Italian shipyard Maiora, part of NEXT Yacht Group, has unveiled two significant new models at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: the Supernova 50 and the new flagship of its M collection, the M|53.
Presented during a press conference aboard the yard’s latest Exuma 36, the two projects mark an important new chapter for Maiora as the Italian builder expands beyond its established composite yacht portfolio and moves into steel and aluminium construction.
The first Supernova 50 is already under construction in Pisa, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2028.
According to Giorgio Mattei, Deputy Chairman of NEXT Yacht Group, the two new projects demonstrate that “Maiora has entered a new phase of development.”
Maiora Supernova 50
Measuring 49.8 metres, the Supernova 50 has been developed as a five-deck yacht focused on generous outdoor spaces, natural flow between interior and exterior areas and a strong connection with the sea.
The exterior design comes from Tommaso Spadolini, while the interiors have been developed under the creative direction of Elie Saab Jr and Carlo Colombo.
The collaboration brings elements of the Elie Saab Maison collection together with bespoke details created specifically for the yacht.
The interior aesthetic uses a restrained palette of neutral tones, bronze accents and teak, reflecting Elie Saab’s design language while avoiding an overly formal or palace-like atmosphere.
A Six-Cabin Layout
The Supernova 50 will accommodate 12 guests across six cabins, with the owner’s suite occupying a dedicated owner’s deck.
Five guest cabins are located below, including two suites. One of these measures approximately 30 square metres and opens onto a private terrace of around 7 square metres.
The owner’s deck provides approximately 90 square metres of combined interior and exterior space, including a forward terrace and panoramic 180-degree views.
At the stern, the beach area combines a swimming pool, lounge and fold-down side wings, while the layout incorporates space for a large tender.
Outdoor living areas extend across all five decks, while the wheelhouse and captain’s cabin are positioned on the sundeck.
Steel and Aluminium Construction
The Supernova 50 represents a particularly important milestone for Maiora as its first steel-and-aluminium yacht.
The yacht has a gross tonnage of 499GT, a 2.4-metre draft and will be powered by twin MAN engines.
Performance targets include a 16-knot top speed and a range of approximately 4,150 nautical miles at 11 knots.
The move into metal construction follows NEXT Yacht Group’s acquisition of specialist metal fabrication company SIMAN, giving the group new capabilities for larger displacement yacht projects.
The New Maiora M|53 Flagship
Alongside the Supernova 50, Maiora introduced the M|53, a new 53-metre flagship for its established M collection.
Designed by Luca Dini, with naval architecture by NAMES Studio, the M|53 is also constructed in steel and aluminium and has been developed around the themes of wellbeing, privacy and the quality of time spent on board.
Like the Supernova 50, the yacht has a gross tonnage of 499GT.
The M|53 accommodates 12 guests in six cabins, supported by accommodation for nine crew.
An Owner’s Suite of More Than 100 Square Metres
One of the yacht’s defining features is its owner’s suite, which occupies more than 100 square metres of combined interior and exterior space on the main deck.
The private owner’s environment includes a master cabin, study, dressing room, dedicated bathrooms, wellness area and a forward terrace with its own swimming pool.
The arrangement reflects the M|53’s emphasis on creating private spaces rather than relying on one large central living area.
Instead, the yacht is organised around a sequence of distinct environments for socialising, working, exercising and relaxation.
At the stern, a second swimming pool forms the centrepiece of the beach area, accompanied by a lounge, bar and relaxation spaces.
An Observatory Above the Sea
At the highest point of the M|53, Maiora has created an observatory deck, conceived as a private space from which guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding sea.
Movable covers allow the space to adapt to different weather conditions and extend its usability throughout the year.
The yacht measures 9.2 metres in beam and has a 2.4-metre draft.
Twin MAN engines provide a targeted top speed of 16.5 knots, while the yacht is designed for a range of more than 4,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.
Maiora’s New Direction
The Supernova 50 and M|53 represent more than two new models for Maiora. Together, they signal the brand’s move into the sub-500GT displacement yacht segment and its broader expansion into steel and aluminium construction.
The Supernova 50 combines long-range cruising and hospitality with an emphasis on outdoor living, while the M|53 takes a more pronounced focus on wellbeing and private spaces.
Both projects demonstrate how NEXT Yacht Group is using new construction capabilities to expand Maiora into larger yacht territory while maintaining the Italian design identity associated with the brand.
With the first Supernova 50 already under construction and the M|53 establishing a new flagship at 53 metres, Maiora’s next chapter is now taking shape in metal — and Cannes has provided the first major glimpse of what is to come.
Superyachts Channel will continue to follow the development of both projects as Maiora expands its presence in the larger superyacht market.
