Wider
Known for designing and implementing advanced concepts at either end of the yachting spectrum, Wider builds yacht tenders, cruisers and superyachts on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
History
Wider founder Tilli Antonelli began his yachting career as a racing sailor, both in his native Italy and abroad. After working for two different sail-making firms, he turned to yacht-building, launching a motorsailer under the brand-name Cantieri Navali dell’Adriatico in 1981. A motor yacht model followed in 1985, the Pershing 45, designed by Fulvio di Simoni. That boat launched the Pershing brand of performance open luxury yachts and the long-time business relationship between Antonelli and designer di Simoni. In the 1990s, Pershing was acquired by Italian yacht-building company the Ferretti Group.
Antonelli served as chairman of Pershing until 2010, when he resigned from the Ferretti Group and launched his own shipyard, Wider. The new company’s first model, the Wider 42 day cruiser, made headlines with its revolutionary expanding cockpit, which extends the beam when the boat is at rest. Antonelli made headlines again soon after when he announced the shipyard also would build an aluminium superyacht range.
Notable Yachts
In 2014, the shipyard introduced the Wider 32, a versatile 9.75-metre express cruiser that also doubles as a superyacht tender. Available in a wide range of hull colours with a large number of different deck configurations, the Wider 32 is designed to let owners customise their boat to suit their individual sense of style.
Scheduled to launch in 2015, the 46-metre Wider 150 is currently under construction at the shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Designed by Fulvio di Simoni, the aluminium superyacht incorporates a number of balconies and a large “beach” area which open the yacht up to allow its owners to enjoy the sea around them.
Specialisations
The shipyard offers the Wider 32 and 42 composite express cruisers, along with the Wider 122, 150 and 165 semi-custom superyachts. Wider offices are located in strategic international locations to provide sales and service support.