Maxi Dolphin presents the new MD78, a 23.95-metre one-off fast cruiser designed by Giovanni Ceccarelli and built entirely in Italy. The result of two years of design and work in the shipyard is an exclusive boat that combines luxury, technology and performance, designed f or a demanding owner who wants an uncompromising sailing experience.
The MD78 is a perfect synthesis of Maxi Dolphin’s construction know-how and Ceccarelli Yacht Design’s innovative design vision. The MD78 was created as a fast cruiser capable of tackling long cruises in the Mediterranean, but also offshore regattas, responding to the growing demand for versatility in the high-end yacht segment. Easy to handle even with a small crew, it offers a perfect balance between comfort, performance and manoeuvrability. Every detail has been designed to combine functionality and style, in keeping with the shipyard’s tailor-made philosophy.
The MD78’s waterlines are the result of advanced CFD analysis and guarantee excellent hydrodynamic efficiency. The hull has a narrow beam at the waterline and a maximum beam of 6.55 metres, which remains almost constant to the stern, for generous interior volumes without sacrificing performance. The deep bow sections offer dry and stable sailing, while the flared stern sections reduce resistance when the boat is heeled. The bow and stern are vertical, with a design that combines elegance and dynamism.
Among the technical features, the T-shaped lifting keel stands out, with a draught variable from 2.90 to 5.15 metres, a solution that allows both high performance in regattas and easy access to ports with shallow waters. The twin blade rudder system, with cantilevered columns and twin wheelhouses, ensures maximum precision and control in all conditions, reflecting the attention to detail that distinguishes Maxi Dolphin.
The construction is entirely in carbon fibre using “wet lay-up” technology on female moulds, a process developed in-house by the shipyard that guarantees maximum lightness and structural rigidity, minimising parasitic resin. The result is a high-performance, lightweight and durable hull. The Hall Spars mast, Doyle Sails and on-board equipment are designed to offer a high-performance configuration that is also easy to manage.
The sail plan includes a square-top mainsail, a 103% furling genoa and a large bowsprit for Code Zero and asymmetrical spinnakers. The on-board systems are also designed for intuitive use: bow and stern thrusters, sail adjustment aids and a logical layout of the controls make the MD78 easy to manoeuvre, both in regatta and cruising conditions. The exterior design, by Ceccarelli, is modern and distinctive: inverted sides, a sleek deckhouse and clean transom define a boat with unmistakable style.
The deck is covered in teak and features a large cockpit divided into a relaxation area and a manoeuvring area, with clean, functional lines. The steering columns feature technical and aesthetic details of high quality, including a custom-made engine throttle, confirming the tailor-made approach of the design. The interiors, which are completely customised, reflect the tastes and style of the owner. The layout includes a master suite in the bow with separate bathroom and shower, two VIP cabins with private bathrooms and two independent crew cabins in the stern.
The lifting keel is cleverly integrated into the central dinette, while the galley, located to starboard, is designed to promote conviviality and functionality. The style of the furnishings is modern, with finishes defined in close collaboration with the owner, including a distinctive plum-purple hue that characterises the entire interior. This direct collaboration between owner, shipyard and designer is what makes the MD78 a unique project: not just a boat, but an extension of its owner’s character and needs. A tailor-made experience that goes beyond standard options, creating an authentic bond between man and boat.
Giuliana Fratnik
