Born on the shores of the Gulf of Naples in the mid-19th century, Apreamare is one of the few shipyards in the world that can claim more than 170 years of continuous history. From a fisherman’s craftsmanship to an international benchmark in luxury motor yachts, the Sorrento-based brand embodies, better than any other, the continuity between ancestral Mediterranean boatbuilding expertise and the expectations of today’s global clientele. Here is its story.
The Origins: Giovanni Aprea and the Gozzo Sorrentino (1849)
Apreamare’s story began in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started building rowing and sailing boats for fishing in Sorrento, inspired by the gozzo sorrentino—a traditional craft with elegant, flowing lines, perfectly suited to the conditions of the central Mediterranean. This hull shape, combining stability with easy handling, would become the visual DNA of every Apreamare yacht.
This tradition was passed down from father to son: from Giovanni to Cataldo, and then to his sons. Each generation refined the craft without ever breaking with the founders’ heritage. The shipyard remained rooted in Sorrento, in the maritime region of Campania, where boatbuilding is as much a culture as it is a profession.
The Post-War Era and the Birth of Recreational Boating (1945–1973)
After the Second World War, the shipyard reached a decisive milestone: it introduced engines to its boats and launched the first leisure gozzi. This shift was more than a technical adaptation—it was a vision. While other shipyards abandoned traditional lines in favour of more modern hulls, Apreamare chose to preserve the classic gozzo profile while adapting it to the emerging world of recreational boating.
This decision proved to be foundational. The unmistakable silhouette of Apreamare yachts—the slender bow, the generous transom, and the flowing curves of the hull—became a visual signature instantly recognisable in marinas throughout the Mediterranean.
Cataldo Aprea and the Industrial Revolution (1973–1988)
In 1973, Cataldo Aprea introduced significant changes to the shipyard’s management and production methods. Convinced that the family brand could reach a new level, he undertook a comprehensive modernisation of its manufacturing processes while preserving the visual identity and craftsmanship that had built Apreamare’s reputation.
In 1983, he took another major step by founding the Apreamare shipyard to embody his industrial ambitions. Then, in 1988, partnering with Salvatore Pollio, he established Apreamare Srl—the company that would lead the brand to international recognition.
The Ferretti Era and the Return to Its Roots (2001–2010)
In 2001, Apreamare joined the Ferretti Group, one of the world’s largest leisure boatbuilding groups. This partnership opened the door to new markets, advanced technologies and an unprecedented international distribution network. Apreamare models were now showcased at the world’s leading boat shows—including Cannes, Düsseldorf, Fort Lauderdale and Monaco.
But after nine years of collaboration, the Aprea and Pollio families decided in 2010 to regain direct control of the shipyard. This return to its roots was not a retreat—it was a deliberate strategic choice: to preserve the creative independence and family identity that had always set Apreamare apart from standardized industrial production.
The Apreamare Philosophy: Elegance as a Legacy
What sets Apreamare apart from all its competitors is an exceptional level of aesthetic consistency, rarely seen in the yachting industry. In more than 170 years, the shipyard has never abandoned the lines of the gozzo sorrentino. Every yacht is a contemporary interpretation of this traditional Mediterranean fishing boat—built with today’s materials, propulsion systems and onboard technology, while preserving the curves and philosophy of the original design.
Apreamare yachts do not seek to impress with aggressive angles or futuristic styling. They appeal through their understated elegance, exceptional craftsmanship—varnished wood, finely tailored upholstery, stainless-steel deck hardware—and a distinctly Mediterranean approach to boating: unhurried, refined and contemplative.
The Current Apreamare Range
Today, Apreamare offers a streamlined range focused on two flagship models that carry forward the spirit of the gozzo in a distinctly contemporary form. Discover the full range on the official Apreamare website.
Gozzo 35
The entry-level model in the current range. A 35-foot motor yacht designed for coastal cruising and Mediterranean getaways. Its hull, derived from the traditional gozzo, delivers outstanding seakeeping, while its finely crafted interior gives it unmistakable character. Ideal for a couple or a small family who appreciate understated elegance.
Gozzo 45
The flagship of the current range. A 45-foot motor yacht embodying timeless elegance, with interior accommodations designed for extended stays on board. Available with twin Volvo IPS or Yanmar engines, depending on the configuration, it combines performance, comfort and the unmistakable style that has made Apreamare renowned worldwide. A yacht that never goes unnoticed in the marina.
The Most Popular Pre-Owned Apreamare Yachts
Apreamare’s robust construction and timeless design make its yachts highly desirable on the pre-owned market. These yachts age exceptionally well—provided they have been properly maintained—and retain strong value throughout the Mediterranean brokerage market. Here are the most sought-after models:
Apreamare 9 Open
The most common entry-level model on the pre-owned market. Compact and easy to handle, it is the perfect day boat for coastal cruising. Its classic gozzo lines make it one of the most photographed yachts in the marinas of the French Riviera and the Italian Mediterranean.
Apreamare 11 Comfort and 11 Semi Cabinato
Two versions of the same 11-metre yacht: one fully open, the other featuring a forward cabin for overnight stays on board. Highly versatile, the 11 is valued for its ease of handling and its ability to cruise comfortably in Mediterranean chop.
Apreamare 12 Comfort and 12 Semi Cabinato
The 12-metre model is one of the most sought-after yachts on the pre-owned market. It offers more deck space and more generous interior accommodations than the 11, while remaining easy to handle with a short-handed crew. A common sight in marinas across the western Mediterranean.
Apreamare 44 and 48
The larger models in the classic range. These 13- to 15-metre yachts offer superior onboard comfort—with double cabins, a bright saloon and a fully equipped galley—while preserving the performance and elegance that define the brand. Highly sought after for coastal cruising and Mediterranean voyages.
Apreamare Maestro 51
The Maestro 51 is often regarded as the best-balanced model in the range: large enough for comfortable long-distance cruising, yet manageable enough not to require a permanent crew. Its hull design and refined finishes make it a prestigious yacht for discerning owners.
Apreamare 54 and 60
The largest yachts in the range, designed for owners who want to combine offshore performance with luxury on board. The 60, in particular, is a rare yacht on the pre-owned market—highly sought after and known for retaining its value well.
Apreamare Maestro 65
The historic flagship of the Maestro range. A 20-metre exceptional motor yacht, with finishes worthy of Italy’s finest yacht builders. Its rarity on the pre-owned market makes it as much a collector’s yacht as a cruising vessel.
Looking for a pre-owned Apreamare yacht?
Apreamare yachts require in-depth market knowledge to be accurately valued—whether buying or selling. The brand’s reputation attracts discerning buyers, but it also leads to asking prices that are sometimes inflated for yachts that have not been properly maintained.
At Elissa Yachting, we carefully select and inspect every Apreamare yacht we offer for sale. Our brokers know these yachts inside out and can identify the difference between an exceptional Apreamare and one that could prove costly to maintain.
Looking to sell your Apreamare? Request a free valuation from our team—we will provide you with a comprehensive market analysis within 24 hours.
Browse all our Apreamare yachts for sale.
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Apreamare 12
1999155 000 € -
Apreamare 12
1999155 000 € -
Apreamare 38
2006160 000 €
