A first hull becomes a finished yacht
Custom Line launched the first Saetta 128 at Ferretti Group’s Ancona Superyacht Yard on 30 September, with the formal announcement following on 8 October 2026. The 39.8-metre yacht is a new addition to the planing Saetta series, combining a three-deck arrangement with a maximum beam of 7.69 metres. The builder says three examples have already been sold, a commercial indication of early interest in the design.
This is an actual first-hull launch, distinct from a design presentation or a future construction proposal. Launching does not mean every aspect of an owner’s yacht has been proven at sea: systems commissioning, testing and delivery procedures still matter. It does mark the transition from shipyard assembly to the water for the first example of a model intended to mix fast passage-making with generous outdoor accommodation.
The yacht sits below the 300GT threshold, according to the manufacturer. That gross-tonnage figure measures enclosed volume rather than mass and is relevant to regulatory and operational considerations. Buyers comparing vessels of similar overall length should pay attention to the internal layout, tender arrangements and crew circulation, since these may differ markedly even when the headline dimension is almost identical.
A collaboration of exterior and interior designers
The exterior design is by Matteo Sassone and Veronica Yien of SY Design, their first project for the brand. Interior architecture comes from ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, with the Custom Line Atelier team assisting owners with bespoke choices. The collaboration gives the new model a defined visual identity while retaining the ability to tailor material selections and some arrangements around individual ownership requirements.
Custom Line describes a long, dynamic profile, broad glazing and movement between exterior terraces and internal rooms. These design decisions have practical implications, not just aesthetic ones: visibility, access to shaded social spaces and the flow between meals inside and relaxation outdoors influence how a yacht works with ten or more guests on board.
The first hull uses the builder’s Perfect Mood interior concept, pairing dark chocolate and mocha lacquered finishes with walnut, maple and pale marble. The stylistic palette is one completed example rather than a promise that every Saetta 128 will leave the yard with identical surfaces. Future buyers will want to discuss durability, maintenance access and replacement materials alongside the personal appeal of bespoke design.
Social spaces across three decks
At the stern of the main deck is a 33-square-metre exterior terrace leading into a 40-square-metre salon and dining area. Forward on this level, the owner’s suite incorporates a dressing space, private bathroom and broad glazing. Locating the owner’s accommodation on the main deck helps separate it from the guest cabins on the lower level and may improve privacy during shared voyages.
The upper deck has a sky lounge of approximately 20 square metres that opens onto a 40-square-metre aft terrace. Forward is another 25-square-metre space with seating and sunbathing arrangements; the builder describes the possibility of adding a hydro-massage installation. The sundeck contributes about 30 square metres intended for further open-air use. These figures illustrate the model’s focus on spending time outdoors rather than treating exterior decks as narrow connecting passages.
Four guest cabins on the lower deck provide accommodation for ten guests overall, with an optional additional pullman berth increasing this to eleven. Crew accommodation for six, including the captain, is located forward below. Exact guest limits and operational permissions should be confirmed against the delivered vessel’s certificates rather than relying on a marketing arrangement alone.
Propulsion and the next delivery milestones
Custom Line specifies twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, each producing 2,638 horsepower, and quotes a preliminary top speed of 22 knots with a cruising speed of 19 knots. Those speeds have not been presented as independently verified sea-trial results. Loading, fuel, hull condition and weather can affect performance, especially for a relatively large planing yacht.
The model can be certified to IMO Tier III standards through a selective catalytic reduction system, which the builder says can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 70%. Prospective owners should check the intended operating area, actual fitted equipment and final compliance documents. Environmental performance is specific to the installation and operating conditions; it should not be reduced to a single unqualified number.
With its first hull afloat, the Saetta 128 has moved into the period when a conceptual design becomes a repeatable delivered product. The useful next questions are how the initial yacht performs in trials, how owners use the many social spaces and whether subsequent hulls retain the announced specification while allowing meaningful customisation.
Source: the official Ferretti Group announcement. Photography: Ferretti Group — official Custom Line launch photograph.
