Forget a new yacht. West Navaltech has launched a whole new brand.
The Italian yard, known for building high-performance steel and aluminium workboats, established Forte Yachts to produce stylish pleasure crafts. “We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary,” West Navaltech technical manager and partner Livio Franchin said in a statement.
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“Forte” carries a double meaning. It is the Italian word for “strong,” reflecting the durability of the upcoming aluminum fleet. The name also pays homage to Forte dei Marmi, the swish seaside town known for its high-end designer boutiques, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury hotels. “We were in Forte dei Marmi when the name came to us,” explains Forte co-founder Fernando Moricca. “It just fits: short, Italian, global, and evocative.”
Forte hopes to create vessels in a “refined and exclusive segment,” at the opposite end of the spectrum to mass-produced boats. “We’re inspired by the design and quality of superyachts, but on a smaller and more accessible scale,” says Forte head of design Paolo Giordano.
The debut model, Forte 47, blends form with function, combining West Navaltech’s strong industrial design with Forte’s new, elegant style. The hull, engineered by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design, draws on West Navaltech’s efficient, seaworthy forms but has been tailored for both performance and comfort. It will be crafted in aluminum, which is West Navaltech’s specialty.
The 47-footer is both spacious and versatile, with a walkaround deck, a modular aft deck, a flowing, open-plan layout, and a surprising amount of internal volume. “Thanks to our full-beam construction and the strategic use of asymmetrical walkways, we’ve eliminated unnecessary steps and optimized internal volumes,” adds Giordano. All that space is put to use, with the yacht offering two full-height cabins and two bathrooms—a rarity in this size range, according to Forte.
As for propulsion, the Forte 47 is available with either inboards or outboards. The layout changes slightly depending on engine configuration. Forte says the yacht is fit for day cruising or weekend escapes, with the ability to cruise from Monte Carlo to Porto Cervo and back or complete round-trips between Miami and the Bahamas. It also works perfectly as a stylish chase boat.
More details will be shared during the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
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