In the renovated Maiora Deck Lounge, in the heart of Viareggio’s nautical district, Maiora unveiled its new jewel: the 42 Exuma. Not just a yacht, but a statement of intent. The Next Yacht Group shipyard has presented a project that marks a turning point in the world of luxury yachting, introducing a new paradigm of living and design that breaks with tradition to restore the centrality of the onboard experience to the owner. It is a sort of transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, presented by a team that is as enthusiastic as it is contagious.
Designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta for the exterior lines and signed internally by Elie Saab with creative direction by Carlo Colombo, the 42 Exuma combines aesthetics, functionality and vision in a single, powerful proposal: to go beyond technical and distributional conventions to embrace a new philosophy of yachting.
A project born from real observation
Far from the clichés of classic naval architecture, the 42 Exuma is the result of an in-depth analysis of real life on board. The spaces have been redesigned not only to be more comfortable, but to reflect the authentic, everyday use of the yacht. The Maiora team listened to owners, guests and crew, identifying the limitations of traditional configurations: guest cabins on lower decks, little-used central saloons, crew spaces reduced to the bare minimum. The answer is a boat that overturns functional hierarchies and restores harmony between aesthetics and usability.
‘The 42 Exuma marks the transition from medieval to Renaissance boating, where man returns to the centre of the design,’ says Sebastiano Fanizza, CEO of Next Yacht Group. ‘Every space is designed to be fully experienced, shared and interpreted according to one’s own lifestyle.’
Exteriors in motion: the dynamic beauty of form
The aesthetics designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta blend elegance and sportiness. The slender profile, with large glass surfaces and walk-around decks, creates an impression of transparency and fluidity. The design accompanies the gaze from the main deck to the sun deck, without visual interruptions. The upper deck is a veritable open-air panoramic lounge: opening terraces, a swimming pool with a transparent bottom and a glass-enclosed saloon make the space a natural extension of the sea.
‘It was an instinctive project that came together quickly,’ says Cassetta. ‘We wanted to give shape to an emotional object: not only functional, but capable of creating beauty and well-being.’
Interiors by Elie Saab: timeless elegance
The visual identity of the interiors is clear from the first glance: noble materials, warm colours and precisely studied lighting effects. Fumo di Londra marble, fine woods, bronzed mirrors and resistant yet refined fabrics create a décor that combines aesthetics and functionality with the unmistakable taste of Elie Saab.
‘The 42 Exuma represents a natural evolution for us,’ explains Elie Saab Jr., CEO of the group. ‘After hospitality and real estate, we are bringing our idea of luxury to the sea, in a space where design and comfort come together in harmony.’
A revolutionised main deck
The main deck welcomes the real stars of the boat: the owner and guests. The classic configuration, with an oversized saloon and guest cabins below deck, has been abandoned in favour of a more intuitive layout. In addition to the full-beam master suite at the bow, with separate day and night areas, the main deck houses four spacious VIP cabins, all with generous wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling windows. The central corridor serves as the backbone of the living space, while the central lobby is designed to ensure a smooth separation between crew and guest areas. There is also provision for a panoramic glass lift, a rarity on yachts of this size. At the stern, a sunbathing area and a two-level cockpit with folding wings complete the picture, offering a real connection with the sea from the moment you step on board.
Lower deck dedicated to the crew: comfort for those who work
The lower deck is entirely designed to improve the quality of life of the crew. Spacious cabins, a large mess room, a fully equipped laundry room, an extra-large dumbwaiter and storage rooms guarantee functionality and well-being. A separate area can accommodate a gym, a sixth cabin, a media room or a massage room. A layout that recognises the importance of human capital on board, reducing turnover and improving operations.
Upper and sun decks: experience the sea without boundaries
The upper deck, freed from the bridge and captain’s cabin, is finally returned to the guests. The absence of technical constraints allows for free interpretation: a panoramic dining area, an open-air living area, an adjustable sunbathing area at the bow and a swimming pool with a transparent bottom at the stern.
On the sun deck, 80 square metres of fully customisable space offer a place for contemplation or conviviality, open to the horizon. Each space is designed to welcome the owner and their guests in an experience that blurs the boundary between home and sea.
Performances
The 42 Exuma is available in two engine configurations: with two 2000 hp Volvo Penta IPS engines for a top speed of 20 knots, or with three 2600 hp MTU engines and MJP for performance up to 30 knots. The latter makes it one of the fastest yachts in its class, combining power, control and quietness.
A dream taking shape
The first unit is already under construction and will be delivered in the summer of 2027. The 42 Exuma is not just a new model: it is a manifesto, a vision of boating where every detail, every curve and every space speaks of freedom, humanity and the future.
