Yacht Class n°45 june-july-august 2026

Cantieri Capelli

With exemplary build quality and finish, flawless handling and Gran Turismo comfort, Capelli has created a boat that could become a classic in the world of RIBs. We test a unit reminiscent of a legendary violin in the calm waters of Genoa.

Written by : Nicolas Massines – Photos : DR et l’auteur

Classical music lovers, especially violin enthusiasts, are familiar with the name of the city of Cremona, located in Lombardy in northern Italy, because it was there that the world’s most famous luthier, Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737), crafted the masterpieces of craftsmanship known as Stradivarius. But as far as we are concerned, Cremona has also been the home of the Capelli shipyard since 1974, a manufacturer of hard-hulled and semi-rigid boats. The model launched at the Genoa Boat Show last September is an evolution of previous models, featuring, among many other advantages, a new deck layout. Once on board via the rear platforms or the bow, the first striking sensation is the visual similarity to the musical instrument: rounded ribs, a gentle bow reminiscent of the F-holes of a violin, an almost flat deck layout, a hard top with flared curves… The careful thought and meticulous work that went into the boat’s design is immediately apparent.

Simplicity and refinement catch the eye

The transom is equipped with four Yamaha 450 XTO V8 engines, painted the same colour as the boat. Once you pass through the safety gates, deep, generously sized seats transport you to a high-end lounge. But the surprise comes from the teak table supported by a stainless steel column. It opens in true origami style. The infusion-moulded hardtop catches the eye with its rear section reminiscent of the curve of a violin. Another detail – which is not really a detail at all – can be found in the three full-width wooden handrails discreetly placed on the ceiling. Three bolster seats facing the console allow you to follow the navigation. Their Stradivari-branded quilted leather and delicate texture immerse us in a world of high-end automotive luxury. Once at the bow, the simplicity and refinement of the contrast between the teak deck and the sunbathing area upholstery catch the eye, and your hands cannot help but caress the surfaces. The leather does not heat up despite the Italian summer sun at its zenith. Lying down, the feeling on the solarium is like being in a 195 cm x 165 cm cocoon. The view is panoramic, undisturbed by cleats or other fastenings. The lower deck, accessible from the front via the helm station, accommodates four people in a master cabin and a separate twin cabin at the rear. This is a first for Capelli. Mirroring the refinement of the exterior, grey Fenix acrylic resin is combined with shades of leather, light Alcantara and marbled maple, a subtle visual reference to violins. For those who may not have grasped the nuance, full-height backlit lines, four like the strings of the instrument, adorn the entrance to the master cabin as a reference. And then here is another echo of the musicality that inspired Capelli, once you enter the master bedroom: the main bed echoes the shapes of the stringed instrument with its soft, curved edges.

A throaty acoustic signature consistent with the power and elegance of the whole

Before casting off, let’s treat ourselves to a little auditory pleasure by starting up the four Yamaha XTO 450 V8 engines. One by one, they emit a sharp sound characteristic of their sporty engine blocks. Sixteen people occupy the deck, which may seem like a lot, but everyone finds a place quite naturally. As we shall see, performance will not be neglected. One last look at the navigation centre on the console, or rather the two consoles, since the smaller one on the port side houses a 12-inch Raymarine screen dedicated to navigation. The one on the starboard side is larger, with two 16-inch screens. As with the rest of the boat, the quality of the finishes and materials used for the helm station is impressive. This is evident in the layout of the teak footrests, the leather handrails and the curved upholstery. The pilot is positioned in the centre and the co-pilot to his right, both protected by a tinted windscreen slightly separated from the hardtop. The joystick and bow thruster ensure easy, precise manoeuvring. The water is calm, the wind is light, and cruising at half throttle once the boat reaches 20 knots is absolutely comfortable. The comfort score is extremely well played, with no false notes in terms of pleasure at the helm. In order to make the sailing experience as similar as possible to that of a Gran Turismo, the shipyard decided to remove the steps, with convincing results. When revving up and reaching a fast cruising speed of 29 knots, the sensation is still just as pleasant. The Stradivari 52’s floats, positioned quite high above the water, also allow her to deliver performance and serenity when cornering. There is no heel, and it is possible to enjoy a more sporty steering experience thanks to the precision of the helm and the responsiveness of the engines. The top speed is still almost 48 knots, despite the weight constraints, with a very expressive V8 sound that is in tune with the revs. A throaty acoustic signature, consistent with the power and elegance of the whole. Although the test would have benefited from slightly rougher seas, a few fairly pronounced wakes encountered when passing large vessels gave a positive impression of the hull’s ability to handle heavy chop. There are no false notes when it comes to navigation, and whether at pontoon, half or full throttle, the Stradivari 52 adapts and continues to exude luxury, comfort and technical excellence, making her a truly unique vessel in the world of RIBs.