced several significant models that embodied its unique design ethos:
- Sly 42: As the brand's inaugural model, launched in 2005, the Sly 42 immediately garnered international recognition for its advanced hull design and lightweight construction. It was celebrated as a sport cruiser that combined the performance of a racing boat with remarkable ease of handling.
- Sly 47: This model further exemplified the builder's commitment to high-end, very fast competition sailboats, maintaining a modern, elegant, and timeless design.
- Sly 53: Representing the larger end of their range, the Sly 53 was designed as a luxury cruising yacht, offering substantial comfort and performance for longer voyages.
- Sly 38: A more compact yet spirited yacht, the Sly 38 showcased the brand's ability to infuse agility and performance into smaller platforms.
While specific production numbers are not widely publicized, these models collectively established Sly Yachts' legacy as a builder of high-quality, fast cruiser-racers that resonated with yachting enthusiasts seeking a blend of exhilarating sailing and refined onboard living.
The Builder Today
As of today, the Sly Yachts brand appears to have been largely integrated into the broader history of Cantiere del Pardo, or its distinct production as a separate brand has ceased. While pre-owned Sly yachts are still available on the market, with a limited number of listings, new vessels are not currently being produced under the Sly Yachts name. Cantiere del Pardo, which once had a direct operational link to Sly Yachts through shared ownership, now lists Grand Soleil, Pardo Yachts, and VanDutch Yachts as its active brands, with no explicit mention of Sly Yachts in its current lineup or heritage sections. This suggests that while Sly Yachts made a notable impact in its time, its dedicated production run concluded, becoming a chapter within the larger narrative of Italian yacht building excellence associated with Cantiere del Pardo. The ownership of Cantiere del Pardo itself has also evolved, with the Calzedonia Group and Wise Equity fund acquiring a majority stake.
