- Technology and Innovation
Paszkowski’s Proportional Balance: The Gritty Refinement of a Record-Breaking Build
The Cortina Deployment
The international yachting community recently witnessed a definitive moment for Italian shipbuilding at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards. Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) emerged as the protagonist of the evening, with its 155-foot flagship, RJ, securing a double victory that recalibrates the expectations for the explorer segment. This triumph isn’t merely about trophies; it is a powerful recognition of a shipyard that has spent the last decade perfecting the marriage of deep-sea grit and refined luxury.
A Race Won by a Hair
The competition for Best Exterior Design was a high-stakes encounter, with RJ prevailing by a single point over its shipyard sibling, Tremenda. While the judges were captivated by the architectural boldness of the fleet, it was RJ’s “white ship” appearance that ultimately secured the top spot. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski, the vessel represents the longest hull ever launched by the Ancona-based yard, successfully blending the robust essence of an explorer with the sleek, proportional balance of a primary luxury yacht.
Paszkowski’s Architectural Logic
The jury specifically lauded the construction quality and the logical layout of the decks. Notable features like the fashion plates that extend to the hardtop and the glass panel bulwarks provide a visual transparency that is rare in heavy-displacement vessels. It is a design that prioritizes the relationship with the ocean without sacrificing the physical mass required for global autonomy. For the judges, RJ represents a certain elegance that mocks the traditionally boxy profile of the explorer category.
Salvagni’s Sculpted Minimalism
The interior victory was equally decisive. Achille Salvagni was tasked with a brief for “soft minimalism,” creating a sanctuary for the owners’ contemporary art collection. The result is an environment that judges described as imaginative and transportive. From light fixtures that appear to grow organically from countertops to a main saloon ceiling carved to mimic the ripple of a stone in still water, every element was built with a clear, artistic intention.
The 2025 Finalist Sweep
This double win is part of a broader success story for CdM. All four yachts delivered by the shipyard in 2025 were selected as finalists, a feat that speaks to the relentless pursuit of quality across their entire production line. With Tremenda also receiving a prestigious Judges’ Commendation, the shipyard has effectively occupied the most distinguished group of the year, proving that their vision for the modern explorer is currently the one to beat.
The Verdict from the International Stage
As the flagship of the RJ line—following the success of the RJ 130 and RJ 115 series—the 155-foot model stands as a milestone of pride for the CdM team. It is a vessel of remarkable character and functionality, built by a team whose passion transformed a bold ambition into a seaworthy reality. For the prospective owner looking to go further, the message from Cortina is clear: RJ is the new gold standard for the ocean-going elite.
