The automotive world's most versatile vehicle has found its nautical equivalent. Italian shipyard Antonini Navi has reimagined the concept of the Sports Utility Vehicle for the oceans, creating the SUY line - a collection of 'Sports Utility Yachts' that promise to redefine what owners can expect from their superyachts.
Developed by Aldo Manna, partner and sales director at Antonini Navi, in collaboration with renowned yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni and naval architecture from Arrabito Naval Architects, the SUY line addresses a growing demand for vessels that refuse to compromise between luxury and capability.
The SUY concept didn't emerge from automotive showrooms, but from two decades of listening to superyacht owners. "During more than 20 years working with superyacht clients, many owners of yachts over 40 metres shared the same feeling with me," Manna explains. "They loved the comfort, the service and the luxury on board, but once at anchor they often felt surprisingly disconnected from the sea."
That observation led Manna to consider why SUVs had become so dominant in the automotive market. "People buy an SUV because it adapts to different lifestyles without compromise," he says. "I asked myself a simple question: Why shouldn't a yacht offer the same freedom? That question became the beginning of the Sport Utility Yacht."
De Simoni adds: "At its core, the SUY concept is about freedom - the freedom to explore, to push beyond conventional routes and to embrace true adventure at sea. From the very beginning, the vision was to create a yacht whose presence would instantly communicate strength, confidence and capability."
Engineering adventure without compromise
The SUY line features the 33.5-metre SUY 110 and the 44-metre SUY 135. Both vessels embody a philosophy that challenges traditional superyacht design - why should owners choose between world-cruising capability and refined luxury when they can have both?
Constructed in steel with a four-deck configuration, these yachts underwent rigorous testing at the MARIN Maritime Research Institute in the Netherlands, where hull lines and appendages were subjected to extreme navigation conditions. The result is a vessel that maintains close contact with the ocean while delivering the comfort expected from a luxury superyacht.
The design language speaks to this dual purpose. "The sense of power is rooted in the yacht's architecture: the high bow and stern give the hull a dominant, reassuring presence, emphasising seaworthiness and protection," De Simoni notes. "From there, we sculpted the surfaces with precision - introducing subtle angles and recesses that interact with light, enhancing the perception of strength while creating movement and visual dynamism."
Versatility as standard
Where the SUY line truly distinguishes itself is in its approach to space and functionality. "Most explorer yachts are designed around the journey," Manna explains. "The SUY is designed around what happens after the journey. Dropping the anchor is where the experience actually begins. The yacht becomes a floating base camp from which owners and guests can enjoy the sea in countless different ways using tenders, sports boats, water toys and dedicated equipment."
The 44-metre SUY 135 - with an internal volume of 462GT - features a 40-square-metre veranda positioned beneath the raised deck - an alfresco dining space sheltered from the elements yet open to the sea. A 35-square-metre beach club with a transom Jacuzzi extends the connection to the water, while the sundeck hosts a forward-positioned Jacuzzi designed to maximise elevated views.
The smaller SUY 110 takes a different approach to the same philosophy, with a 45-square-metre aft hangar capable of housing a five-metre tender, secondary tender, jet skis and additional toys. Above this, a 60-square-metre raised deck connects directly with the main deck, creating a flexible indoor-outdoor space that can accommodate everything from a Jacuzzi to a small sailing yacht for fishing enthusiasts.
"The nautical equivalent is not greater ground clearance but greater operational freedom," Manna says when asked about the SUV-to-SUY translation. "The raised aft deck and full-beam hangar dramatically increase storage while improving circulation between decks, allowing the yacht to carry the largest tender in its class together with additional boats, toys and even a submarine. The owner is free to choose every day how to experience the sea."
Both models accommodate 10 guests across five staterooms, with master suites positioned on the main deck for maximum space and privacy. The SUY 135 offers a particularly generous 56-square-metre owner's suite, while both vessels provide separate accommodation for crew.
Going further, staying longer
The technical specifications reveal the SUY line's true explorer credentials. The SUY 135 boasts a range of 4,000 nautical miles at her economical 10-knot cruising speed, with a top speed of 15 knots. Zero-speed stabilisers ensure comfort whether underway or at anchor - a crucial feature for extended stays in remote locations.
"Thanks to her elevated bow and stern, the SUY offers exceptional protection at sea, allowing owners to confidently navigate conditions that would typically limit conventional yachts," De Simoni says. "Her hull design is engineered specifically for long-range cruising, delivering superior comfort and stability even in more demanding environments. In simple terms, she expands the possibilities - unlocking destinations that are normally out of reach."
With their transatlantic range and at-anchor stabilisers, both vessels are designed for owners who view their yacht not as a floating villa confined to the Mediterranean summer circuit, but as a genuine tool for exploration.
Customisation meets capability
Despite their robust engineering, the SUY yachts don't sacrifice personalisation - another principle borrowed from the SUV playbook.
Interior design is entirely open to customisation, with Antonini Navi offering various arrangement options including gym suites, spa and sauna facilities and different cabin configurations. The sizeable tender garages leave ample space for owners to curate their own collection of water toys and tenders.
"The SUY represents a unique bridge between explorer yachts and traditional luxury yachts," De Simoni observes. "She combines true exploration capability - extended range, safety and autonomy - with the elegance, attention to detail and lifestyle experience expected from a high-end yacht."
This balance between rugged capability and refined living is perhaps best illustrated in the placement of social spaces. The SUY 135's veranda, sheltered yet open, offers privacy without isolation. The sundeck's forward Jacuzzi, bar counter and casual dining areas create distinct zones for different moods and moments. On the SUY 110, the raised deck's direct connection to the main deck blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, creating what De Simoni describes as "a sunlit veranda for lounging, dining or simply taking in the sea".
Who is the ideal SUY owner?
When asked to define the ideal SUY owner, Manna's response reveals how closely the concept mirrors the SUV buyer's mindset. "The ideal SUY owner values experiences more than possessions," he says. "Luxury remains essential, but it is no longer the final goal. The SUY is for owners who want to discover places, share adventures with family and friends and live the sea in all its dimensions. The yacht becomes an enabler of experiences, not the destination itself."
De Simoni echoes this sentiment: "We imagine owners navigating slowly through remote and untouched landscapes - from polar regions to distant, uncharted coastlines. These yachts are designed as a means of escape, offering the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature in its purest form. It's not just about travel - it's about experiencing the journey in a deeper, more meaningful way."
This vision is already resonating with buyers. Two units of the SUY 135 have been sold and delivered in the first half of 2026, with another currently under construction for 2027 delivery. The SUY 110 also has a unit under construction, scheduled for delivery this year. With a build time of 24 months from signature, the SUY line offers a relatively swift path to ownership for those seeking a new build.
For those intrigued by the SUY concept, Moravia Yachting serves as the central agency for the line. To learn more, get in touch with listing broker Alessandro Diomedi of Moravia Yachting directly.
Sponsored content created for Moravia Yachting