The Italian Sub Zero Yacht Is Where Luxury and Exhilarating Speed Meet

The wealthy owners opting for enormous pleasure craft that feel more like floating resorts are certainly not addicted to fast cruising. The mammoth megayachts that have been so popular over the past years can offer anything except speed.

Still, does this mean that yachting lovers need to choose between superyacht-style comfort and exhilarating rides? Luckily, no. Innovative designs like Sub Zero are here to demonstrate that the qualities of luxury motor yachts and speedboats can coexist harmoniously within the same ship.

Sub Zero isn't one of those flashy pleasure craft that grab attention and like to stay in the spotlight. With its dainty 31-meter (101 feet) silhouette and delicate color palette, this Italian beauty can easily go under the radar. At first glance, it might seem like any other luxury boat available for charter in Greece. Yet, there's much more to discover about this unique pleasure craft.

Sub Zero is a Maxi Drago 105 – the popular series launched by the Italian shipyard Italcraft. This is the modern reinterpretation of the legendary Italcraft Drago. Boating connoisseurs know this classic boat as a true trailblazer in the yachting industry.

In the early 1970s, Italcraft conquered the world with a revolutionary boat design that dazzled with its phenomenal performance. The 13-meter (42.6 feet) Italcraft Drago became the world's first diesel-powered production speedboat to surpass 50 knots (57.5 mph/92 kph). Fitted with two Cummins engines and a 900-liter (238 gallons) fuel tank, Drago smashed the speed record at the time, cutting through the waves at an incredible 55 knots (63 mph/101.8 kph).

The aptly-named Drago (Italian for "dragon") surprised the world in more ways than one. Besides the unprecedented speed, it offered luxurious onboard space. Despite its sleek, dynamic silhouette, it boasted comfortable accommodation for four people, a separate bathroom, and a kitchen.

The legendary Renato "Sonny" Levi was the naval architect who designed this record-breaking boat. The Sonnino brothers, founders of the Italcraft shipyard, approached Sonny for this daring project. The Italian Dragon would combine an innovative hull with a surface propeller system developed by the shipyard's Aeromarina Division in 1969.

The so-called "step-drive" hull drastically reduced friction, resulting in a 20% speed increase, a smoother ride, and lower fuel consumption without any change to the weight/power ratio. In other words, Drago was significantly faster than other boats in the same weight category (5,500 lbs/2,490 kg).

The Italcraft Drago made its official debut at Genoa in 1972. It quickly gained cult status, staying in production for 15 years. It served as the foundation for several military applications, including a fast patrol boat. It was followed by the Mini Drago (8.5 meters/27.8 feet) and the modern Maxi Drago 105.

Sub Zero was launched in 2007 under the name Celeste. It first changed hands in 2013 when it became Kambos Blue. During the past decade, it was sold once again and renamed Sub Zero. It's up for grabs now, following a recent refit in 2021. After so many years, its market value dropped from €2.95 million (the asking price for Celeste) to €1,85 million (a little over $2 million) today.

Sub Zero is the creation of Gianluca Caputi of Caputi Studio and the acclaimed French designer Remi Tessier. A four-cabin configuration allows it to accommodate up to nine guests comfortably.

The elegant master suite is large enough to include a king-sized bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a separate lounge area. A VIP, double, and twin cabin provide flexible accommodation that's particularly useful for charter services. Unlike larger superyachts, Sub Zero has all the cabins on the lower deck.

The main salon, with a separate area for formal dining, is fully worthy of a superyacht. Strategically-placed lights accentuate the yacht's sophisticated white and brown color palette and minimalistic style.

After a memorable day of cruising at 35 knots (40 mph/65 kph), guests onboard Sub Zero can enjoy delightful al-fresco dining on the aft deck. During the day, the forward area is perfect for sunbathing. The aft swim platform offers a closer connection to the water, doubling as the launch pad for a wide selection of water toys.

Although not a record-breaker like its forefather, the Italcraft Drago, this sleek Italian beast powered by MTU engines still shows remarkable prowess, boasting a maximum speed of 41 knots (47 mph/76 kph).

Available for adrenaline-pumping rides on the Mediterranean, the Sub Zero yacht comes with a five-member crew for premium onboard service. Weekly rates start at €48,000 ($53,000) – a bargain, considering that Sub Zero combines the luxurious comfort of a superyacht with the thrilling performance of an iconic Italian design.