Fraternale (Wider): "I'll tell you how the construction site is restarting in preparation for the move to Fano."

What's the current status of Wider's relaunch? When will we see his next, eagerly awaited boat back in the water?

To understand this, SUPER YACHT 24 went directly on site, to the Ancona headquarters, for a meeting with the management who took on the challenge of returning to producing superyachts and catamarans under the brand name of a brand that, in just a few years of activity, had managed to establish itself internationally thanks to its strong vocation for innovation and technology.

The challenge is demanding but far from reckless, since the foundations laid for this new phase in the history of Wider, acquired by the new ownership, appear to be very solid. This is also confirmed by the news of theConstruction of the superyacht Moonflower 72 begins , a joint project with Nauta Design, just announced.

CEO Fabio Fraternale, a manager with significant experience at Pershing and Itama, is as informal and courteous in his manner as he is decisive and concrete in his approach, and the conversation with him only confirms the impression of a very ambitious path just begun.

A few clear ideas, an industrial approach, undisputed expertise, a medium- to long-term vision, and solid financial support thanks to the support of the Luxembourg-based W-Fin group: underpinning everything is a strong passion for this sector, which shines through.

Let's start with a snapshot of Wider's current situation?

We're making good progress with our relaunch plan. Let's just say we're already off the ground. When I arrived, we were just a handful, but we've made new hires, doubling the number of staff in the last six months. In particular, we've brought on project managers who will oversee the new boats under construction. We have an excellent understanding with the owners (Marcello Maggi, formerly of CRN and ISA, and his partner). Maggi's extensive commercial and entrepreneurial experience, combined with my management experience, and the mutual respect we've shared for many years, mean we complement each other in both skill sets and character. In recent months, we've reorganized our sales, engineering, and communications departments. We're continuing to work behind the scenes, without much fanfare but with seriousness and consistency.

Wider had a very clear identity, a brand that was always expected to deliver highly innovative, almost revolutionary products and ideas. Will you maintain this approach?

"Yes, we'll try to maintain this advantage, particularly with the new 28-meter Widecat 92 catamaran project. Designed by Luca Dini and our Style Center, this boat is a major focus, especially for the coming years, as it's a serial production model. Initial feedback from potential clients, brokers, and industry insiders has been very positive. For superyachts, with one-off projects, the philosophy is obviously different, but we want to offer clients the best quality and the latest technology available."

When will we see the first Widercat 92 in the water?

"We're currently completing the mold in May of next year. We've already booked slots for its construction with subcontractors, who we know well and who can provide us with the reliability we're looking for."

What are the main features of this catamaran?

"A remarkable beam of 12 meters, great stability, total silence, extremely low emissions thanks to hybrid propulsion, and the option of cruising in zero-emission mode. The use of 170 square meters of solar panels and lithium iron phosphate batteries are other notable features. Widercat 92 owners will be able to drastically reduce the yacht's running costs by reducing the crew and will enjoy even more space on board, with a 67 square meter beach club and a deck area exceeding 100 square meters."

Let's talk about production sites. Where do you operate and where will you operate?

"For now, we'll be working in Ancona in the warehouse where we're currently located, but the goal is to eventually move to Fano, in the port area between the old fishing port and the Marina dei Cesari. We're talking about a significant investment for an 11 square meter waterfront space, with a large dock, where we'll build a covered facility consisting of four large bays, each nearly 100 meters long."

It's an ambitious project. What's missing for you to move to Fano?

"Basically, a variant. We're communicating well with the municipality, they've understood the importance of our plan, and the goal is to have at least the first phase completed by the end of the year."

The brand created by Tilli Antonelli in 2010 has now found a highly motivated and close-knit team in Marcello Maggi and his team, which will allow it to enter its new, increasingly green era.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SUPER YACHT 24 NEWSLETTER