The shipyard is not talking about a mere update, but a consistently rethought generation - as the name promises. In fact, the technical effort behind the Nextgen project is considerable. The hull, deck, structure, appendages and rigging have been fundamentally revised with the clear aim of making the boat even more efficient under the applicable measurement rules.
New design: lighter but also stiffer
Including a new construction method: The hull and deck of the new boat are made using a single-shot infusion process with vinyl ester resin. A PET foam core is used as well as PVC foam in highly stressed areas. According to the shipyard, the rigidity of the hull and deck structures is increased by around 35 per cent overall, while the weight is significantly reduced. For the hull, Italia Yachts cites a reduction from 840 to 630 kilograms, for the deck from 570 to 380 kilograms.
The floor assembly and stiffening structures have also been significantly refined. The entire construction with stringers, bulkheads, spider frame and structurally integrated furniture is a new composite design, partly with carbon fibre reinforcements. Two additional longitudinal stringers and two further bulkheads are also intended to improve the load-bearing capacity. The aim is to create a more compact, lighter and more resilient platform for use in regattas.
New rig plan: More sail area, more power
The sail plan is also growing to match. In the Nextgen version, the IY 9.98 is fitted with a higher carbon fibre mast as standard. The bowsprit is extended to an impressive 1.50 metres. According to the shipyard, this should result in a significantly more aggressive setup: with around seven per cent more sail area upwind and 20 per cent more downwind compared to the standard version.
The keel and rudder blade have also been revised. In the Nextgen version, the IY 9.98 has a new and measurement-optimised T-keel with a refined profile and around 150 kilograms more ballast in the lead bulb. Alternatively, the keel will now also be available in a version optimised for the IRC compensation system. Incidentally, the rudder is made entirely of carbon fibre. According to the calculations of designer Matteo Polli in collaboration with the developers at Italia Yachts Squadra Corse, the changes and innovations for the Nextgen version should bring a performance advantage of 17 per cent on the ORC polar data.
Below deck: Still cosy
The interior of the IY 9.98 Nextgen is also uncompromisingly trimmed for racing. The interior is now made entirely of composite, with super-light components modelled on modern high-performance boats. Despite the ultimate in lightweight construction, it should still be cosy below deck. Six people can sleep comfortably in the foredeck, on the side of the saloon berths and in the aft cabin. A small galley module and a wet room aft also ensure suitability for touring.
The new IY 9.98 Nextgen will have to prove whether it can fulfil the high expectations in terms of increased performance at the latest at the ORC World Championships in Sorrento in the Bay of Naples at the beginning of May 2026.
Technical data IY 9.98 Nextgen
- Designer: Matteo Polli / IY Design Team
- Hull length: 10.30 m
- Width: 3.54 m
- Draught: 1.90 m
- Draught optional: 2.10 m
- Weight: 4.0 tonnes approx.
- Mainsail: 41.0 m2
- Genoa (105%): 33.0 m2
- Gennaker: 125.0 m2
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
