In the four years since its founding, Wider Yachts has made a name for itself by showcasing innovative concepts that push the envelope of technical boat and yacht design. Thus far, the only one of those concepts to actually hit water is the highly inventive Wider 42 weekend cruiser, which launched in 2011; but the company is steadily progressing on the construction of its first megayacht, the Wider 150, and it debuted two forthcoming models at the Miami International Boat Show earlier this year.
Under construction for the past year and a half, the first Wider 150 is approaching completion at the company’s new shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The yacht’s aluminum superstructure is nearing completion and its hull is already finished. Wider expects to deliver the 150 by next summer.
At the Miami show in February, the company unveiled the Wider 32, a new tender expected to launch in June that is specifically designed to pair with the 150, though it will serve any other megayacht equally well. The highly customizable 32 can be configured with an exterior dining area or sunbathing platform, and it is available in a wide variety of hull and deck colors. Below deck, a head, galley, and two sofas that can be converted into sleeping berths will facilitate expeditions beyond quick trips to shore.
The Miami show was also the venue for the unveiling of the Wider 165, the company’s latest megayacht project. Essentially an elongated version of the 150, the 165 was created to satisfy the buyer’s request that it be able to house a custom three-person submersible. Though larger, the 165 retains the lines and basic layout of the 150, including its enormous beach club and tender garage that can convert into an indoor saltwater swimming pool. Also like the 150, the new yacht is ultra fuel efficient thanks to its lightweight, all-aluminum hull and hybrid diesel-and-electric propulsion system. The 165 is still two years away from launching, so while the exterior design has been locked in, the interior remains under development. The new yacht will include spacious outdoor areas, large windows, and drop-down balconies—all features that embody Wider’s commitment to enhancing the connection between its yachts’ passengers and the water. (www.wider-yachts.com)
