Stem 50 review: This aluminium yacht is robust, quiet and delightfully straightforward
Jochen Rieker
· 09.08.2026
Part 1 showcases the design, build quality and the unusual details of the new aluminium yacht.
With a lightweight of 15 tonnes and a fully equipped weight of 18 tonnes, the Stem is on a par with the new Boreal 52 and the German BM 50. The Allures 51.9 and the Ovni 490 weigh 15 per cent more. This, combined with its rather generous sail plan, gives the Italian aluminium yacht a special status in the blue-water market. Its three-saling mast from Seldén rises 21.80 metres above the waterline. Compared to the 24.90 metres of a Hallberg-Rassy 50, it is not particularly tall. However, the Stem’s 72.9-square-metre Genoa 1 effortlessly makes up for this.
It is also highly adjustable at the lower end. The optional staysail, which serves as an alternative in heavy weather, measures just 21.9 square metres. This jib can be sheeted via a self-tacking track if desired.
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Sailing the boat proved to be delightfully straightforward. The Stem 50 responds well to the rudder and is well balanced. You can keep it on course with minimal adjustments. Close-hauled, it turns over 90 degrees and reaches an average speed of 5.6 knots in a 4 Beaufort wind – not exactly brimming with vigour, but above average for the blue-water segment.
At 50 to 55 degrees to the true wind, she really gets going, gaining almost a knot in speed and feeling much more comfortable. On a broad reach, she effortlessly reached 8.0 knots or more and, under Code Zero at 110 degrees true wind angle, built up to 8.5 knots. In stronger winds and rough seas, she reached up to 10 knots under genoa and full mainsail, whilst retaining her calm, seaworthy behaviour.
Measurement results for the Stem 50
A quiet cabin with a few prototype flaws
That same sense of solidity carries over below deck, where it remains reassuringly quiet at all times. As you descend the companionway stairs, the navigation station is right in front of you, making it easy to communicate with the crew on deck. Two wet rooms on either side are extremely practical at sea, as you don’t have to walk far whilst wearing dripping oilskins.
At the front on the starboard side is the U-shaped sofa with a large saloon table; opposite is the galley. Although generously sized, it is laid out lengthways – an unconventional choice for an ocean-going yacht, as only the mast support provides stability on the starboard bow. Large deckhouse and hull windows create an airy feel, which is further enhanced by a headroom of 1.96 to 2.01 metres. And as the stem offers a view ahead through two recessed windows in the forward superstructure, you can navigate safely from inside. The interior finish is comfortable and luxurious, whilst looking pleasantly different from what is usual on Explorer-class yachts. Light oak wood provides a lovely contrast to the black fittings and frames.
During testing, a number of faults typical of prototypes became apparent. A gap between the companionway and the engine room, for example, caused an above-average noise level in the saloon, which reached 70 decibels even at a speed of just 5 knots – whilst the 80 PS Yanmar common-rail diesel engine enables a cruising speed of 8 knots.
The narrow berths in the aft cabins still need to be addressed. They are only 1.22 metres wide at shoulder height. The shipyard plans to raise the upholstery, a measure that would also be beneficial for the forward cabin, where the berth feels too low and cramped.
An interesting new addition at an attractive entry-level price
Although it is not yet as refined as comparable aluminium yachts from more established brands, the Stem 50 makes an interesting addition to the steadily growing market segment of explorer yachts. It is an elegant and decidedly sprightly version of a blue-water yacht that is also well suited to occasional ocean crossings – in contrast to the more robust aluminium models designed for high latitudes, which look quite different.
- Base price ex-shipyard: €1,176,910
- Price, ready to sail: €1,210,230
- Special offer price: €1,239,850
- Warranty: 2 years
As of 2026, you can read about how the prices shown are defined here.
With a base price of just under 1.18 million euros, it is, relatively speaking, quite good value for money. This could be seen as a launch offer, with which the shipyard aims to establish itself in the sailing sector. The best opportunity to experience the Stem 50 in person will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival in early September, where it will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about new launches at the show.
YACHT review of the Stem 50
Its design and build, which differ from those of the Explorer segment, make the Stem 50 an attractive option for long-distance sailors who are looking for finesse rather than extremes.
Design and Concept
Top-quality aluminium construction
High level of security
/(-) Deep-running fixed keel
Sailing performance and trim
Responsive steering system
More flexible sail plan with a staysail
Adequate performance figures
Housing and build quality
Flexible cabin layout
Fine woodwork
Pantry with no stop
Aft berths too narrow
Equipment and Technology
High-quality components
Extensive standard equipment
The Stem 50 in detail
Sails
The Stem is delivered from the shipyard without sails. The mainsail and genoa in Hydranet Radial cost 33,000 euros; with a staysail and Code Zero, the price is 58,000 euros.
Shipyard
Stem Marine, Strade Ghiaie 12/D, 43014 Medesano, Italy; www.stemmarine.it
Sales
Straight from the shipyard
Straddling the lines between an explorer yacht, a cruising yacht and high-performance standards, the Stem 50 carves out its own niche. Is it precisely this blend that makes it so appealing, or does it ultimately involve too many compromises? Join the discussion.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT