An iconic collaboration with exterior lines by Giorgio Maria Cassetta and interiors by ELIE SAAB
Viareggio, July 10th, 2025 – MAIORA, a historic Italian shipyard and brand of Next Yacht Group, and world-renowned fashion and lifestyle brand ELIE SAAB unveil the 42 EXUMA, an innovative 42-meter yacht born from a shared vision reinterpret life at sea through a new lens of design, comfort, and experiential luxury. This project unites two worlds where style, craftsmanship, and performance converge to offer a truly timeless onboard experience.
“When onboard experience is designed properly, the yacht becomes transparent to the eyes of the owners. From this seed, the 42 Exuma was born, inaugurating a new era of living at sea — surpassing outdated conventions to embrace a yachting idea that finally puts people, not old logics, at the heart of the project. It’s a paradigm shift reminiscent of the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance: spaces designed not to meet static logics, but to be truly lived, enjoyed, and shared. We chose to break with conventional approaches, redefining the balance between aesthetics, function, and onboard wellbeing to restore centrality to experience and quality of life.” says Sebastiano Fanizza, CEO of Next Yacht Group.
The exterior design is signed by Cassetta Yacht Designers, a leading figure in contemporary yacht architecture. The exterior lines of the 42 EXUMA evoke fluidity, lightness, and openness. Extensive glass surfaces, generous volumes, and harmonious proportions create a dynamic silhouette that visually connects the yacht to its natural surroundings, enhancing the experience of life at sea.
Inside, the yacht reveals the unmistakable signature of ELIE SAAB, under the creative direction of Carlo Colombo – A++. A refined selection of pieces from the ELIE SAAB Maison collection is complemented by bespoke elements designed specifically for the yachting environment. Luxurious materials such as Fumo di Londra and Mystic Ocean marble, light bronzed mirrors, and teak wood flooring and ceilings combine timeless design with marine-specific functionality. Every element is crafted in Italy, and special attention has been given to the research and development of high-resistance fabrics and finishes, ensuring interiors that are both elegant and tailored to the demands of life at sea.
“Our collaboration with MAIORA marks a strategic expansion of the ELIE SAAB lifestyle into the world of yachting. Following our success in interiors, home décor, hospitality, and branded real estate, this evolution was both natural and intentional. The 42 EXUMA is not just a yacht, it is a bold expression of our vision: to craft immersive, elegant spaces where design, precision and comfort converge. With this launch we bring ELIE SAAB to the sea, translating our legacy of craftsmanship and refined aesthetics into a frontier of contemporary luxury.” – Elie Saab Jr., CEO, ELIE SAAB Group.
The 42 EXUMA also introduces a reimagined onboard layout. Guest Suites, traditionally placed below deck, are relocated to the main deck, alongside the full-beam owner’s suite, creating airy, light-filled spaces with sea views and direct access to outdoor areas. The upper deck is conceived as a fully openable, panoramic living area, dissolving boundaries between inside and out, and offering a new kind of spatial freedom.
“Maiora 42 Exuma had an almost instinctive and very rapid start: from the first meeting with the Maiora team, the vision of this high-performance gentleman’s yacht took shape in a quick sketch. It was a challenge to create a balance between lightness, interior volume, and generous heights while maintaining a modern and refined look. The most significant innovation brought by the shipyard was in the layout: we moved the guest cabins to the main deck, dedicating the lower deck to services and leaving the upper deck and sun deck completely free and fully dedicated to the guests. Here we designed extreme transparency and innovative shapes, such as those of the forward infinity deck, which emphasize the relationship between inside and outside, eventually creating never seen before open spaces blessed with perfect functionality. For us, this boat is not just a technical project, but an emotional object — a dream come true, where every detail is cared for to deliver a unique and refined experience at every stage of life onboard,” explains Giorgio Cassetta.
The yacht spans four decks, including an 80 sqm private sun deck, and offers flexible, customizable environments for both owners and guests. The lower deck is designed with the same level of attention and care, providing the crew with spacious cabins, separate service routes, and dedicated facilities that support operational efficiency and onboard wellbeing.
With a beam of 8.90 meters, top speeds of 30 knots with the more powerful propulsion option, and a carefully rethought configuration, the 42 EXUMA stands as a new reference point for contemporary yacht design, conceived as a platform to experience life at sea without compromise.
The first unit of the 42 EXUMA has already been sold. Construction is underway, with delivery scheduled for Summer 2027.