It’s rare that a sequel surpasses the original; but the second Maiora 38 DP, Phalarope, proves it can be done. The shipyard, located in Massarosa, Italy, is using her rather than its first 38-meter hull as the prototype for its new semi-custom series. She presents a more aggressive profile with her forward-raked roll bar, but otherwise her exterior layout and styling is virtually identical to her older sistership. The similarities, however, end as soon as you enter Phalarope and feel the owners’ influence.

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Indeed, on walking into the main salon, the immediate impression is of entering a home away from home. Three large DePadova sofas covered in loose linen of pastel aquamarine provide a conversation area where owners and guests can gather informally. Instead of the customary knee-high coffee table, several small, round tables handcrafted of African hardwoods create movable "islands."

"I didn’t want a single low table because it’s something you have to step around – not always a good idea while under way," continued the wife. "I don’t think the interior styling of a boat, or a house for that matter, should be perfect; it has to fit together, but you can mix elements and have fun doing it."

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Equipped with Furuno and Plath electronics, the helm station (top) provides the captain with command over the twin MTU 16V 4000 engines. The galley (bottom) is flooded with natural light. (Click images to enlarge) 

On her third and final sea trial off Viareggio, the yacht underwent a "crash test" to monitor sudden de-acceleration from top speed to a standstill – one way Fipa is taking safety beyond the basics (see TechTalk). In terms of comfort, all the cabin floors and bulkheads "float" on visco-elastic dampers without rigid attachments to the hull to minimize vibration and noise levels. In the engine room, sound insulation consists of various layers of low-density rockwool and latex in perforated aluminum sheathing. The result is that while the engines churn at 2,000 rpm, the maximum noise level in the bordering VIP staterooms is just 75 dB.

To ensure minimal environmental impact, Maiora eliminated the discharge of all untreated emissions. Gray water from washing machines, dishwashers, showers, fan coil compressors and the like are collected in a treatment tank and purified to U.S. Coast Guard-approved standards. Petrochemical waste from the engine room and bilges are collected in a MARPOL tank, where the water and residues are separated. The water is then discharged and the waste is safely off-loaded ashore. Engine emissions conform to European and U.S. EPA Tier 3 standards.

In its contractual agreements, Fipa Italiana reserves the right to adapt yacht specifications to its own technology and construction standards in keeping with the finished product’s functionality and in accordance with RINA 100 A1.1 Maltese Cross requirements. This process of evolution applies to the four 38s currently under construction, in which the floating compartment system has been further refined."This yacht has equipment and systems typical of a much larger yacht," explains marine surveyor Stefano Riusciti. "For instance, all piping is in stainless steel or copper/nickel, except where plastic is preferable, as in the freshwater system. I’d say the Maiora 38 DP is a reflection of the trend throughout Viareggio’s marine industry to increase quality."

Phalarope arrived in Athens in time for the Greek Orthodox Easter on May 1 and her owners are reported to be happy – so happy they are talking of a new 45-meter project with Maiora.