Yacht description

Italia 998 in very good condition

• H5000 electronics new, with autopilot
• John Mast
• North Sails 3DL sails pack with 2 new spinnakers & 1 new lightwind jib
• New Jefa bearings
• All new running rigging
• New batteries
• Webasto heating
• Boiler
• C-deck in cockpit
• 2021 ORC GPH 621,8

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Italia 998 the brochure: An alternative vision

The design team of Italia Yachts, Italian shipyard producer of luxury blue water cruiser, has developed and realized a sportboat design of the length of 34”, adapting the characteristics to the specific demands of the client. The “fuoriserie” models detach from the normal Italia Yachts range because the design follows the requests of owners that like to have a customized yacht; this approach allows the yard to explore alternative design spaces, and then expand the project to the series production.

Italia 9.98 purpose

Italia 9.98 fuoriserie is designed specifically for fun sailing and is particularly dedicated to handicap racing (ORC and IRC) but without the preclusion of being used for short cruises. Great attention has been paid in order to create a fast boat but at the same time easy to sail and to get to maximum performance. The main objective has been to find the correct balance between the different kind of use, from windward-leeward races to offshore racing or cruising, obtaining a true all-round with an optimal balance between upwind and downwind performance both in light and strong winds.

Design

The design is the result of the work of Italia Yachts Chief Designer, the Naval Architect Matteo Polli, strong of the previous design experiences with the Italia Yachts range and the M37, one of the most successful boats in the ORC history. Matteo Polli has been co-working with Matteo Ledri (one of the few Italian to be involved in the latest edition of the America’s Cup - CapeHorn Engineering) for the computational fluid dynamics analysis and with the designer Kristian Macchiut (KMD) for the style of the interiors and deck.

Construction

Hull and deck are built in sandwich using PVC foam with different densities;
skins consist of E-glass biaxial and unidirectional reinforcements impregnated with vinylester resin. The structural carbon reinforced frame integrates the floors and some parts of the interiors, creating a single structure which supports the loads of the mast, keel and shrouds. Hull and deck are finished in gelcoat and with antiskid on working areas.

Hull lines and appendages

The hull is the outcome of numerous fluid dynamics (CFD) and statistical analysis crossed with each other using performance prediction programs (VPP) and compared with the various rating systems. These studies have lead to a new generation of hull lines which meets the main targets of the project.
The particular geometry allows having very slender waterlines and straight buttocks when upright giving an advantage on downwind legs, whereas at increasing heeling angles,  waterlines get much wider ensuring greater stability but still remaining symmetrical and balanced. A medium-light displacement allows an optimal ratio between pure performance and rating and also a front positioning in the usually crowded fleets. Computational fluid dynamics has been extensively used also for the appendages together with the experience gained directly during regattas, this combination has led to a perfect compromise between performances and ease of handling. The outstanding shape of the fin-torpedo assembly which
is entirely made of lead has a very high hydrodynamic efficiency and accounts for over 40% of the displacement. The foil sections come out from a careful optimization process: the result is the minimum drag together with good flow stability in all conditions. The generous rudder area and the high aspect ratio grant superb maneuverability and exceptional sensitivity at helm.

Deck layout

The deck lines have been modeled looking for the best compromise between aerodynamics and internal volumes, while taking into account also the aesthetic appearance. Thanks to the streamlined coachroof and the chamfered sheerline it has been obtained a very low windage and a pleasant modern look. A lot of effort has gone to find the best ergonomic solutions designing the cockpit to be functional during racing but still comfortable and safe while cruising even single handed.

Sail plan

The sail plan has been designed in collaboration with a leader sailmaker brand that has employed the sophisticated proprietary software in order to study the proportions and the optimal size of the sails in relation to the other elements of the project. The result is a rig with low fractionality, generous not overlapping foresails with reasonable aspect ratio. The mainsail has a moderate square head with a considerable roach without the need to use double backstays or runners. There is the possibility to use spinnakers on pole particularly suited for racing around the buoys, or asymmetric sails on a bowsprit best suited to coastal racing or cruising.