Nauta: nearly 40 years of vision and versatility in yacht design
by Nauta Design 3 Jul 07:18 PDT
Nauta team in Milan © Nauta Design
Founded by Massimo Gino and Mario Pedol in 1986, Nauta has become a leading name in the world of yacht design.
Renowned for carefully crafted exterior and interior designs for yachts ranging from 30 feet up to 180 metres, the studio's ability to blend form, function and aesthetics has made it a go-to choice for both custom and series yacht builders.
Passion, vision and experience
Both Gino and Pedol have deep roots in the maritime world, which has significantly influenced their design philosophy. Pedol's maternal grandfather, for example, was the chief engineer on ocean liners, and he grew up competing in regattas and cruising aboard family yachts. His transition into yacht design was sparked at college when a friend encouraged him to build a Mini Tonner—a 7-metre boat in collaboration with the celebrated designer Andrea Vallicelli. "The Avventura 703 was a huge success, and what started as a hobby turned into a valuable learning experience," says Mario Pedol, Nauta's President.
The Nauta 54, co-designed by Pedol and Gino in 1986, marked the beginning of a remarkable career and a commitment to creating onboard spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. "To create that, you need to fully immerse yourself in the project and in the owners' vision, anticipating and imagining their dreams and expectations". says Pedol.
As a testament to his extraordinary professional journey and profound contribution to the world of yacht design, Mario Pedol was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Blue Design Summit "From Water to Design," held at the Teatro Civico in La Spezia. On this occasion, the Miglio Blu Design Award honored the most inspired and visionary figures and projects in the international yachting scene.
Holistic design
Nauta is known for its versatility. The firm works on both motor and sailing yachts, from the blank sheet to exteriors and interiors, designing custom projects as well as models for series production.
Its designs are characterised by clean, timeless lines that remain relevant over time. According to Massimo Gino, Nauta's CEO and Co-Founder, "The key is to stay true to your vision, and the market recognises and rewards your style."
One of the distinguishing features of Nauta's work is its holistic, human-centred design approach. "Luxury in yachting is about more than styling," continues Gino. "It's about creating a functional, well-organised space that allows owners to fully enjoy their time aboard."
Whether designing the Pardo GT75 weekend runabout, a semi-custom sailing yacht like the 108-foot Gelliceaux, Southern Wind KIBOKO4 awarded Sailing Yacht of the Year at the 2025 World Superyacht Awards by BOAT International, or the full-custom Thunderball, a 70-metre motoryacht project designed by Nauta and Vripack and currently in build at CRN, Nauta's goal is to create an exceptional onboard experience for both owner and guests.
Over the years, Nauta has worked on multiple ground-breaking projects, cementing its reputation for timeless elegance and thoughtful functionality. After the 180-metre long Azzam, a more recent example is Dragonfly, the 142-metre superyacht launched by Lürssen in 2024, featuring interiors and outdoor social areas designed by Nauta, winner of the "Superyacht Above 80m" award at the Yacht Style Awards 2025.
The previous year, Royal Huisman launched Nilaya, a bespoke 48-metre sailing yacht designed by Nauta and Reichel/Pugh for an experienced owner who sought comfort and safety to explore the world aboard an extremely lightweight sailer also capable of securing victories in superyacht regattas.
The Nauta method
The Nauta team comprises 25 professionals—20 of whom are dedicated to design—that work in an open, collaborative space that encourages constant innovation and knowledge sharing. This cross-disciplinary environment allows the firm to handle a wide variety of projects, from smaller yachts to massive superyachts, all with the same commitment to excellence.
The team has developed a unique methodology that blends apparent simplicity and meticulous attention to detail with a deep understanding of the client's vision. Then comes the assessment of the constraints that characterize each project. These may be technically related to the construction method, to the available technologies and materials, or to the budget. "The constraints, around which we work with the clients themselves, with the technical offices of the construction sites, and with the suppliers we collaborate with, are an integral part of our design. This is because our creative process combines the client's vision, which we adopt and develop, with the design perimeter in which we find ourselves. We express this thoughtful creativity in an aesthetic that is as clean, elegant, and functional as possible. The ultimate goal of our design is to create a fluid and harmonious space with light, continuous lines, welcoming volumes, and balanced proportions, creating a connection with no barriers between people and the sea," says Martino Majno, co-director of the company.
Innovation and adaptation
Nauta is continuously evolving and adapting to current trends in yachting while staying true to its core principles. "Our fundamental driver is always curiosity and passion: the desire to explore, to challenge ourselves with different projects, and to find innovative solutions," continues Majno.
Research on sustainability is a priority in Nauta's design process, with the goal not only of identifying sustainable products but also examining the entire supply chain of a product to ensure it is as sustainable as possible at every stage. "Sustainability and luxury are not in contrast. We also work with reclaimed products that, when combined, create high-level finishes with exceptional aesthetic quality. Sustainability is not a value to be showcased for its own sake, but an intrinsic advantage. The real goal is to guarantee our owners the highest quality, while incorporating more sustainable solutions. We constantly introduce new materials that, thanks to technology and careful combination, define an ever-evolving aesthetic", asserts Guido Valtorta, senior yacht designer and Nauta co-director.
"Outdoor living is an essential aspect of our design" says Mario Pedol.
"Starting with Project Light 80m in 2006, Nauta has been a forerunner of a new generation of superyachts, with elegant, soberly center-positioned glass-wrapped superstructures, so that much more importance is devoted to the exterior spaces. This design vision enhances a higher quality of life on board, achieved through blending with the surrounding environment".
A real-life example of this approach is 'The Island', a patented system of fold-down platforms in the stern that create a walk-around terrace on-the-sea. The patent allows the continuous "loop" circulation between the exterior and interior areas of the beach club, ensuring a one-level pathway without disruption across the entire aft section, both inside and outside.
In the case of the Moonflower 72m project, with both exterior and interior design by Nauta, currently under construction by Wider, this spectacular solution includes a pool with a hydraulic mechanism for raising the teak bottom when not in use,
The future of yachting
Looking ahead, Nauta is focused on addressing the growing demand for sustainability and exploration by designing yachts capable of traveling to more remote, extreme locations. "We've been working on this for some time, evolving the design to make our yachts more autonomous, secure, efficient and functional, without compromising on the quality of spaces and finishes," says Massimo Gino.
A perfect example of this trend is Nauta's dazzling XP75 concept. At 75 metres in length with two helipads and two pools, the Ice Class explorer with ruggedly handsome lines is designed to be just as at home in the Arctic as in the Caribbean. Further, in-depth studies have been carried out to ensure her operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
By staying true to its principles of timeless elegance, practicality and sustainability, Nauta is shaping the future of luxury yachting. It has applied the same principles to high-end residential projects. The latest example is a seaside villa with a private park, where the relationship between interior and exterior is fluid and seamless, with open spaces that engage with the surrounding nature and offer a refined and immersive living experience—just like on a yacht!