In search of adventures
Despite its straightforward name, the RJ yacht is set to become a landmark project for Cantiere delle Marche. Measuring 46.9 meters in length, it is the largest vessel ever built by the shipyard. This is an enhanced version of the RJ 130 model, launched in 2021, which belonged to the same owner (now renamed Nuri). Designed as a "purebred" explorer yacht, it features a robust steel hull, state-of-the-art equipment, and an impressive range of over 5,000 nautical miles.
The Northern European owner recalls how his passion for yachts began entirely by chance. In the 1990s, one of his companies sponsored a crew at a high-profile Mediterranean regatta. He was invited aboard, and it was his first time at sea—a moment that sparked a lifelong love for yachting. Shortly after, he and his wife purchased a Ligurian gozzo boat and enjoyed a memorable journey along the Italian Riviera.
"When I think back to those days, it makes me laugh. I thought the boat I bought back then would be my last," the businessman says. Gradually, their cruises grew longer, and their yachts grew larger: first 60 feet, then 85, and finally 105 feet. "With each new yacht, our adventures reached a new level, but eventually, the boat would hit its limits. At some point, my wife and I realized that an explorer yacht would perfectly suit our needs, so we turned to the best manufacturer. Our first meeting took place at CDM's headquarters in Ancona in 2019. We immediately felt that they shared our vision—to build 'beautiful boats.' It only took stepping aboard one of their yachts to feel the sense of reliability we were looking for." That meeting resulted in the creation of the RJ 130.
Speaking about the RJ 130 with a touch of nostalgia, the owner highlights the key attributes of a great explorer yacht: stability, quiet operation, a feeling of safety, excellent navigation capabilities, fuel efficiency, and long-range autonomy. While the RJ 130 had all of these features, the owner decided that a larger yacht was needed.
Captain Gabriele Carniglia elaborates: "Although the owners were very happy with their first RJ yacht, they expressed a desire for a fully customized vessel. They wanted more spacious areas for themselves and their guests, as well as greater privacy throughout the yacht. They also requested increased autonomy, a higher cruising speed, and even lower fuel consumption. Another important requirement was more extensive storage, including larger refrigerators and freezers, to accommodate provisions for long-distance cruises."
The RJ 155 project came to life just over a year after the RJ 130's maiden voyage off the coast of Greece. "The core philosophy remained the same as the previous project—to build the ultimate elegant explorer yacht—but we wanted to elevate it to a new level of customization, addressing some of our shared goals for improved performance and enhanced comfort," the owner explains.
When designing the RJ line, Francesco Paszkowski focused not only on functionality but also on ensuring that the explorer yacht stood out from the crowd.
"The challenge was to think outside the box and create an innovative design that could combine two seemingly contrasting approaches: the ultimate comfort of a large luxury yacht and the capability for long-distance cruising in any sea conditions, which is the hallmark of an explorer yacht," the designer explains.
By merging these qualities, the RJ line offers a unique proposition—combining the essence of an explorer yacht with the style of a Mediterranean leisure yacht. Paszkowski successfully brought this concept to life.
Special attention was given to crafting a sleek yet purposeful exterior and a clean, modern profile that emphasizes the yacht's long-range cruising capabilities. The RJ’s exterior design features a slanted bow, terraced overhangs, and angular superstructure supports and windows, creating an impression of dynamic forward motion. Lowered bulwarks on the main deck provide unobstructed views, while large windows flood the interior spaces with natural light. At the waterline, there’s a swim platform and access to a private beach club with a lounge. The primary tender is located at the bow of the upper deck and is launched using a crane—a first for the RJ series, as previous models stored the tender in a dedicated garage.
Today, combining long-range capability with luxurious comfort is not just a trend but an expectation. What yacht owner wouldn’t prioritize this balance?
At the heart of the RJ’s construction is its sturdy steel hull—an essential feature for an explorer yacht designed for extended voyages. The emphasis on seaworthiness is further reinforced by backup systems strategically placed throughout the yacht, ensuring uninterrupted operations even in unforeseen circumstances.
Crowning the yacht is a spacious sun deck, an open yet shaded space designed for relaxation, entertaining, and dining under the stars. The layout is thoughtfully divided into areas for sunbathing, lounging on curved sofas, and enjoying drinks at the bar.
The upper deck serves as a versatile space for relaxation, dining, and admiring breathtaking views. At the aft, an elegant dining table is set in the open air, seamlessly connected to the sky lounge.
Beyond the sky lounge, a portside passage leads to the wheelhouse, accessible through the pantry. The pantry connects to the main deck’s service area via a private staircase, linking the galley, main pantry, and laundry facilities.
The wheelhouse is equipped with advanced systems from Furuno and Böning, offering the captain an intuitive interface for navigation, monitoring, and vessel management. A standout feature is the thermal imaging camera, which provides real-time visuals during nighttime or low-visibility conditions.
The main salon is designed as the social heart of the yacht, exuding a refined and tranquil atmosphere ideal for quiet conversations or relaxation. Beyond the service areas lies the owner’s suite, complete with a home office, a spacious bedroom and bathroom, and an unusually large gym for a yacht of this size.
On the lower deck, guest cabins, crew quarters, and technical spaces are thoughtfully separated. Guests can enjoy four spacious suites—three with double beds and one with twin beds—each offering complete privacy and comfort. The crew’s quarters are equally well-appointed, featuring a large mess area and four comfortable cabins, ensuring a practical yet pleasant living environment.
Designer Achille Salvagni describes working with the owners as a pleasure, noting their cultural sophistication, strong design sensibilities, and passion for contemporary art. For the interiors, Salvagni blended Scandinavian and Mediterranean influences, creating what he calls "soft minimalism"—a palette of natural tones, smooth gradients, and curved lines in the wall panels and furniture. The calming aesthetic combines matte Japanese maple wood, Rosa Portogallo marble, and peach-toned leather. Sculptural elements add intrigue, such as coral-like ceiling ornaments, octopus tentacle-shaped handles, and cabinets lit from below to cast playful shadows. The ceiling in the main salon resembles ripples on water disturbed by a stone.
Two Caterpillar C32 Acert WOSR engines propel the yacht to a top speed of 15 knots, while electric stabilizers ensure maximum comfort during long voyages. The RJ is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems, minimizing its environmental impact on delicate marine ecosystems.
Long-range capability is a defining feature of an explorer yacht, and the RJ excels in this regard. With fuel tanks holding 66,400 liters and highly efficient fuel consumption, the yacht offers extended autonomy, allowing owners to traverse vast waters without frequent refueling stops. It can cover at least 4,000 nautical miles autonomously, and likely up to 5,000, making transatlantic crossings—round trip—easily achievable.
