Hull and superstructure joined on 72m Moonflower

Italian builder Wider Yachts has joined the hull and superstructure of its superyacht project Moonflower, bringing the 72-metre custom build another step closer to launch. Machinery and interior outfitting is progressing, with the next substantial stage being the installation of its main engines later this summer. Delivery is scheduled for 2025 after the contract for the yacht was signed in January 2022. 

With design from Nauta Design, the project is the largest construction to date for the Wider shipyard, surpassing its current flagship by 20 metres in length. Moonflower also marks the first full-custom, new-build project following the recapitalisation of the brand under Marcello Maggi and W-Fin Sarl. 

The structures were joined at the facilities in Porto Marghera, VeniceCredit: Wider Yachts

The design will feature Nauta Design's patented beach club design dubbed the 'The Island'. The design centres around an expandable aft deck with folding bulwark terraces that connect to provide a single walkaround space. The stern platform will include a sea-water swimming pool with a teak bottom that can be raised and closed to be flush with the deck.

The exterior of the Moonflower 72 project will sport a "clean and uncluttered design", according to the shipyard, with a chamfered sheer line amidships and extensive use of glass.

The yacht is due for delivery in 2025

“The Moonflower 72 retains all the key features of modern yet timeless design, onboard liveability and maximum connection with the marine environment – fundamental characteristics of all Nauta projects,” says Mario Pedol, co-founder and chief executive of Nauta Design. “With Wider we found just the right cocktail of technology and team organisation to make the project a reality.”

Speaking on the flagship project, Marcello Maggi, president of Wider, said: “We’ve invested heavily in restructuring the shipyard in anticipation of orders like this one and thanks to the current management that has been working together for 30 years, Wider is able to build the Moonflower 72 to the highest quality levels.”

The current Wider flagship Stern (née Cecilia)

The Moonflower 72 will be powered by a hybrid propulsion system comprising two variable-speed generators of 1,860kW each and a sodium nickel battery bank of approximately 1MW. This will reduce C02 emissions by approximately 20%, according to the shipyard.

The flagship project is the first full-custom yacht to be constructed and completed at Wider's new site in Porto Marghera, Venice,  a new superyacht hub dedicated to custom superyacht projects.