The Italians lead the way. Azimut, based in Avigliana, is known for its “open boat” construction, with a retractable roof and oversize windows that offer a view nearly to water level. The hull colors are bold, and cabins are decorated in satinwood and Japanese wood ($4.4 million to $4.6 million; www.azimutyachts.com).
For more Old World sensibilities, Ferretti’s Mochi Craft 74-foot Dolphin updates the rounded shapes of traditional New England lobster boats with luxury trimmings like stitched-leather upholstery and solid-teak fixtures ($3.8 million; mochicraft-yacht.com).
The most unusual newcomer is the 118 Wallypower, also made in Italy. Its angular metallic hull evokes a stealth fighter, and it can do 40 to 60 knots, depending on the engine–astonishing for a 118-foot vessel ($26.9 million from Wally Yachts). It sleeps only six, but you dont want to be cramped on a superyacht.
