The launch of nextGen, the new high-performance yacht developed to compete on the main international circuits, has been successfully completed despite challenging weather conditions. With strong winds and rough seas, the boat touched the water confirming the solidity of the design and the quality of construction, marking the first step toward its declared goal: to be a key contender on the starting line of the Coppa dei Campioni.
The project represents a clear evolution compared to the standard version, driven by the extensive use of advanced technologies and low environmental impact materials. Hull and deck are built in single-shot infusion using recycled and recyclable vinylester resin, with a sandwich structure in PET and variable-density PVC. The new lamination plan delivers a 35% increase in stiffness and a 25% improvement in elastic modulus, alongside an overall weight reduction of approximately 20%: the hull decreases to 630 kg (from 840 kg), while the deck is reduced to 380 kg (from 570 kg).
Internal structures have also been completely re-engineered. Longitudinals, bulkheads and the structural grid are made in composite with carbon reinforcements, complemented by additional longitudinal and transverse elements to enhance strength and fully exploit the potential of the new construction approach. The interior furniture, also structural and in composite, contributes to overall stiffness while ensuring further weight savings.
In terms of sail plan, nextGen features a taller carbon mast and an extended bowsprit at 1500 mm, increasing sail area by 7% upwind and 20% downwind. Appendages include the upgraded ORC 2025 keel and a completely new carbon rudder, while aerodynamic and hydrodynamic development has been carried out respectively by North Sails and Matteo Polli.
The interiors, entirely in lightweight composite, adopt innovative and eco-compatible materials such as Batyline, while maintaining full equipment for racing activity. Onboard systems include advanced technologies such as the Gene.Sys system for construction traceability, also aimed at improving end-of-life management, and the optional FBG structural monitoring system integrated within the ENEMEA 2000 B&G Hercules platform.
Performance development, led by Matteo Polli in collaboration with Italia Yachts Squadra Corse, indicates an increase in balance performance rating of approximately 17% compared to the ORC polar. nextGen will compete in Classe C with the ambition of consistently positioning at the front of the fleet.
For its strong ecological and technological content, the project, identified as B-Eco and involving 4 Hub77, Italia Yachts, Linset&Co and Delta, has been developed through Regione Marche funding within the framework of Coesione Italia – co-financed by the European Union and the Repubblica Italiana. The initiative aims to serve as a pilot prototype for the design and construction of a green sailing yacht, built with recyclable materials and equipped with advanced systems for lifecycle monitoring, traceability and structural condition assessment under load, based on Industry 4.0 approaches. The objective is to contribute to decarbonization through the use of recyclable resins derived from recovered materials, moving toward the development of a carbon-free vessel, while implementing a digital and integrated lifecycle management approach and assessing project sustainability through ESG criteria.
Following the launch, the program now moves into sea trials and final tuning ahead of upcoming competitive events, confirming the foundations of a project conceived to compete at the highest level, combining innovation, sustainability and performance.
