Inspired by the classic cruisers of the 1960s, Picchiotti’s Gentleman 24 draws on centuries of heritage to bring traditional elegance back to modern cruising.
Classic yacht design tends to run in cycles. For Picchiotti, however, the inspiration runs deeper than fashion. The historic Italian shipyard, founded on the banks of the Arno in the 16th century, has long built its yachts around proportion, craftsmanship and a distinctly Tuscan approach to design. With the Gentleman 24, those values return in a contemporary interpretation of the cruisers Picchiotti built during the 1950s and 1960s.
For Gianmaria Costantino, chief commercial officer of The Italian Sea Group, revisiting this era is about more than nostalgia. “The golden age of yachting belongs to the Kennedy era,” he says. “During the years of the economic boom, Italy experienced a powerful drive towards renewal and self-affirmation—a moment when ideas of lifestyle and leisure were being redefined.”
Founded in 1575, the shipyard has endured centuries of change while maintaining a consistent maritime identity. “Fashion follows cycles; yachting follows dreams,” Costantino says. “Each owner carries a distinct vision, and our role is to give form to that vision.”
Within The Italian Sea Group, Picchiotti holds a distinctive position: one that balances heritage with a quieter, more classic approach to yacht design. “The brand has a dual nature,” Costantino explains. “One soul rooted in history, the other projecting towards a contemporary reading of navigation.”
The Gentleman 24 marks the debut of a new line within the brand. Designed by Picchiotti Centro Stile in collaboration with Luca Dini Design & Architecture, the 24-metre yacht draws inspiration from historic models such as Giglio and Mistral. She has a deep-blue hull, a red boot stripe and a long, clean profile— details that recall the elegant “panfili” cruisers that defined Mediterranean yachting during the 1960s. “The heritage of classic yachts emerges through its flowing profile,” Dini explains. “These proportions echo the great icons of the past yet are refined through a contemporary lens.”
Wood is used prominently throughout. High-gloss mahogany surfaces bring warmth to the exterior, while polished stainlesssteel porthole frames and crisp stern detailing emphasise the yacht’s handcrafted character. “These elements function almost like jewellery,” Dini says.
Dini describes the interiors as “deliberately artisanal”. Drawing on fine cabinet-making traditions, he pairs red mahogany and lacquered surfaces with wengé flooring, and bathrooms combine marble finishes. A standout feature of the yacht is the adaptable beach club. Opening directly to the sea, it can also be configured as an additional cabin when required—an unusual solution for a vessel of this size. Powered to reach a top speed of around 18 knots, the craft pairs classic proportions with modern performance.
Overall, the Gentleman line is defined by a forward-looking interpretation of legacy. “For us, tradition does not mean replicating historical forms,” Dini says. “It means safeguarding a design philosophy while adapting it to contemporary life onboard.” The result is a yacht that feels familiar and fresh—a reminder that great ideas in yacht design rarely go out of style.
