Editor's Note: Italy Surges Forward

　　After spending the latter stages of last year moving back and forth between London and Italy, I have something of a fondness for the marine hubs of Versilia, La Spezia and Ancona. This week, thanks to the close of the second Versilia Yachting Rendez Vous, a heft of new designs have emerged while new deliveries and arrivals took place across the regions numerous yards.

　　The first Italian spark at in the office this week came from the Griffin range, presented by the pinnacle of Italy-based yards, Fincantieri. A true work of art, the series includes 3 superyachts ranging up to 99-metres. Backed by an iconic brand, we're sure the first builds will come to fruition in no time.

　　CCN were next to bring Italian design to the forefront of our conversations with the unveiling of DOM. Brought to light at Versilia, the 37m Stefano Vafiadis design is yet another example of Italian style and function in yacht design that we expect to see in the shed soon.

　　Outside of the design studio and into the yards, where highly-anticipated Cecila came into view from Ancona in the latest triumph for WIDER Yachts. The sleek profile of Cecila became the second hull to join the builder's growing futuristic fleet.

　　However, launches and design premiers didn't end the list. An all-Italian week of news had to include an update from Benetti and the delivery of their third Mediterraneo 116, named Botti.

　　Our final insights online this week round off the Italy action with Claudine Derksen taking a look at Tankoa's SOLO with a focus on one of the most anticipated superyachts in build at the moment. Further, I looked to the future of the Italian Explorer with a focus on Cantiere delle Marche's world-traveller, Hyhm?. It doesn't get much more Italian than that!

　　Surging forward with industry announcements, the yacht-building elite have proven their global positon once again. While we await news from the rest of the world, keep up with our socials via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ciao for now!