West Navitech is a relatively new commercial shipyard based near La Spezia, Italy. Over the last decade they have earned a reputation for building robust aluminum commercial vessels of the highest strength and quality. They build passenger vessels, tugs, Coast Guard rescue craft and fireboats. Plus, they build aluminum hulls for other yacht builders in the La Spezia region.
So, it is a little surprising to hear this month that the builder was venturing into the luxury yacht market with a new aluminum family cruiser called the Forte 47. The name Forte come from the Italian word for strength and emphasizes the durability of aluminum hulls.
“The creation of Forte Yachts marks a strategic expansion,” says Technical Manager and partner Livio Franchini. “We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary.”
The first Forte 47 is now in build. It is a thoroughly modern walk-around sedan with expansive outdoor spaces. The bow has a large lounge and the cockpit has fold-down bulkheads that almost double its deck space. It is powered by three Mercury Verado outboards.
The saloon and cockpit can be opened up to be one social area and there is a bar with bar stools along the port side, not something you see every day in a 47-foot family cruiser.
As the first yacht coming from this commercial ship-building yard, West Navitech wants to emphasize that the 47 will be built and finished in true yacht style.
Unlike many mass-produced boats, Forte Yachts positions itself in a more refined and exclusive segment. As Paolo Giordano, Head of Design, explains: “We’re inspired by the design and quality of superyachts, but on a smaller and more accessible scale.”
When hull number one is launched, we will report back on what this interesting new venture has created for the cruising market.
