The Picchiotti Gentleman 24 marks the start of a new series made in Italy. Luca Dini has created a floating version of a fine character who is fully in tune with the times and confidently wears a nostalgic suit.
A large yacht always makes an impression as soon as it moors in a marina, but a small one can also be an eye-catcher - if it has that certain something. In this case, the 24-metre Picchiotti Gentleman gives the public pause for good reason. Designed by Florentine studio Luca Dini, the boat is clearly strongly inspired by the golden age of the post-war yachting world and draws on the iconic Picchiotti Giglio and Mistral motorboat series. Warm mahogany at the stern and as window frames in the otherwise gleaming white superstructure meets round and oval porthole windows in a blue-painted hull.
Picchiotti once built the "Al Said"
In purely visual terms, this is a more than successful start to the series for the Italian brand, which has been building boats on the banks of the Arno in Tuscany since the late 16th century and is now celebrating its own style and maritime heritage with its 6.50 metre wide newcomer. A brief look back: the legendary "Al Said" came out of Picchiotti's halls in 1982, which at 103 metres in length was one of the very largest at the time. The Gentleman series will not go quite that far. Nevertheless, the aluminium format is set to expand even further, with a 33 m and a 44 m already in the pipeline.
A side aisle is practical and therefore timeless
Luca Dini is even talking about a 55, a length that would be quite possible for the shipyard, which came under the umbrella of The Italian Sea Group (TISG) at the beginning of 2022 and primarily builds formats between 30 and 60 metres in Marina di Carrara. The shipyard group revitalised the Picchiotti brand with the Gentleman line and has big plans for the historic name. Finally, Head of Communications Gianmaria Costantino announced optimistically: "Your biggest chapter still lies ahead of us." Admiral from TISG.
"The Gentleman is aimed at owners who want something special while remaining firmly rooted in the tradition of elegant seamanship," comments Luca Dini on his design. A raised hull with a wide side gangway on the main deck - old-fashioned but still en vogue and practical - was just one item on the wish list and, according to Dini, is "an unprecedented solution that recreates the atmosphere of classic yachts".
The transom becomes a bathing platform
Wide glass doors that connect the interior and exterior spaces were also important, as was a contemporary beach club. This is surprisingly spacious on a yacht of this length, or rather brevity, and, together with a sofa bed and bathroom, adds an optional additional cabin or lounge to the living area. However, the room remains well concealed from the outside; only when the centre section of the transom is folded down do vertical sliding doors appear for the entrance to the beach club. Naturally, this hatch becomes a lowerable bathing platform, bringing guests as close as possible to the sea.
This also joins the list of modern features without which many owners can hardly imagine life on board around the Mediterranean today. TISG has also announced a second version of the 24 m, with a completely open stern.
Play with various levels
The vertical stern shape is only seemingly contemporary. Sure, it's trendy, but it can also be found in classic designs. In the interior, the designers played with different levels and lined up the individual functional areas lengthways from the stern to the bow. The helm station is slightly elevated between the lounge and the galley, which has been lowered several steps, and offers the best all-round view, albeit at eye level with the foredeck sunbed. The dining area is one step higher again, located in front of the galley and thus clearly separated from the saloon.
Even the very cosy accommodation for up to eight overnight guests is not all on one level. Cabin number four is located in the aforementioned beach club and is therefore separate from the rest of the accommodation on the lower deck. This means: two suites of almost the same size amidships for the master and VIPs plus a smaller and slightly lower cabin near the mess and crew accommodation. If guests want to spend time outside, it is best to go to the cockpit. There they group together on the U-shaped upholstered bench around the high-gloss, folding mahogany table for eight people.
A separee in the bow tip
The free space behind it is either reserved for the five-metre-long tender, which has the same look as the mother ship. Or it can be transformed into a lounge or sunbathing area at anchor and in the harbour thanks to mobile furniture. If you prefer things a little quieter, choose the upper foredeck and lie down on the cushions there. You can sit one level lower, at the very front of the bow, where you are really protected from prying eyes. The crew will be happy to transform the area behind the high bulwarks into a private separee with the help of a table and two chairs.
Luca Dini - with the support of the Picchiotti design department - took care of the interior design as well as the exterior. He was given the pragmatic task of developing several lines at once, and so customers are presented with three well thought-out options, some of which take up the tradition of classics to a greater and some to a lesser extent. Ultimately, everyone involved realises that these are custom interiors.
Purists choose the rooms from the Modern Line
The Hamptons Line was the first design and now also adorns the first edition of the new series. It is elegant, airy and full of "coastal freshness". White cassette-style walls, wooden tables and colourful upholstery fabrics are reminiscent of summer retreats on the Atlantic coast. The Manhattan Line - in keeping with its name - has a more urban feel and embodies a cosmopolitan character. Here, the interior is characterised by darker tones, strong contrasts and sophisticated plays of light. Purists are likely to choose the Modern Line, minimalist with clear contours, discreet lighting and, according to the studio, a touch of "contemplative serenity".
A drive with potential
As far as the drive is concerned, the first Gentleman remains in the classic style. In future, however, there will be options for hybrid modes or electric versions. Nevertheless, the number one is currently ideally equipped for typical Mediterranean voyages along or far from the coast. Two MAN diesel engines propel her at speeds of up to 19 knots; at a relaxed 9 knots, the 24 metres can travel up to 1,800 nautical miles. Two 35 kW generators power the hotel operations, including air conditioning. No matter how nostalgic the ambience may seem, not even the most ardent fans of old yacht building will want to sweat in midsummer.
Technical data Picchiotti Gentleman 24 m
- Overall length: 23.96 m
- Width: 6.50 m
- Gross tonnage: 150
- Material: Aluminium
- Engines: 2 x MAN V8
- Engine power: 2 x 956 kW
- Speed (max.): 19 kn
- Speed (voyage): 16 kn
- Range @ 9 kn: 1,800 nm
- Generators: 2 x 35 kW
- Construction: The Italian Sea Group
- Exterior design: Luca Dini, Picchiotti
- Interior design: Luca Dini, Picchiotti
- Shipyard: Picchiotti, 2025
- Price: 6.9 million euros
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
