Innovative wing technology
The special feature of the Metis 45: In addition to the curved side foils, the keel bomb is equipped with adjustable horizontal foils. This method is intended to better distribute the forces that lift the boat and enable a stable flight position without the crew having to make complex adjustments. Similar systems are already established on the maxi trimarans in the Ultim class and have been revised with the help of specially written simulation software. The Metis 45 also has a single deep rudder with a T-foil. The latter was trialled on the related Imocas but rejected. Concrete performance data or comparative values to other yachts are not yet available.
Practicality for small crews
The METIS 45 is designed for two to five people plus an onboard reporter. The deck has a fully enclosed cockpit with large viewing windows. This is intended to facilitate operation by small teams and provide safety in heavy weather. The combination of foiling technology and reduced crew size should enable smaller teams to take part in offshore regattas. Tests have yet to show whether the promised ease of use will actually be realised, as well as whether one of the project team's goals will be achieved: A speed potential above that of 60-foot racers. Designed as a standardised class, the boat should be comparatively inexpensive and close the gap between Class 40 and Imoca.
Costs and availability
Specific prices for the OD 45 METIS are as follows Sangiorgio Marine not yet. However, the company emphasises reduced operating costs compared to 60-foot yachts. Reliable figures are not yet available for a precise assessment of the economic viability. Sangiorgio Marine has only presented a concept so far. It is likely to be several months before the yacht is ready for series production and regattas.
The shipyard behind the Metis 45
Edoardo Bianchi, former Olympic sailor in the Tornado class and yacht designer, has been at the helm of Sangiorgio Marine since 2021. Founded by Bianchi in the docks of Genoa, the shipyard was created in partnership with San Giorgio del Porto, an established player in the Genoese shipbuilding industry. Sangiorgio Marine was founded with the aim of creating a centre of excellence for regatta and cruising yachts in Genoa, focusing on modern composite construction. The shipyard is located on an area of 4,000 square metres in the port of Genoa. Sangiorgio Marine has gained international renown with the Class 40 project by the Italian Ambrogio Beccaria. The shipyard has also developed the hydrogen-powered foiling catamaran (HSV), which was built in collaboration with Bluegame for the America's Cup teams American Magic and L'Orient Express.
The designers
The Italian yacht designers Gianluca Guelfi and Fabio D'Angeli are the founders of the design studio GD - Guelfi D'Angeli. After completing his studies, Gianluca Guelfi moved to the French Atlantic coast and settled in La Rochelle, a centre of the European yacht industry. In 2013, he founded a start-up together with the design studio of Marc Lombard, who is known as one of the leading designers of ocean-going yachts. The following year, Fabio D'Angeli joined him and strengthened the team, which focussed on developing particularly innovative projects. In 2020, the two decided to set up their own design studio. In collaboration with Ambrogio Beccaria, they launched the Musa 40 project, a highly successful Class 40 boat that can hold its own against the dominant French competition. The Metis 45 is one of the team's most ambitious projects.
