A new chapter in Italian yacht building
A fresh name has joined Italy’s long list of yacht builders. Forte Yachts, born from the technical pedigree of West Navaltech, is setting out to offer something different: a blend of industrial strength, refined design, and understated luxury. Its debut model, the Forte 47, is currently under construction and promises to introduce the market to a yacht both modern and timeless.
West Navaltech, based in Ameglia near La Spezia, has built its reputation on the demanding world of commercial vessels. With facilities spanning over 3,000 sqm, the company has delivered everything from fireboats and tugboats to passenger ferries and electric catamarans. Its expertise in aluminium hulls, superstructures, and precision components has made it a trusted supplier to major names along the Miglio Blu, Italy’s famed yacht-building district.
“The creation of Forte Yachts marks a strategic expansion,” explains Technical Manager and partner Livio Franchini. “We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary.”
Strength and style in a name
The brand identity draws directly from Italian heritage. As co-founder Fernando Moricca explains, “The name Forte refers both to strength – reflecting aluminium’s durability – and to Forte dei Marmi, a place of Italian style and elegance. It just fits: short, Italian, global, and evocative.”
With this ethos, Forte Yachts positions itself not as another luxury brand chasing excess, but as a builder of authentic, precise, and respectful yachts.
Forte 47: debut with purpose
The first model, the Forte 47, is a 14.35-metre yacht offered in two versions: Grand Tourism and Lounge Deck. Both share the same aluminium DNA, a 4.5-metre beam, and a design philosophy that prioritises comfort, versatility, and clean lines.
- Grand Tourism version: powered by three Mercury V12 600hp outboards, designed for performance and open-water adventure.
- Lounge Deck version: driven by twin Volvo Penta D8-800 IPS engines, ideal for social cruising and extended trips.
With a CE-B classification and room for 12 passengers, the Forte 47 sits firmly in the sweet spot of European grand touring yachts.
Interiors: Italian mastery at every glance
Step inside, and the Forte 47 reveals the influence of Paolo Giordano Yacht Design. The interior is more than a cabin – it is a retreat, with two master cabins and bespoke furnishings crafted to individual tastes. Every detail is considered: from the finish of the woodwork to the comfort of the engine room, a space rarely celebrated in yachts of this size.
“It’s about creating a home at sea,” notes Moricca. “A space of escape, perfectly attuned to the lifestyle of those who navigate.”
The combination of style, functionality, and customisation ensures that each Forte 47 can be tailored to its owner, while still carrying the signature lines of the brand.
A future shaped by heritage
The debut of Forte Yachts represents more than a single model. It signals a new direction for West Navaltech, where industrial rigour meets creative vision. By separating its commercial shipbuilding from its leisure craft, the company ensures that each division can thrive on its own terms while sharing knowledge and expertise.
With Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design providing naval architecture and West Navaltech’s own engineers contributing to the technical platform, the Forte 47 has the pedigree to succeed in a competitive market.
For those who believe Italian boatbuilding is only about tradition, Forte Yachts offers a different message: strength, style, and substance can coexist in a new form.
