The 42 Exuma, a collaboration between Maiora and Elie Saab, reimagines the concept of luxury yachting. With its elegantly curated interiors and sweeping panoramic views, it presents a design manifesto that harmonizes seamlessly with the sea.
The 42 Exuma is the debut collaboration between renowned Italian yacht builder Maiora and the globally celebrated fashion house Elie Saab. Far more than just a vessel, it is a quiet yet striking revolution—a sophisticated redefinition of life on the water, shaped through the interplay of light, material, and spatial emotion.
Sebastiano Fanizza, CEO of Next Yacht Group, elaborates on the project’s guiding philosophy: “When the experience of life at sea is thoughtfully designed, the yacht itself fades from view; what remains is the sensation. The 42 Exuma emerged from this exact vision. It transcends outdated traditions, embodying a human-centered approach to seafaring. It is a shift from spaces organized by rigid logic to spaces that are meant to be lived in, felt, and shared—similar to the mental transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. With this project, we abandoned conventional methods and set out to redefine the maritime experience by establishing a new equilibrium between aesthetics, function, and quality of life.”
Unveiled this week in Viareggio, Italy’s historic shipbuilding capital, the 42-meter yacht carries the heritage of Italian nautical design forward while reflecting the refined lifestyle sensibility of Elie Saab. The 42 Exuma is a floating stage where performance meets poetry, draped in haute couture elegance and imbued with a Mediterranean spirit.
Elie Saab Jr., CEO of the Elie Saab Group, describes the creative process: “We approached this project like a designer cutting fabric—not merely to cover, but to shape movement and emotion. The 42 Exuma is not just a yacht—it’s an experience, a sculptural object that appeals to the senses.”
The yacht’s exterior was shaped by acclaimed designer Giorgio Maria Cassetta. With clean contours, large glass expanses, and sculptural volumes, it exudes contemporary elegance and quiet strength. The hull’s form is intentionally understated—refined rather than flashy—striking a discreet balance that allows the vessel to integrate with its natural surroundings.
“Our intention was to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior,” says Cassetta. “We envisioned open, non-hierarchical living spaces that evoke a sense of infinity. The sea is the protagonist—we’ve merely framed its beauty.”
The interior design, crafted by architect Carlo Colombo and Elie Saab Maison in partnership with A++, brings together the brand’s signature elegance with the technical demands of marine living. Distinctive materials such as Fumo di Londra and Mystic Ocean marble, bronze-tinted mirrors, and warm teak finishes evoke understated luxury. All elements are produced in Italy and meticulously engineered for the marine environment.
Furnishings include selections from the Elie Saab Maison collection alongside custom-made pieces. Functionality and serenity are prioritized without compromising on beauty. Lighting is executed with architectural precision, while windows and openings are carefully oriented toward the horizon. Ceilings are clad in wooden paneling to improve acoustics and add warmth. Architect Carlo Colombo notes, “The yacht is a living entity—it breathes and evolves. Our mission was to elevate comfort into an art form.”
The most transformative feature of the 42 Exuma lies in its layout. Departing from convention, the guest cabins—traditionally located on the lower deck—have been placed on the main deck, resulting in more expansive, light-filled living spaces with uninterrupted sea views. The full-beam master suite is also situated on this level. Above, the upper deck is envisioned as a panoramic, openable living area, where the distinction between inside and outside is almost entirely erased. One of the yacht’s standout features is the “infinity terrace” at the bow, where the absence of barriers creates the sensation of merging with the sea itself.
“This is not just a technical endeavor—it’s an emotional object,” says Cassetta. “From the very first sketch, we designed the yacht to hold memories—an experience that continues to resonate even after you disembark.”
Spanning four decks, the 42 Exuma offers expansive areas for living and entertaining, including a private 80-square-meter sun deck. With a beam of 8.90 meters and a top speed of 30 knots, it effortlessly combines power with poise. While the lower deck traditionally serves a utilitarian function, here it has been reimagined to provide equally refined accommodations for the crew. The result is a spacious, ergonomic layout that enhances operational efficiency without compromising on comfort.
