Remembering Giorgio Armani: His Iconic Yachts and Their Timeless Design
Giorgio Armani’s yachts, including the iconic Maìn, Mariù, and Sørvind, embody his minimalist elegance, blending bespoke Armani/Casa interiors with eco-conscious design for a timeless maritime legacy.
September 4, 2025
In September 2025, the world bid farewell to Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer whose vision of elegance reshaped not only haute couture but also the world of luxury yachting. Armani’s yachts—Maìn, Mariù, and Sørvind—along with his bespoke designs for The Italian Sea Group, stand as enduring testaments to his minimalist aesthetic, blending sophistication with nautical innovation.
Giorgio Armani’s Yachting Legacy: A Vision of Timeless Luxury
Giorgio Armani’s love for yachting began with charters, which he found overly ostentatious—“too white, too much lighting, too much marble.” This dissatisfaction led him to commission custom superyachts that reflected his signature style: clean lines, neutral tones, high-quality materials, and a focus on privacy and functionality. Armani’s yachts were extensions of his Armani/Casa design philosophy, featuring custom furniture, marble finishes, and eco-conscious elements. His Mediterranean cruises, often to secluded spots like Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands, emphasized solitude and nature over flashy displays.
Armani also sponsored the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta (held annually by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since 2009), with the 2025 event featuring 15 yachts, including his own Sørvind. His influence extended beyond ownership, as he collaborated with The Italian Sea Group to design two 72m Admiral yachts. Following his passing at age 91, Armani’s yachts remain a testament to his vision of timeless sophistication. Let’s explore the details of his fleet and their bespoke modifications.
1. Maìn: Armani’s Flagship Superyacht
Overview
Maìn, Armani’s primary yacht, is a 65m (213ft) custom motor yacht built by Codecasa in Viareggio, Italy, and delivered in June 2008. Named after his mother’s childhood nickname, it was designed as a “floating home,” prioritizing privacy, panoramic views, and a house-like ambiance over extravagance. Armani personally oversaw its creation, visiting the yard frequently during its 30-month construction.
Giorgio Armani's Maìn, Image by VÉHICULE
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 65m (213ft) |
| Beam | 11.2m (37ft) |
| Draft | 3.7m (12ft) |
| Gross Tonnage | ~1,200 GT |
| Hull/Superstructure | Steel hull, aluminum superstructure, teak decks |
| Engines | Twin Caterpillar 3516B (2,479 HP each) |
| Speed | Cruising: 14 knots; Max: 17-18 knots |
| Range | 6,000-6,910 nautical miles |
| Guests/Cabins | 12 guests in 7 suites (1 master, 6 guest cabins) |
| Crew | 14 |
| Estimated Value | $65 million (build); ~$6 million annual running cost |
Key Features
- Interiors: Fully designed by Armani with Armani/Casa furnishings, featuring bleached oak paneling, marble bathrooms, and antique Japanese cabinets in the owner’s suite. The monochromatic palette and subtle Asian influences create a serene, luxurious atmosphere.
- Exterior: A dark green hull and gray superstructure ensure camouflage-like discretion, blending with the sea. Continuous louvered windows and flush decks with no visible steps offer uninterrupted views and sleek lines.
- Amenities: Includes a gym, cinema, sundeck spa pool, bar, and at-anchor stabilizers. Tenders provide easy beach access, with crew in navy/beige Armani uniforms.
- Unique Rules: No shoes or rings onboard to protect finishes; guests follow strict routines for a “rhythm of certainty.”
Giorgio Armani's Maìn, Image by VÉHICULE
Modifications and History
- Build: Commissioned after Mariù (2003) to fulfill Armani’s vision of total design control.
- Refits: In April 2022, Maìn underwent a major refit at NCA Refit (Marina di Carrara, Italy), updating interiors (e.g., hidden lighting, AV systems) and improving system efficiency.
- Usage: Used for Mediterranean cruises, last spotted in the Gulf of La Spezia in 2024.
Why It Stands Out
Maìn is a masterpiece of understated luxury, embodying Armani’s philosophy of a “home at sea.” Its innovative sliding bridge-deck saloon floor and expansive main deck living area set it apart as a benchmark for superyacht design.
Giorgio Armani's Maìn, Image by VÉHICULE
2. Mariù: Armani’s First Superyacht
Overview
Mariù, a 50m (164ft) motor yacht, was Armani’s first owned vessel, marking his shift from charters to custom builds. Also built by Codecasa and delivered in 2003, it was named after his mother, Maria, and laid the groundwork for Maìn.
