Aschenez’s two new Invictus brand flagships made their debut at the Cannes Boat Show: the ST550 and the TT550. The former inaugurates the new ST family and takes up the concept of a refined trawler, designed to host a limited number of guests for short cruises, while the TT550 is the evolution of the TT range, a cornerstone of the shipyard, and in particular of the TT460 model.
With these two novelties, Aschenez is making a decisive move into the larger size segment, which is expected to expand even further.
The shipyard is based in Calabria, in Roccelletta di Borgia (Catanzaro), and structures its offerings under two distinct brands: Invictus and Capoforte. Two brands, but one unmistakable style, shaped by the pencil of Christian Grande.
Invictus Yacht
This is the shipyard’s most iconic line. With boats ranging from 28 to 55 feet, it targets owners in search of an exclusive product with a strong and distinctive character.
The yard debuted with the GT range, the “Gran Turismo”. This was followed by the more sporty and stylish TT line and now comes the launch of the ST, where ‘S’ stands for space.
The hallmark of these models is the powerful semi-reversed bow, designed to improve seakeeping and reduce spray, while also serving as a true style signature. But the entire design, from the sculpted shapes to the carefully refined details, is extremely sophisticated. The customisation factor, uncommon on yachts of this size, plays a key role: Atelier Invictus, together with its skilled craftsmen, is available to owners to define layouts, fittings, colours and much more.
Capoforte
These are the ‘little ones’ from Aschenez, powerboats from 19 to 28 feet, available in 12 models: open day boats, sporty, fast and with versatile layouts. Depending on the model, they can be powered with outboard or inboard-outboard engines.
They aim to combine functionality and fun, with a meticulous study of space without sacrificing the elegance that is characteristic of all Aschenez boats.
In 2023, the shipyard presented its first 100% electric hull: the SQ240i (it won the Design Innovation Award and was nominated for an ADI Design award). A boat designed and built specifically for electric propulsion.
The design abandons the dynamic and sporty lines of the other models to convey the idea of relaxed sailing. It has been an important test bench on which the yard continues to work.
Air-conditioned warehouses and total control
The yard now has a production area of 20,000 sq.m and employs 150 people. One of Aschenez’s strengths is the in-house management of all production stages, from fibreglass moulding and assembly to final testing. The upholstery, carpentry, painting, etc. departments are also in-house.
The dealer network, which covers the world’s major markets (Europe, Hong Kong, the United States, Mexico, England and Australia), comprises more than 50 entities and is continuously expanding.
Production takes place in climate-controlled halls with temperatures maintained between 18-22°. The hulls are made of hand-laminated fibreglass, while the decks are for some models infused and for others hand-laminated. The boats are then post-cured at 80°. Some details and deck elements are made of infusion or pre-preg carbon.
18-22°. The hulls are made of hand-laminated fibreglass, while the decks are for some models infused and for others hand-laminated. The boats are then post-cured at 80°
Interview with Rosario Alcaro
CEO and founder of the Aschenez shipyard, Rosario Alcaro is a Calabrian entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the nautical world behind him. In 2013 he opened the yard, which today has 24 models in its range under the Invictus and Capoforte brands.
At the Cannes show you presented two flagships: the ST550 and the TT550. Who are they destined for? Who is the ‘typical’ owner?
Invictus ST550 together with the TT550 mark the beginning of a new era: two seemingly similar models, yet different in layout, markets and sailing spirit. They appeal to owners who own a beach house rather than a superyacht and are looking for a chase boat or super tender.
While the TT550 is undoubtedly dedicated to short outings, to party days at sea, the ST550, being closed, is also suitable for short cruises.
Are these two boats the first step toward increasing size in the future?
Sure, but not in the very near future, since now we are now focused on the two new 550s. However, it is clear that we will go up in size, probably up to 60-70 feet. We don’t plan to do big numbers, but the investments in research and development made with the two flagships today are the basis for looking higher.
How many boats does the Aschenez shipyard produce each year?
In the past two years we have produced about 420 boats per year. However, this year we expect a decrease of about 120 units, mainly in the Capoforte brand (about 90% of the changes). The smaller ones are suffering at the moment.
On site, you follow all production phases. What are the most important aspects of your construction processes?
Our strength lies in vertical integration: we handle every operation in-house, from the resin processing – which is done both manually and by infusion – to the final assembly. Our halls are climate-controlled, which is essential, especially in summer, in order to maintain optimal and constant conditions during resin processing. In addition, the boats undergo post-curing at 80° to stabilise the structure.
We have invested in the study and adoption of materials such as high-density PET, impregnated in resin, to eliminate the use of wood in interior structures, thus solving the problems of deterioration over time. The introduction of PET, following the ongoing certification, will be an important step in extending the warranty of our boats from 5 to 10 years.
Another distinctive element is the fact that, on our boats over 42 ft, the tanks are structural and incorporated into the hull. The motivation for this choice? The tank will last as long as the boat. Of course, the cost is higher than for a classic tank. On sizes like ours we are perhaps the only ones to do this.
