Italian shipyard Maiora, part of NEXT Yacht Group, has lifted the veil on its latest creation — the Maiora 42 Exuma, a 42-metre model that boldly departs from traditional superyacht design norms. Revealed during a private presentation at the brand’s Viareggio shipyard, the yacht represents a new era in functional and emotional yacht living — and the first unit has already been sold.
Breaking Free from Convention
Described as a superyacht that “breaks free” from legacy design templates, the Maiora 42 Exuma discards the usual expectations of oversized main saloons, tight crew quarters, and predictable guest layouts. Instead, the yacht introduces a fresh concept where guest comfort, panoramic immersion, and crew efficiency are harmoniously blended.
Notably, the design eliminates lower-deck guest cabins, instead placing four VIP cabins and an owner’s suite on the main and upper decks, respectively. The owner’s suite stands out with its separate sleeping and lounge zones, dual dressing rooms, bar corner, and a his-and-hers en suite setup.
A Fusion of Design and Fashion
Exterior lines are drawn by Giorgio M. Cassetta, with interiors masterfully curated by fashion icon Elie Saab, under the artistic direction of Carlo Colombo (A++). Saab’s influence is seen in custom furniture from the Elie Saab Maison collection, designed exclusively for the marine environment using materials such as Mystic Ocean marble, bronzed mirrors, teak ceilings, and high-performance, long-lasting fabrics.
The exterior lines are fluid and elegant, with expansive glazing that delivers seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity. Cassetta said the concept “took shape in a quick sketch,” aiming to blend “lightness, volume, and refinement.”
Reimagined Outdoor Living
Perhaps most distinctive is the upper deck, a fully glazed panoramic lounge with no helm station or technical clutter, offering an uninterrupted space dedicated to relaxation. A glass-bottom pool filters natural light down to the deck below, enhancing the yacht’s sense of openness. Fold-down terraces further amplify the 360-degree sea views.
The main deck features a versatile saloon and an open dining area, while the bow hosts a circular sunbed area with a mobile base that can track the sun.
Functional Flexibility
In a forward-thinking twist, the lower deck is almost entirely dedicated to crew operations, creating greater separation and service efficiency. A multi-use room can be configured as a sixth cabin, media lounge, gym, or massage area. A large dumbwaiter system enables fast, simultaneous service across decks, and a glass elevator is optionally available.
A 6m tender, two Jet Skis, and additional water toys are housed in the garage. With a beam of 8.9 metres and a top speed of 30 knots when equipped with a triple MTU propulsion package, the yacht delivers on performance as well as luxury.
A Human-Centric Approach
Sebastiano Fanizza, CEO of NEXT Yacht Group, summarized the ethos behind the model:
“When onboard experience is designed properly, the yacht becomes transparent to the eyes of the owners. From this seed, the Maiora 42 Exuma was born – ushering in a yachting era that places people, not outdated rules, at its core.”
Delivery of the first unit is slated for 2027.
Maiora 42 Exuma – Quick Specs:
- Length: 42m
- Beam: 8.9m
- Speed: Up to 30 knots (with triple MTU)
- Accommodation: Up to 12 guests + crew
- Highlights: Glass-bottom pool, full-beam owner’s suite, Elie Saab interiors, panoramic lounge, optional elevator
As Maiora continues to innovate and elevate the lifestyle of the sea, the 42 Exuma represents not just a new model, but a bold new mindset.
