Project: Rio 54 Air

Rio Yachts presents the project for a new flagship with the 54 Air, which is planned to be launched in the coming fall. The North West Italy builder comes from a period of success presenting three new models in the past year, reinventing its line progressively to latest design trends, and to the need of its buyers. After being absent over the fifteen metre size since the early nineties with the 16.90, Rio returns again to a similar dimension with the 54 Air albeit a different concept to the old flagship. Designed by Rio technical department with Engineer Marcello Sposito, and Architect Marco Alfani the 54 Air will be a hard top sport yacht, having similar familiar looks to its recent new models. For the 54 Air, Rio project team is aiming for the following targets of a 35 knots performance, three cabin plus crew interior, and easy handling in all situations thanks to the Axius joystick. Propulsion and engine choices have so far not been advised. The 54 Air will also offer choices to the buyer for what regards the main deck, with a choice to have the area enclosed with patio door and settee aft, or fully open sun pad style deck. Construction wise the 54 Air will be built with the latest technology having a balsa cored hull, water proof vinilester resins, and stringers made with the use of carbon material. Rio also notes that in 2010 it will also present another model in addition to this new flagship with a 42 in planning stages, and for 2011 in relation to its fiftieth anniversary should launch a further bigger sized sport yacht.

www.rioyachts.net