Old is new again: Libeccio 8.5 Classic revealed
Italian shipwright takes an old, slow, traditional Capri tourist boat and gives it a faster, modern twistItalian shipwright Libecco has used the Genoa International Boat Show to resurrect a traditional Capri-based open boat and give it a hugely modern twist to create the Librecco 8.5 Classic.
Borrowing heavily from Capri’s ages-old “gozzo” boat design and throwing back to the 1960s, the Libecco 8.5 Classic throws in an extra dose of modern technology – as well as the ability to cover ground quickly, something the more traditional version has never been known for.
The gozzo is a traditional tiller-steer wooden boat used around the Mediterranian island of Capri, but have more recently become glamped tourist boats used to access the island’s rugged, picturesque shorelines.
They’re not made for high speeds, instead using its slower pace to pamper couples caught up in the dream of indulging in a lazy day – or even a night – out on the water.
The Libecco 8.5 Classic keeps the tiller, but below its maple-inlaid mahogany deck is a 100hp inboard engine able to push the gozzo along at a fair clip, up to around 20 knots.
To keep the clean lines of the traditional gozzo, the boat’s fender pins and bollards recess out of sight, while the throttle control is hidden away in its own padded compartment.
“So this is a classic gozzo with all the advantages of modern technology, plus some almost futuristic touches,” Libecco said.
“It has an electric winch, courtesy lights and plexiglass panels behind the steps that lead up to the forward sundeck. The area is shaded using the traditional canopy, but in a modern twist, the pole that supports it is crafted from carbon-fibre.
"The forepeak provides a spacious double cabin with a fridge and, on request, a toilet," Libecco said. "There is also a fold-away coffee table for drinks and suppers.”
No pricing was provided. A cabin version, featuring a sleek, modern topside and traditional planked hull pattern, is also available.
Specifications
Model: Libeccio 8.5 Classic
Length overall: 8.5 m
Hull length: 7.6 m
Beam: 2.5 m
Weight: 2200 kg
Engine: 100 hp
Top speed: 20kt
Passengers: 8
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