Savona, Italy – The luxury yachting world witnessed a significant launch as Columbus Yachts, a brand under the esteemed Palumbo Superyachts network, proudly announced the christening and launch of the new Crossover 42 motor yacht, named M/Y Big Naan. The impressive vessel slid into the waters at the Savona shipyard, marking a moment of triumph for the builders and a new chapter for her American owners.
The launch ceremony was a joyous and emotional affair, graced by the presence of the yacht's owners, their guests, and local authorities. For the entire shipyard team at Columbus Yachts, it was a particularly poignant milestone, indicative of their bustling activity. Alongside M/Y Big Naan, the facility is currently a hub of construction, with a Columbus Atlantique 37, a Columbus Crossover 47 (slated for a 2027 delivery), and two hulls and superstructures of the ISA Gran Turismo 45 Alloy also in progress, the latter destined for completion at Palumbo's Ancona facility.
The American client who commissioned M/Y Big Naan was introduced to the shipyard by Zarpo Yachts. The meticulous construction process was expertly supervised by Owner’s Representative, Trevor van Wyk, ensuring the owner's vision was brought to life.
Design Pedigree: Hydro Tec and Hot Lab Craft a Modern Explorer
M/Y Big Naan is the product of a successful collaboration between some of Italy’s most respected yacht design studios. The striking and purposeful exterior lines were penned by the experienced team at Hydro Tec studio, while the sophisticated and inviting interiors were conceived by the renowned Milan-based firm, Hot Lab.
Hydro Tec’s design for the Crossover 42 presents a modern and muscular aesthetic. The profile is characterized by a predominance of straight lines and angled surfaces, lending the yacht a contemporary edge. A key feature of its explorer DNA is the concentration of volume towards the bow, a practical design element that enhances seakeeping and interior space.
The robust hull is a displacement form, engineered with a bulbous bow for improved efficiency and stability, complemented by flat, tapered stern sections. True to her go-anywhere capabilities, M/Y Big Naan features a steel hull for maximum durability and strength, topped with an aluminum superstructure to optimize weight and performance.
Unparalleled Versatility: The Crossover Concept Realized
The Columbus Crossover 42 is engineered to offer exceptional flexibility within its compact yet generous dimensions. A standout feature is the expansive aft cockpit, a testament to intelligent design. This area is not merely a social space; it’s a highly functional platform capable of accommodating a large tender, launched and retrieved by a seamlessly integrated crane built into the starboard side.
Beyond its utility, the cockpit transforms into an oasis of leisure. It impressively houses a 17-square-meter swimming pool, surrounded by ample space for convivial gatherings and serene relaxation. This innovative use of space underscores the Crossover line's commitment to blending adventurous capability with luxurious onboard living.
Further enhancing the connection to the sea is the thoughtfully designed beach club, situated on the lower deck. Accessed via a hydraulic door to the starboard side of the aft bathing platform, this area is a haven of natural light. Large side windows and the spectacular glass bottom of the swimming pool above create a bright, refined, and truly unique atmosphere, allowing guests to feel intimately connected with the marine environment.
Accommodations: A Sanctuary of Comfort and Style
M/Y Big Naan is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 11 guests in a beautifully appointed layout. The lower deck features four spacious guest cabins: three VIP staterooms and one double cabin that can be converted into a triple thanks to a Pullman bed, offering excellent versatility for families or diverse guest groups.
The pièce de résistance of the guest accommodation is the full-beam master suite, located on the main deck. This private sanctuary features a central bed, a generous wardrobe, a dedicated office desk, and a vanity area. The ensuite bathroom is a statement in itself, with two separate areas, one of which includes a spacious shower.
A dedicated crew of nine ensures impeccable service and smooth operation of the vessel. They are accommodated in four double cabins on the lower deck, while the captain's cabin is strategically positioned on the upper deck, adjacent to the wheelhouse, allowing for efficient command and navigation.
Engineering Excellence for Global Exploration
Underpinning M/Y Big Naan’s adventurous spirit is a robust and efficient propulsion system. She is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, each delivering 742 kW. This configuration allows the Crossover 42 to achieve a maximum speed of over 14 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 12 knots.
True to her explorer classification, M/Y Big Naan boasts an impressive transoceanic range of over 5,500 nautical miles when cruising at an economical speed of 10 knots. This remarkable autonomy is made possible by substantial fuel tanks with a capacity of approximately 60 cubic meters.
Onboard self-sufficiency is further enhanced by two watermakers, capable of producing approximately 8.6 cubic meters of fresh water per day, feeding total fresh water tanks of 10 cubic meters capacity. Guest and crew comfort, both during navigation and while at anchor, is guaranteed by two pairs of advanced stabilizers that operate effectively underway and at zero speed.
Columbus Yachts: A Legacy of Innovation and Personalization
Columbus Yachts, since its inception in 2008 by the Palumbo family—who brought over five decades of merchant shipbuilding experience—has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the luxury yacht market. The brand gained global recognition with the launch of its first 54-meter superyacht, "Prima," in 2011, and has since consistently strengthened its reputation and customer confidence.
A hallmark of Columbus Yachts is its pioneering expertise in hybrid propulsion technology. The 40-meter Sport Hybrid project was notably the first superyacht to receive RINA’s “Hybrid Propulsion Y” notation, underscoring the brand's commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability.
The brand's philosophy centers on creating yachts that harmoniously blend elegance with distinctive features, prioritizing high-quality materials, sophisticated craftsmanship, and profound technical expertise. However, Columbus Yachts truly distinguishes itself through its emphasis on hyper-personalization and continuous customer engagement throughout the entire construction journey—a trait they consider their finest asset. The launch of their 80-meter flagship, M/Y Dragon, in early 2019 further cemented their status in the upper echelons of superyacht construction.
Collaborating with internationally acclaimed designers, Columbus Yachts offers four distinct lines—Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic—catering to a diverse spectrum of owner preferences, with vessels ranging from 37 to 120 meters and full custom capabilities in both aluminum and high-tensile steel. As an integral part of the Palumbo Superyachts network, which also includes ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and EXTRA Yachts, Columbus Yachts ensures comprehensive support for owners throughout their yachting experience.
The launch of M/Y Big Naan is not just another vessel entering the global fleet; it is a clear statement of Columbus Yachts' capabilities in the increasingly popular explorer and crossover market segment. Her blend of ruggedness, refined luxury, and long-range capability positions her as a compelling option for discerning owners seeking adventure without compromise.
Stay tuned to NAVIS for more updates on M/Y Big Naan as she embarks on her maiden voyages and for further news from Columbus Yachts.
