Commissioning a full-custom superyacht is one of the most significant decisions an owner will ever make. It's a journey that spans years and requires navigating complex technical, contractual and creative challenges. For many owners, especially those new to yacht construction, the process can feel overwhelming. This is where Floating Life's New Build division becomes invaluable, transforming abstract dreams into tangible vessels while protecting the owner's interests every step of the way.
Founded in 2002 by Andrea Pezzini and Barbara Tambani, Floating Life has built a reputation as a boutique firm specialising in luxury yacht management. With over 50 years of combined experience across the team, the company is perhaps best known for managing the build of the 46.6-metre Audace by Cantiere delle Marche.
But the Baglietto FL48 - a full custom 48-metre superyacht currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2028 - provides the perfect case study for understanding how Floating Life bridges the gap between an owner's vision and the realities of custom yacht construction.
Understanding the owner's dream
Every custom yacht begins with a conversation. For the owner of the FL48, that conversation started about a year ago when Pezzini visited him aboard his current boat.
"I personally have a very good relationship with this client," Pezzini explains. "We started speaking about the possibility of building a yacht that would be capable of doing a tour around the world. He told me that he has spent many years of his life working and now he wants to start enjoying his life through diving and fishing."
This wasn't the owner's first yacht - he had entered the yachting market six years earlier - but his aspirations had evolved. "The owner told me that the Mediterranean Sea is no longer very comfortable for this because there are so many fishing boats now and the temperature of the water is rising. So he said he would like to tour the world to fish. But his current boat isn't capable of doing that."
Pezzini accompanied the owner to the Monaco Yacht Show, dedicating an entire day to touring shipyards. "In the meantime, I prepared the first sketch of his boat in my mind and it was totally different from what he had in mind," Pezzini admits. But rather than imposing his vision, he listened.
Through its dedicated new build division, Floating Life's internal technical office develops bespoke yacht concepts and identifies the most suitable shipyards based on the owner's vision and requirements.
For the FL48 owners, their connection to the sea was paramount. "There is a very large open saloon on the main deck where you can see the sea all the way around from the bow to the stern, which is quite unique for a boat of this size."
Additionally, the owners' love of spending time in the water led to a 12-metre stern area with side-opening balconies. "We prepared a huge beach area, with a dedicated bar, where they can spend time in and around the water. There is also a huge galley because they love cooking for their guests."
Environmental consciousness also shaped material selections. "They are also very dedicated to the environment, so they requested special materials with lower impact on the environment for the interior styling," Pezzini explains.
Pre-contract advisory and innovation
Before any contracts are signed, Floating Life's pre-contract advisory services ensure owners are fully prepared, providing thorough analysis, strategic guidance and expert advice. "We put all the information on the table, and they decide," Pezzini says simply.
Pezzini's strong relationships with leading industry figures - including shipyards, naval architects, design studios, classification societies and flag authorities - allow Floating Life to facilitate introductions and negotiations that might otherwise take months.
Owner requirements drove genuine innovation on the FL48. "For months, I was doing drawings with the engine room in the middle of the boat," Pezzini recalls. "But then we started to study a new Volvo propulsion system, which we understood was the best propulsion system for this owner, which required us to completely move the engine room and start again with the drawings."
Rather than viewing this as a setback, Pezzini embraced it. "Innovation and client satisfaction are the basis of what Floating Life does. My dream is to have Floating Life working for what the client wants."
The owner's desire for a chase boat without visible cranes presented another challenge. "So we studied with Besenzoni a new system for hauling and launching the chase boat," maintaining the yacht's aesthetic while providing practical functionality.
Even the welding system represents innovation. "We require a special welding system for the construction. It's the only steel welding system approved by RINA," Pezzini explains. "We reduced 60 per cent of filler applied on board. This not only reduces the boat's weight, but it also makes the maintenance easier for the crew."
Comprehensive oversight
Once construction begins, Floating Life oversees the entire process, ensuring timelines are met, budgets are adhered to and quality standards are maintained. With the FL48 currently in the welding stage and naval architecture by SaturaStudio, Pezzini and his team are deeply involved in every technical decision.
On-site supervision is critical. "We survey all aspects of the build journey and visit the shipyard throughout the build every week," Pezzini explains. "During the interior fitting, we visit the shipyard every three days. Towards the end of construction, we visit almost every day."
Every visit is recorded, and the owner can call at any time. This transforms Floating Life into "a concierge for the owner in their ownership journey", ensuring quality control and catching potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Testing, delivery and beyond
As the FL48 approaches its 2028 delivery, Floating Life will perform testing and sea trials, supervising the commissioning process and final handover through its 'FL Acceptance protocol'.
But the relationship doesn't end at delivery. The firm handles all warranty claims and many owners continue with Floating Life's management services, benefiting from the team's knowledge of the yacht from construction.
"We customise the boat to what the owner wants. Not what I want, or what the naval architect wants, but what he wants, and how he will live his life on board," Pezzini says. "I love what I do." And it shows in every aspect of how Floating Life operates.
Contact and Andrea Pezzini and his team at Floating Life to discuss building your dream superyacht.
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