Designed by Optima Design, with naval architecture by Francesco Samarelli, the 499GT motor yacht is the first fully bespoke project developed under the shipyard's current ownership. While previous updates focused on structural assembly, the latest images shift attention to the yacht's evolving internal spaces, revealing progress across accommodation areas, circulation routes, and technical compartments.
Behind the Scenes of Cantieri di Pisa's Flagship Project
The newly released photographs and video offer a behind-the-scenes view of construction underway within the yacht's steel hull and aluminum-composite superstructure. Internal spaces that were previously hidden from view are now beginning to take shape, with bulkheads, staircases, and structural frameworks defining the layout across multiple decks.
Several images show crew and technical teams carrying out welding, fitting and fabrication work throughout the vessel. Internal corridors, machinery spaces and accommodation areas have progressed beyond the empty shell stage seen earlier in the build, illustrating the steady transition from primary construction toward outfitting preparation.
While scaffolding remains in place around much of the motor yacht, the latest update highlights how the project is advancing simultaneously across structural, engineering and interior development phases.
The Vision Behind the Custom 40
Cantieri di Pisa continues to position the project as a highly personalized commission shaped around the requirements of an experienced European owner seeking a yacht capable of extended periods at sea.
Originally conceived as a 37.5m explorer-style yacht, the project evolved into a full-custom 40m platform during the design process. The owner's brief called for long-range cruising capability, hybrid technology, generous guest accommodation and operational flexibility suitable for both private use and charter. This owner-led approach remains central to the yard's messaging, with the latest update emphasizing the specialist expertise and continuity required to deliver a bespoke yacht of this scale.
Key Features of the Custom 40
The four-deck yacht has been designed around volume and functionality, with a gross tonnage of 499GT placing it at the upper end of its size category. Accommodation is arranged for up to 12 guests across six cabins, including a main-deck owner's suite featuring a private terrace. Guest accommodation includes a full-beam VIP suite and four additional cabins on the lower deck, while dedicated crew areas support up to eight members of staff.
Onboard amenities include twin salons across two decks, a beach club at water level, fold-out terraces and a midships garage with a side-launch system capable of handling a 6.6m tender alongside water toys.
Power comes from twin 1,550hp MAN V12 engines, delivering a reported top speed of 15 knots and a cruising range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles at 13 knots.
A Broader Vision for Cantieri di Pisa
The Custom 40 remains one of the most significant projects currently under construction at Cantieri di Pisa, reflecting the shipyard's renewed focus on custom yacht building while continuing to draw on its longstanding design heritage.
The shipyard has outlined longer-term ambitions through projects such as the 70m explorer yacht concept Super Polaris 70. Developed in partnership with T. Mariotti, the explorer was unveiled in 2025 as a vision for a new generation of long-range expedition yachts, featuring accommodation for 12 guests, a 180-square-meter beach club and a projected range of approximately 6,500 nautical miles.
Alongside new-build activity, the yard's legacy fleet continues to receive attention through major restoration projects. One example is the 39m classic motor yacht Zanzoun, originally delivered by Cantieri di Pisa in 1984, which is currently undergoing a €2.5 million refit program in Türkiye. Managed by Marine Group Yachting International in partnership with Tersan Shipyard, the project includes substantial structural work, engineering upgrades and a complete interior redesign ahead of a planned relaunch later this year.
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