The design now comes once again from the studio of Maurizio Cossutti. Following the launch of the Italia Yachts 14.98, the shipyard is now following up with a smaller version. Like most of the boats in Italia's extensive portfolio, the new Italia 12.98 (IY 12.98 for short) is also available in two versions. On the sporty cruising boat called "Bellissima", all sheets, halyards and trim lines are deflected below deck and coaming to just in front of the steering columns, where they can be operated via two winches on each side. The regatta-oriented "Fuoriserie" version features the tried-and-tested layout for sports sailors with crew, with primary and secondary sheet winches on the coaming and halyard winches on the cabin superstructure to the side of the companionway. There are also numerous variants for the T-keel, the rig and the sail wardrobe for individual performance enhancement from performance cruiser to racer with measurement optimisation according to ORC or IRC.
The IY 12.98 has been nominated as European Yacht of the Year 2023 and was available for testing with the international jury in Port Ginesta, not far from Barcelona in Spain. The racy Italian in the moderate "Bellissima" sports tourer version boasts excellent sailing characteristics, both in strong and light winds. She demonstrates high performance potential and excellent steering characteristics on all courses and in all conditions.
In terms of the interior design, the layout remains rather conventional with a spacious owner's cabin forward and two double cabins aft. The only variation is the option of combining one or two toilet rooms. Inside, the boat is beautifully finished to very modern design standards. The wooden louvres in front of the windows and in front of the lockers are particularly striking. They create a clear, unobstructed and elongated look.
Italia Yachts plans to present the IY 12.98 for the first time in Germany at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January.
Technical data IY 12.98
- Construction: Cossutti Yacht Design
- Hull length: 13.16 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 14,30 m
- Width: 3.96 m
- Draughts: 2.40 m (Bellissima )/2.46 m (Fuoriserie)
- Weight: 9.29 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 2.78 t/29.9 %
- Mast height above waterline: 20.80 m
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Volvo Penta 51 hp/Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 215 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 210 litres + 140 litres
- Black water capacity: 37 l + 40 l
- Base price ex shipyard: 438,500 euros (gross, incl. 19 % VAT)
