Carbon Yachts adds Italian brand Santasevera to Australian portfolio

Australian importer Carbon Yachts has announced it will distribute Italian boatbuilder Santasevera Yachts in Australia and New Zealand, bringing the boutique luxury dayboat and weekender brand to the local market.

Founded by naval architect Francesco Guida, Santasevera specialises in premium dayboats that combine contemporary hull design with styling inspired by traditional Mediterranean lobster boats. The company says its focus is on creating vessels that prioritise outdoor living, entertaining and easy movement throughout the boat rather than maximising accommodation space.

Carbon Yachts co-founder Chris Hrones said the brand stood out during the company's visit to Boot Düsseldorf earlier this year.

According to Hrones, Santasevera's appeal lies in the way its layouts cater to the variety of activities that typically make up a day on the water, from swimming and entertaining through to longer cruising passages.

The appointment comes as demand for luxury dayboats continues to grow globally, with many owners favouring large outdoor entertaining areas and flexible deck spaces over the cabin-heavy layouts traditionally associated with cruising yachts.

That trend has become increasingly evident in Australia and New Zealand, where boating is often centred around day trips, social gatherings and coastal cruising rather than extended periods aboard.

Guida, who graduated in naval engineering in Italy, says his inspiration came from the working lobster boats of the Neapolitan coastline. The influence can be seen in Santasevera's distinctive profile, which combines traditional design cues with modern construction and luxury finishes.

Carbon Yachts will initially offer two models locally: the Santasevera 42 and Santasevera 52.

The Santasevera 42 is expected to start from approximately $1.85 million, while pricing for the larger Santasevera 52 is expected to begin at around $3.65 million. Buyers will be able to choose from a range of propulsion options, including Volvo Penta IPS systems, sterndrives and Mercury outboard power.

The 52 is positioned as the flagship of the range and places particular emphasis on outdoor entertaining space, with large aft deck areas, covered seating and overnight accommodation.

Santasevera says it has experienced strong demand in Europe and is continuing to expand its model range. The company has also confirmed an order for a 78-foot model featuring a single-cabin layout, reflecting what it sees as growing demand among some buyers for larger social and entertaining spaces in place of traditional multi-cabin arrangements.

For Carbon Yachts, the addition of Santasevera expands a portfolio that focuses primarily on European sailing and motor yacht brands with a strong design emphasis.

Santasevera enquiries are now open through Carbon Yachts, with the first Australian and New Zealand deliveries expected to follow as the brand establishes its presence in the region.