Apreamare is presenting the new Gozzo 42 at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, using the international show to introduce the latest evolution of its modern interpretation of the traditional Sorrento gozzo. At 12.80 metres, the model sits at the lower end of Luxury Yacht Guide’s range but brings a level of design and propulsion choice associated with larger Mediterranean cruisers.
The project was developed by Cataldo Aprea with Marco Casali of Too Design responsible for design and styling, while Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design handled naval architecture together with Apreamare’s internal technical office. The yacht updates the hull, coachroof and glazing while preserving the visual identity that connects the Gozzo series to the yard’s heritage.
The styling moves the Gozzo range forward
Apreamare describes the 42 as a natural maturation of the styling language used across the Gozzo family. The hull, superstructure and window treatment have been revised to give the yacht a more contemporary and sporting profile without abandoning the rounded forms and open-deck character that make the range immediately recognisable.
That balance is important for heritage-led builders because a completely new visual identity can weaken the connection buyers value, while an overly conservative design can make the product feel dated. The Gozzo 42 attempts to move the family forward while retaining the Mediterranean character that defines the brand.
The hull supports two propulsion approaches
The variable-geometry hull with support strakes has been designed to accept either a traditional shaft-line installation or Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. Giving buyers both options lets Apreamare address owners who prefer conventional machinery as well as those attracted by pod-drive manoeuvrability and packaging.
The choice should be made around the complete ownership profile rather than convenience at the dock alone. Service access, local technical support, cruising speed, machinery-room layout and future maintenance costs all matter when comparing shaft and pod-drive installations on a yacht intended for regular use.
The design team blends tradition with modern engineering
Cataldo Aprea, Marco Casali and Umberto Tagliavini bring different disciplines to the project, with the yard’s technical office coordinating the design into a production yacht. Apreamare says the objective is to preserve the seaworthiness associated with its earlier Gozzo models while introducing a more modern deck and interior architecture.
That collaboration is visible in the way the yacht treats social space as part of the hull concept rather than as furniture added later. A successful Mediterranean cruiser needs shade, circulation and easy water access as much as it needs accommodation below deck, particularly for owners who spend most daylight hours outside.
Cannes provides the international debut
Apreamare’s own homepage confirms that the new Gozzo 42 is debuting at the 2026 Cannes show. The timing places the model in front of an international audience immediately after the yard released a substantial set of official photography showing both exterior and interior details.
For buyers, Cannes is an opportunity to judge whether the yacht’s updated styling and layout retain the practical qualities that made the Gozzo line popular. The model’s relatively compact 12.80-metre length also makes it relevant to owners seeking premium finish and distinctive design without moving into a substantially larger operating footprint.
