Sorrento 56 Redefines Luxury Cruising Through Traditional Italian Craftsmanship

Celebrities make us believe that luxurious vacations at sea are all about giant superyachts with over-the-top amenities and seemingly endless onboard space. What about a close connection to the water or enjoying the unique beauty of a handcrafted boat? These might seem simple pleasures. Yet, if they're connected to a stylish design and ultra-comfortable amenities, they magically transform into one of the most luxurious experiences at sea you can imagine.

Italy is famous for many things; two are family-owned businesses spanning decades and shipyards with deep roots. The story of Fratelli Aprea (the Aprea Brothers) combines both of these. It all started with Cataldo Aprea, a master carpenter who founded the family boat-building business way back in 1890. His sons and nephews took over the business after he passed away, reaching the sixth generation of Aprea owners. Antonino and Francesco are the ones currently in charge of the business and taking it to new heights.

This historic shipyard continued to operate throughout the decades from its gorgeous location in Marina Grande, Sorrento, on the Bay of Naples. What came out of this historic shipyard is something called Gozzo Sorrentino – the traditional fishing boat in the Sorrento region. Fratelli Aprea launched hundreds of Gozzo boats, all built using the original technique.

The current business owners brought a breath of fresh air that turned out to be a major shift. They brought the old Gozzo to modern standards without sacrificing its unique spirit. The modern gozzo combines a semi-planning bottom with an open-bow keel. This increases the draught, which results in increased balance and a smoother ride. This feature distinguishes the modern gozzo from other fast boats that typically have a planning keel, making them shaky in high winds.

In terms of materials, the modern gozzo stays true to its DNA by using a special kind of timber. First of all, gozzo boats were only made with timber from trees that were at least 50 years old. Then, the timber needed to be "seasoned" for a long period of time through harsh exposure to the elements. This was essential for preventing potential deformations. Today, the Italian shipyard respects the same requirements, including a one-year seasoning time.

Today, the Aprea brothers build yachts between 26 and 50 feet (7.9 to 15.2 meters) with the original gozzo DNA and added luxury amenities. The Sorrento 56 (S56) is the flagship of the shipyard's sister company. This high-end charter operator has a small fleet of just three yachts, all modern versions of the traditional gozzo.

The S56 is almost 17 meters long and can accommodate up to 12 guests in comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms. It features large open spaces rich in mahogany, teak, leather upholstery, and other precious materials. Guests can enjoy al-fresco dinners while admiring the breathtaking views, relax in the infrared sauna cabin, or get a professional massage onboard.

The beauty of the S56 is that it combines the unique look and feel of a handcrafted wooden boat with the technology and five-star service typically found onboard top superyachts. This modern classic comes with air conditioning, a sound system, satellite TV, and GPS, among other things. It's equipped with an indoor and outdoor kitchen where the professional crew prepares gourmet meals. Add to that a well-stocked wine cellar, and you have a five-star dining experience onboard a reinvented fishing vessel.

In terms of power, the S56 offers thrilling rides at more than 20 knots (23 mph/37 kph) thanks to the two 530 HP Yanmar engines.

The smallest version of the Sorrento flagship is the S32. At ten meters, it boasts a generous layout with a master cabin, a separate room with a bathroom, a small kitchen, and a lounge area. The hardtop provides extra protection and comfort even when the S32 cuts through the waves at an exhilarating 27 knots (31 mph/50 kph).

The Sorrento 56 and its two smaller sister ships are primarily available for cruises around the Amalfi and Sorrento Coasts. In addition to the standard Fratelli Aprea mini-cruises, the S56 is also available for customized itineraries in the same area.

The Aprea brothers took their great-grandfather's heritage to the next level with help from an American. Michael Sinacola, CEO of the USA Division of Fratelli Aprea, was friends with one of the brothers and had a lot of experience with lake faring. Sinacola played a major part in creating this handmade Italian yacht based on the Gozzo Sorrentino.

It seems that even megayacht owners were delighted by this concept that literally redefines luxury. Thanks to modern yachts like the S56, the old gozzo boat and the Sorrentino boatbuilding craftsmanship can live on, offering a fresh perspective on luxury yachting.