At this year’s Düsseldorf show you showcased a one-off GT280 made entirely of carbon…
Carbon fiber has been part of our models for years, in elements and details of the deck, which we work with infusion. The GT280 Carbon Look we exhibited in Düsseldorf, on the other hand, is made entirely, hull and deck, of pre-preg carbon. The processing is delicate and requires specific equipment; the rolls of pre-preg carbon are delivered frozen at -20° and then treated in ovens at 80°. This significant temperature change highlights the delicacy of the process.
Although we do not plan to build boats entirely in carbon, we offer the option of choosing certain elements, such as the hardtop, in infused or pre-impregnated carbon, providing owners with a distinctive option to highlight the boat’s shape.
Your boats also stand out for their original colours – wild bronze, chalk white, stone white, deep groove, blueberry blue, etc. Is painting another crucial point for you?
Yes, we paint a lot. Especially the sides. We have two ovens dedicated to metallic colours. And the results are remarkable. We use Awl Grip paints, recognised as the best. For the darker colours, especially black, we use a special paint that can reduce surface temperatures by about 18°.
In 2023, you presented the SQ240i, a 100% electric powerboat. How are you proceeding on this front?
10 years ago I started thinking about an electric boat. Many people were sceptical. But in the end, I made it. It has won numerous awards and we have sold about 20 of them to date, especially in Hungary where on Lake Balaton only electric boats are allowed.
And the studies continue. New engines are arriving these days. Evolution in the field of engines and batteries is progressing rapidly: technical and price innovations are emerging every day. However, until the limits in terms of autonomy and recharging are overcome, it will be difficult to convince boat owners to replace traditional engines. However, we are studying innovative solutions, such as more powerful and lighter batteries and boats with dual electric motors: give us a few more months and you will see more innovations.
Flagship of the Invictus brand, the new ST550 is 16.87 m long and 5.04 m wide. The design, by Christian Grande, retains the brand’s distinctive elements while making changes that modernise the silhouette and extend its functionality.
Unlike the other Invictus boats, which are basically intended for day trips, the ST550 has a trawler spirit suitable for short cruises. The range of owners is thus broadened.
Spaces on board
The spaces on board make all the difference. On deck, the large living area in the bow, protected by the high bulwarks, includes a U-shaped sofa, tables and sundeck (carbon poles support awnings). Such dimensions are rare to see in this market segment.
The cockpit is extremely versatile, with foldable bulwarks, a dining area that can be converted into a sundeck, and a swim platform that can lower below the water level and allow the launching of a tender. The garage can also accommodate a tender up to 2.8 m long. The two-level opening of this compartment is special: a full opening for launching the tender and a partial opening that allows access without disturbing those on the sofa.
The enclosed volumes on the main deck are organised with a saloon, customisable galley and wheelhouse. Large side windows that open fully electrically, which together with the aft glass door and windscreen provide a virtually 360° view of the sea.
A side door on the starboard side allows the skipper easy access to the wheelhouse during manoeuvres.
Below deck
Below deck, Christian Grande has provided two cabins (Master and VIP) and two bathrooms: the one in the Master, forward, is full beam while the one serving the second cabin doubles as a day toilet. Amidships, also below deck, is the large living area, which, at the owner’s request, can be replaced with a third cabin or a galley. In the latter case, the standard galley on the main deck will “disappear”, further extending the living area.
“Contrary to the most common approaches, which involve sacrificing space on the main deck and in the bow to favour the stern,” explains Rosario Alcaro, “we have divided the spaces in such a way as to enhance all three areas without sacrificing any of them. The result is that, while maintaining generous spaces in each area, we have managed to guarantee comfort throughout the boat: main deck, stern and bow. In the latter, in particular, we have enhanced the layout, making it almost the most important area of a craft designed for cruising in direct contact with the sea, in an almost private way, rather than living it in the interiors or in the stern area, which is traditionally more animated.”
A customizable layout
Here too, as on all the brand’s models, there is the possibility of customising the layout, colours and finishes: from the very first stages of purchase, the owner is guided through a real virtual workshop, where it is possible to design the boat with customised material inserts and dedicated equipment. The result is a tailor-made creation that reflects the owner’s personality, style and tastes.
The ST550 will be powered by two Volvo IPS800 engines or, alternatively, two IPS950s.
An evolution of the TT460, the Invictus TT550 is a Mediterranean sports boat that favours open-air space and where interiors are important but secondary. From the stern, rising from the sinking platform, you enter the living area: a versatile open space to be enjoyed at all times of day and sailing. The bold carbon hard top, the distinctive signature of the range, provides protection for the dinette all the way to the helm station.
A safe and protected walkaround – thanks to high bulwarks – leads to the large living area in the bow. Below deck, two cabins (Master and VIP, owner’s choice of bow or midships) and two bathrooms. And amidships an area that can be configured as a living room, third cabin, galley. It is also possible to have a sailor’s cabin. It will be powered by a pair of Volvo Penta IPS up to the IPS950 version.
