After the current mega-explorer "Maverick" (44 metres), the Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) wants to continue targeting projects that cover the essentials: autonomous, safe and comfortable travel over long distances. For "RAW", the team led by the two CdM bosses Vasco Buonpensiere and Ennio Cecchini took suggestions from owners, brokers, designers, captains and crew and created an "honest" 30-metre vehicle, designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta.
"RAW" is an acronym and stands for "Recreation All-Weather Watercraft" - in other words, a robust leisure craft with explorer features: raised bow with tender parking space on the foredeck, XL cockpit with optional weather protection, plenty of storage space and a swimming platform that can be converted into a panoramic balcony if required. The small landing area for a helicopter or drone is almost unbelievable for the length.
"Raw" appeals to a generation of owners who want maximum freedom and flexibility. Experienced yacht owners who don't mind sleeping somewhere else every night for months on end while travelling to remote places - only to throw a mega party in the harbour afterwards.
The first "RAW" sketches were created in an aeroplane
The idea came to Vasco Buonpensiere after a tour of various shipyards; the sales director had taken a liking to the market segment of smaller semi-custom explorers. He stormed into the management office and said: "Ennio, let's create a new 100-footer!" The first designs were based on a drawing that Giorgio M. Cassetta produced within 20 minutes during a flight from Amsterdam to Nice.
For the Cantiere delle Marche team, the "RAW" size class only has advantages. "A 30-metre yacht can be both the starting point for owners who want to expand later or the last boat in a yachting career," explains Giorgio M. Cassetta, "some owners, on the other hand, want to downsize because operating their large yacht is too costly". A 100-footer strikes a balance between manoeuvrable size, reasonable costs and a solid offer of space and amenities.
Why orange? You can always see it on the water
As far as the design is concerned, there was a fine hand. "Both bulky and playful," says Giorgio M. Cassetta, outlining the concept, "not out of place in a commercial harbour, but also an eye-catcher in a chic marina." "RAW" comes across as a composition like a geometric, abstract painting with a wink in the direction of a four-wheel drive vehicle. "The look comes from research and rescue vessels," says Vasco Buonpensiere, "the most seaworthy and solid ships of all. We would configure something like this if we could retire and travel around the world." The simple outfit for the mast, crow's nest or drone - everything is designed for fun and easy maintenance: "We are currently preparing the winter version, with snowmobiles instead of jet skis, as well as ski equipment."
And the bright colour? "Orange is the opposite of blue on the colour wheel," says the head of sales, "if you throw an orange into the water, you can see it from 100 metres away." Accordingly, you will also be able to recognise "RAW" from miles away. "Besides," Buonpensiere continues, "hasn't orange been the new black for a while now?"
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
