Shipyards that build fully bespoke sailing yachts under 60 feet are few and far between. Maxi Dolphin is one such yard, which regularly delivers bespoke vessels between 55 and 78 feet. For over 40 years, the Italian shipbuilders have been crafting fast cruisers to customers’ specifications. With the MD58 ‘Minnesota’, the yacht builders from Erbusco, a few kilometres south of Lake Iseo, aim to meet specific requirements. It is no longer the case that sailing performance alone is what counts.
Custom-built by Maxi Dolphin
Luca Botter, CEO of Maxi Dolphin, describes this new demand as follows: “Modern owners expect a yacht that can reliably cross oceans whilst offering a level of comfort that was previously reserved exclusively for large motor yachts. Wide, unobstructed decks, spacious owner’s cabins, separate shower rooms, full air conditioning, extensive refrigeration capacity, watermakers, high electrical autonomy and increasingly sophisticated on-board systems have long since become standard in this market segment. Integrating all these requirements without compromising a yacht’s sailing qualities has become one of the greatest challenges for any shipyard.”
Clear ownership plans for MD58
The owner of the ‘Minnesota’ set out clear requirements from the outset: long voyages, a high level of comfort and reliable handling. Building on this, the shipyard drew up the specifications in collaboration with the Argentine designer Alejandro Bottino. Project manager Enrico Tettamanti brought to the table 30 years’ industry experience and expertise gained from over 250,000 nautical miles. According to Maxi Dolphin, a true custom yacht is not simply about choosing different woods, fabrics or finishes. What matters, they say, is a coherent overall concept.
Dimensions in centimetres rather than metres
As befits a highly customised yacht, every centimetre counted in the design of the MD58. Tanks, storage space, technical systems and structural elements were arranged in such a way as to minimise changes to the waterline. Whether the tanks are full or empty, or whether provisions are on board or have been used up – the feel at the helm should remain unchanged. The aim was to keep the lateral plan in balance with the sail plan. The weight distribution was continuously reviewed to ensure progressive, predictable handling on all courses. Alejandro Bottino deliberately kept the superstructure low to minimise the surface area exposed to both wind and sun. The windows are narrow, and the slightly overhanging cabin roof is designed to further prevent the cabin from overheating in the midday sun.
Full carbon with a Corecell core
The entire structure is made of carbon fibre with a Corecell sandwich core as its basis. Laminating is carried out using a vacuum process to achieve high stiffness whilst keeping the weight deliberately low. The stiff structure is designed to improve sailing performance and increase the durability of the construction. With an overall length of 17.90 metres, the MD58 displaces around 21 tonnes, with the keel weighing in at around 6.4 tonnes. The waterline length is 16.80 metres, the beam is 5.28 metres and the draught of the fixed keel is 3.20 metres.
Redundant systems for long-distance voyages
The on-board systems are designed for robustness and redundancy. Critical functions have backup systems. If one system fails, the yacht can continue sailing. If necessary, operation can also be manual: many systems can be operated by hand, just as on larger maxi-yachts. The ‘Minnesota’ is equipped with two watermakers, air conditioning, ample refrigeration capacity and a high level of energy autonomy. This allows for stays lasting weeks away from marinas. The generously sized owner’s cabin occupies the foredeck, complete with a separate shower cubicle, whilst two further double cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom, are situated aft. A fully equipped galley and ample storage space round off the fittings. Both above and below deck, the walkways have been designed to ensure safe movement even in rough seas.
Deck layout for a two-person crew
To ensure ergonomics on deck, every manoeuvre was run through. Lines of sight from the helm, access to work areas and movement patterns were analysed. The push-button winches, sheaves and walkways are arranged in such a way that two experienced sailors can handle the yacht. The positioning of the fittings was determined solely by their function. The deck is designed to make life easier for the crew, not to keep them busy.
Durability rather than trends
The question of aesthetics remains a subjective one, particularly when it comes to bespoke builds. Luca Botter of Maxi Dolphins answers it as follows: “Anyone sailing thousands of miles from the nearest harbour measures luxury differently. Not by what surrounds you, but by the confidence you have in the yacht beneath your feet. The MD58 is the result of thousands of technical decisions and countless discussions between the owner, the designer, the project manager and the shipyard. It simply delivers what the owner expects – every time it sets sail. That is the value of a bespoke yacht. Not exclusivity, not appearance, not complexity. But the certainty that every decision was made for a reason.”
Technical Specifications for the MD58
- Length overall (LOA): 17.90 m
- Waterline length (LWL): 16.80 m
- Width: 5.28 m
- Draught: 3.20 m
- Displacement: approx. 21,000 kg
- Ballast: approx. 6,400 kg
- Construction: Full-carbon sandwich with Corecell core, vacuum infusion
- Design: Alejandro Bottino Yacht Design
- Shipyard: Maxi Dolphin
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