This Maxi styled performance cruising yacht, now named “Adesso” was designed for a prominent Italian owner who had previously participated in IOR and IMS racing circuits, including several Admiral´s Cup and Fastnet events. With his racing days over, he had a clear idea of the yacht he wanted to take his family cruising in comfort. She had to be nice looking with a classic touch, with ample deck space, a low superstructure and fast. The hull and deck were built in composites by CCYD in Italy which resulted in a light very strong structure. To avoid unsightly davits or worse, a tender taking up valuable deck space, her transom opens up to reveal a garage and ramp to launch and recover the dinghy and other toys. Her keel is of steel with a lead bulb and vertical daggerboard. With the exception of a small amount of drag caused by the close vicinity of the hull, this configuration performs in a similar way to a deep racing appendage. The interior was designed by the Italian stylist Gae Aulenti - a person with whom I have great affinirty. Her skills are not limited to designing yacht interiors, for among her commissions has been the Musee D´Orsay in Paris and the Expo 92´Exhibition in Seville. She prefers functional, straightforward lines, likes light an airy schemes and brings a unique symmetry to her designs, which many owners find both pleasing an relaxing.