Giorgio Armani's Mariù, Image by VÉHICULE
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 49.9m (164ft) |
| Beam | ~9m (30ft) |
| Draft | ~2.5m (8ft) |
| Gross Tonnage | ~500 GT |
| Hull/Superstructure | Steel hull, aluminum superstructure |
| Engines | Twin diesel |
| Speed | Cruising: 12 knots; Max: 15 knots |
| Range | ~4,000 nautical miles |
| Guests/Cabins | 12 guests in 6 cabins |
| Crew | 11 |
| Estimated Value | $30-40 million (at sale) |
Key Features
- Interiors: Armani-designed with wide teak floors and open-plan saloons, avoiding heavy marble or crystal for a minimalist vibe.
- Exterior: Charcoal-gray hull with matte stainless-steel fittings for a distinctive, non-flashy look.
- Amenities: Focused on sunbathing and dining areas, with fewer advanced facilities than Maìn.
Giorgio Armani's Mariù, Image by VÉHICULE
Modifications and History
- Build: Armani’s first custom yacht, designed for aesthetic control.
- Sale: Sold in 2010, resold in 2011 to Cypriot tycoon Andreas Hadjiyiannis. No major refits under Armani.
- Usage: Early Mediterranean cruises; helped refine Armani’s vision for larger yachts.
Why It Stands Out
Mariù was Armani’s entry into yacht ownership, showcasing his ability to translate fashion into nautical design. It remains a classic example of his early yachting vision.
Giorgio Armani's Mariù, Image by VÉHICULE
3. Sørvind: Armani’s Sailing Yacht
Overview
Sørvind, a 38m (125ft) sailing yacht built by Southern Wind Shipyards, reflects Armani’s love for eco-friendly sailing and wind-powered cruising. Delivered in the 2010s, it was a smaller, less opulent addition to his fleet.
Giorgio Armani's Sørvinda, Image by VÉHICULE
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 38m (125ft) |
| Guests/Crew | 8 guests / 6 crew |
| Speed | Up to 15 knots (sailing) |
| Estimated Value | $10-15 million |
Key Features
- Minimalist Armani/Casa interiors.
- Designed for eco-conscious Mediterranean sailing.
- Competed in the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta.
Modifications and History
- Build: Acquired post-Maìn for variety; no major refits reported.
- Usage: Used for regattas and leisurely cruises, emphasizing Armani’s connection to nature.
Why It Stands Out
Sørvind highlights Armani’s versatility, blending sustainability with luxury in a smaller, sailing-focused vessel.
Giorgio Armani's Sørvinda, Image by VÉHICULE
Armani’s Designed Yachts: Admiral 72m Series
Beyond ownership, Armani collaborated with The Italian Sea Group to design two 72m Admiral superyachts, unveiled in 2023. These vessels, not owned by Armani, showcase his exterior and interior design expertise.
Giorgio Armani's Admiral 72, Image by VÉHICULE
Admiral 72m (Project Metamorphosis / Hull #1)
- Builder/Year: Admiral, launched May 2025.
- Specifications: 72m, 2,000 GT, ice-class steel hull, twin engines (15 knots cruising, 18 knots max), 6,000nm range, 14 guests (6 suites + owner’s deck), 20 crew.
- Features: Flush decks, 1,000 sq ft stern platform, beach club, helipad, spa/gym, counter-current pool, Armani/Casa interiors (Black Marquinia/Calacatta marble, Canaletto walnut, gold accents).
- History: Sold May 2024 (€105m asking); debuted at Monaco Yacht Show 2025 after custom upgrades.
Giorgio Armani's Admiral 72, Image by VÉHICULE
Second Admiral 72m (Hull #2)
- Status: Under construction; delivery Q3 2025 for Monaco Yacht Show.
- Details: Similar specs to Hull #1, with Armani’s geometric, elegant design.
Giorgio Armani's Admiral 72, Image by VÉHICULE
Armani’s Yachting Philosophy and Legacy
Armani’s yachts were sanctuaries of reflection, embodying his philosophy of natural, sophisticated, and timeless design. His emphasis on sustainability, privacy, and understated luxury set a new standard for superyachts. With an estate valued at $8-11 billion, his fleet remains a coveted asset.
