The Aquitalia 78 is a flybridge motor yacht that earned the Best Evolution Award at the Cannes Yachting Festival, marking the brand’s arrival as a serious contender in the 24-metre class. Built by Yihong Yachts with Italian design direction, she combines Asian manufacturing precision with European styling and engineering standards, powered by twin Volvo Penta D13 diesels producing 1,000 horsepower each.nnAt 23.77 metres with a 6.1-metre beam, the 78 provides four guest staterooms sleeping eight, along with crew quarters. The interior features FRP moulded hull construction with gel coat finish, wood panel options throughout, and microfibre leather accents on wall and window frames. Her 5,000-litre fuel capacity supports genuine long-range cruising at an economical 18-knot cruise speed, while the twin D13 engines deliver a top speed of around 22 knots when called upon.nnThe flybridge offers an elevated command position and social space, while the aft deck and cockpit provide the kind of outdoor living area that defines Mediterranean cruising. With a draft of just 1.24 metres, she accesses shallow anchorages that deeper yachts cannot reach. The Aquitalia 78 targets owners looking for a proven flybridge platform with the volume and fit-out typically associated with European yards, at a price point that reflects the efficiencies of modern Asian construction.
Length
23.77M
Beam
6.1M
Draft
1.6M
Day Guests
12
Sleeping
8
Cabin
4
Crew
3
Cruise Speed
19KT
Max Speed
22KT
Fuel
5000L
Engine
2 x Volvo Penta D13 (1000hp)
Exterior
Frederic Bonnet
Interior
Stefano Caruso
New Starting From
€3,470,000
High Price Brokerage
€
Twin Volvo Penta D13 engines represent a serious powertrain choice for a yacht of this size, delivering 1,000 horsepower per side through a traditional shaft-drive configuration. The result is a top speed of approximately 22 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, figures that place the 78 in line with comparable flybridge yachts from established European builders. The 5,000-litre fuel capacity is generous for the class, providing the range needed for multi-day passages without anxiety about fuel stops. At 65 tonnes displacement, the hull carries its weight well, and the 1.24-metre draft is notably shallow for a yacht of this size, opening up cruising grounds that deeper-draughted competitors cannot access. The traditional power system, as described by Aquitalia, uses proven marine diesel technology with a global Volvo Penta service network, ensuring that maintenance and parts availability are straightforward in most cruising destinations worldwide.
The Aquitalia 78’s exterior presents clean, contemporary lines that avoid the aggressive angles or excessive chrome that characterise some competitors in the segment. The flybridge is the yacht’s social centrepiece, providing an elevated vantage point with dedicated helm station, seating areas, and space for outdoor dining. The aft deck extends the entertaining space at main-deck level, connecting seamlessly to the cockpit and swim platform for water access. The FRP moulded hull with gel coat finish delivers a smooth, durable surface that maintains its appearance with straightforward maintenance. Side decks are wide enough for safe passage forward, and the bow area provides additional space for anchoring operations or quiet relaxation away from the main social zones. The white gel coat exterior is the standard finish, presenting a classic yacht profile that suits both Mediterranean and tropical cruising grounds equally well.
Four guest staterooms accommodate eight persons with genuine comfort, distributing cabins across the lower deck with the full-beam master suite offering the most generous proportions. The interior design programme allows customisation through wood panel and pattern options, giving owners the ability to personalise the look and feel of their yacht rather than accepting a single production specification. Wall and window frame decoration in microfibre leather adds a tactile warmth to the interior that contrasts with the harder surfaces typical of production yachts. The saloon and dining area benefit from the yacht’s 6.1-metre beam, creating a living space with volume that rewards time spent aboard over multiple days or weeks. The galley is equipped for self-sufficient cruising, and crew quarters are separated from guest accommodation to maintain privacy on crewed charters or owner-operated voyages with professional crew.
The Aquitalia 78 is designed for extended time aboard rather than occasional weekends. The 700-litre water tank supports several days of autonomous cruising, while the fuel capacity allows passage-making without the range anxiety that smaller tanks impose. The flybridge provides a complete outdoor living environment that functions independently from the main deck, meaning guests can choose their preferred level without competing for space. Air conditioning, a comprehensive electrical system, and the kind of domestic-quality finishing that owners expect in the 24-metre class are all present. The helm position offers the visibility and instrumentation needed for confident navigation in both coastal and open-water conditions. For owners stepping up from smaller motor yachts, the 78 provides a genuine increase in liveaboard comfort without the corresponding jump in crew requirements and operating costs that larger yachts demand.
The Aquitalia 78 occupies an interesting position in the flybridge market: a yacht with the volume, finish, and performance of European competitors, delivered at a price point that reflects the efficiencies of modern Asian construction by Yihong Yachts. The Cannes Best Evolution Award validated the concept internationally, and the growing fleet of Aquitalia 78s in service provides real-world evidence of build quality and owner satisfaction. The Volvo Penta D13 powertrain is a reassuring choice for buyers who want a proven, widely serviced engine with a strong resale narrative. For owners considering the 78 against European alternatives in the 24-metre class, the value proposition is clear: comparable specification and Volvo Penta power at a lower entry price, backed by a yard that is investing in the brand’s long-term presence in the market. The customisation programme, from wood panels to leather accents, allows each hull to reflect its owner’s taste rather than arriving as an anonymous production unit.
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